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VOLKSWAGEN JETTA REVIEW
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| Ratings |
( Maximum score is 100 ) |
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| Overall: |
  ( 60 )
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| Comfort: |
( 60 )
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| Performance: |
( 80 )
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| Quality: |
( 20 )
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| Appearance: |
( 80 )
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| Comments |
Favorite feature: |
DSG, and the new 2.0T. Both coupled are simply outstanding. Who needs a heavy V6? |
Least favorite feature: |
Cheap, plastic materials. Non-rubberized controls. Sunglass case is flimsy, and cupholders are a disappointment with the crinkle plastic adjustors holding drinks. Bring back the attention to detail and the German charm! |
Advice to buyer: |
Wait for a few years for VW niche market fans to complain enough so that VW engineers start to listen. |
Detailed review: |
Took a Red GLI 2.0T for a two-day test drive while my Passat 1.8t wagon was in the shop. DSG is absolutely beautiful. The 2.0T is seamless and offers outstanding power, especially overtaking and passing at higher speeds. It is so much more powerful than the Passat 1.8T engine with the old gearbox. There is no turbo lag to speak of, and the engine's growl is most pleasing.
The steering, with the electro-mechanical components, is mushy and so disconnected with the road. I couldn't feel any road feedback through the steering wheel. I really want rack and pinion back before I buy VW again.
Driving on a level freeway with the sunroof open going 65mph., I heard a low frequency droning sound. At first, I thought it was the engine. So I slowed down, but the droning kept on. I sped up to 82mph. The droning became deafening. I advanced the sunroof all the way open, and discovered a major fault with this car that would keep me from buying it: wind enters the top of the car through the opening that the sunroof retreats, and buffets it, creating a harmonic vibration. It appears that the plastic cant device that cants wind up and over the sunroof opening isn't sufficient to keep wind out.
Another problem with wind is that you can't roll the windows down to get that summertime air without getting buffeted by gusts coming through the car. This is also true on the new '06 Passat. The old body design was better, and offered creature comforts that the new design lacks.
My take: DSG is awesome, but not enough to get me hooked. I'd either go Audi A3, BMW, or Saab 9-3. |
Also considered: |
N/A
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| About This Reviewer... |
Name: |
Mike Jenkins |
Location: |
Seattle, Washington |
Other vehicles owned: |
None
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Review submitted: |
July 20, 2006 |
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