1996 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews, Pricing & Specs
What owners say
"Many owners are fond of the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta, praising its fun driving experience, dependable performance, and stylish design. Drivers appreciated the fuel economy and overall reliability, with many noting it as a great first car. However, some mentioned issues with maintenance and parts availability, and a few felt it lacked power and cargo space. While most found it comfortable and enjoyable, concerns about its age and the need for frequent repairs were common."
This was my last VW. Bottom of the line GL - the only option on the car was AIR. This had the 115HP 2L 4 banger with a 5 spd manual. The cool thing about this care was that it would run at its HP (115MPH). I once drove from Needles to Newberry Springs in a little over 1 hour. I did the whole run without dropping below 100. However, that was when the car was about 4 months old and the suspension, etc. was still nice and tight. Purcahsed new out the door for about 15,000 and put about 145,000 miles on it. I sold it in 10 years on eBay for $1800. It had some minor problems, but the AIR was still good. Never had any major problems with the car. I recall the biggest expense I had was the ignition switch needed to be replaced - my daughter broke it during my attempts to teach her to drive a stick shift - she gave it up.
April 19, 2008Great little car! Fun to drive with good power and decent handling in the corners. My Jetta had an automatic transmission which is a nice option if you're not into the manual shift. The automatic lacked a little in the acceleration, but still fun to drive. Interior was average and the heater/stereo controls were basic along with the sound system. Braking was adequate. This vehicle was very dependable for the time I owned it. Very little maintenance other than routine oil changes, etc.. Nice cargo room in the trunk for the size of the car. Overall very nice little car that is dependable.
March 2, 2015Everyone slammed the MKIII for being Mexican garbage. Bah! 11 years old, and the car never had a problem that took more than 20min to fix or cost over $20 (Maintenance aside). Despite having had all 4 wheels off the ground on a few occasions the car never had a squeek or rattle. O.K., the two-point-slow isn't the sexiest engine, but it has potential, and it's reliable as it gets. If you can find on in good shape, you'll be very happy you did.
April 10, 2008What owners say
This was my last VW. Bottom of the line GL - the only option on the car was AIR. This had the 115HP 2L 4 banger with a 5 spd manual. The cool thing about this care was that it would run at its HP (115MPH). I once drove from Needles to Newberry Springs in a little over 1 hour. I did the whole run without dropping below 100. However, that was when the car was about 4 months old and the suspension, etc. was still nice and tight. Purcahsed new out the door for about 15,000 and put about 145,000 miles on it. I sold it in 10 years on eBay for $1800. It had some minor problems, but the AIR was still good. Never had any major problems with the car. I recall the biggest expense I had was the ignition switch needed to be replaced - my daughter broke it during my attempts to teach her to drive a stick shift - she gave it up.
April 19, 2008Great little car! Fun to drive with good power and decent handling in the corners. My Jetta had an automatic transmission which is a nice option if you're not into the manual shift. The automatic lacked a little in the acceleration, but still fun to drive. Interior was average and the heater/stereo controls were basic along with the sound system. Braking was adequate. This vehicle was very dependable for the time I owned it. Very little maintenance other than routine oil changes, etc.. Nice cargo room in the trunk for the size of the car. Overall very nice little car that is dependable.
March 2, 2015Everyone slammed the MKIII for being Mexican garbage. Bah! 11 years old, and the car never had a problem that took more than 20min to fix or cost over $20 (Maintenance aside). Despite having had all 4 wheels off the ground on a few occasions the car never had a squeek or rattle. O.K., the two-point-slow isn't the sexiest engine, but it has potential, and it's reliable as it gets. If you can find on in good shape, you'll be very happy you did.
April 10, 2008the car is, was and always willl be an icon due to stunning looks and amazing perfomance. . .if you want one then you better be able to fork out the money because not only is a VR6 in good condition rare but the 2.8 in-line 6 cylender powerhouse wil dry up your pockets but also leave you with no doubt that this is umong the best volkswagens ever made
August 3, 2008This is a very nice car for a first time driver. Generally, these are not manual and thus make it an easier transition into driving. Does need regular check-ups due to it's age, however it definitely works for getting me from point A to point B. Very fun to drive and gas doesn't usually cost more than $25 bucks to fill up.
September 28, 2009It is a sweet car that runs well when taken care of... Preventative maintenance proves itself...
March 17, 2008I loved this car. Had a blast working on it and driving it. They arent the fastest cars stock but after a few mods and tuning you can make them quick enough to enjoy. Parts are anywhere from cheap to alot but usually on the lower side.
November 14, 2011I love this car through and through. The only thing missing would be a sunroof, cruise control, and a laser cannon. I don't like that the parts start wearing out around 180k, but hey, nothings perfect right? The gas mileage of this model is right around 38mpg. Yeah, that's right, a 10 year old car is getting better mileage than your new hybrid!
August 24, 2008It was a fun car, except for the electrical system. It kept going on the blink, something with the computer panel. The interior was very comfortable, the exterior style is very attractive. The gas mileage was the best of any car I have owned.
June 27, 2008I love this damn car. It does everything i hoped for and more. Chirps third gear happily and draws lots of looks. The VR6 is just so awesome as a motor. Great power, awesome sound, and suprises a lot of people. Most people find it hard to beleive im not turbo'd
August 19, 2008
