Redesigned for the 1999 model year, the Volkswagen Jetta (internally designated the A4 Jetta) follows VW's new philosophy of building low-cost high-content cars which are targeted as being a viable alternative to Mercedes models. At least thats what Ferdinand Piech, VW's CEO, wants everyone to believe. He also has said that the 1999-2000 Jetta competes with the BMW 3-Series (which is a confusing remark to make, considering he believes VWs compete with Mercedes, and Audis compete with BMWs). Still, thats a pretty lofty comparison, considering the BMW 3-Series has been the generally accepted benchmark for the term "sports sedan" for over a decade now.

I have driven the new Jetta, as well as a 1995 and 1999 BMW 3-Series, and I can tell you that the new Jetta is no BMW 3-Series.

First of all, no well-respected sports sedan will ever have a front-wheel drive layout, and the Jetta is equipped as such. Front-wheel drive may be fine for everyday driving, but out on the track where rear-wheel drive dynamics out-perform front-drivers, the Jetta would surely always follow the BMW, not lead it.

In addition, the new Jetta is too softly sprung to hang with the BMW in the corners. Apparently, VW believes Americans prefer softer-riding cars that compromise body roll dynamics. But the new Jetta's ride goes beyond soft, and the sensory effect is very floaty over road surface irregularities. Very un-Teutonic-like. A change in shock absorber specification and spring compression would probably solve the problem.

Rather, this Jetta makes a fine--if not superior--alternative to the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Altima, and Ford Focus class of subcompact cars. Which is also to say that the Jetta would be a great choice for a commuter car or everyday daily driver. The added distinction unique to the Jetta is that its upscale-looking bodywork won't embarrass you at the valet parking whereas the Hondas, Toyotas, and Nissans will be banished to the furthest reaches of the parking lot.

And, of course, its punchy V6 engine continues to separate the Jetta from its 4-cylinder engine competitors. In the 1999-2000 Jetta, the V6 produces 174 horsepower at 5800 rpm, and 181 lb-ft torque at 3200 rpm. 0-to-60 mph in 7 seconds. 130 mph top speed (electronically limited).

In addition, the GLX trim line is equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, traction control, fog lights, automatic climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, leather interior, and wood trim. The neon blue and red instrument lighting has been both praised and criticized, but I find it a pleasant change of pace from the more common green backlighting schemes from Japan.

If the Jetta is no BMW 3-Series, it may be better-suited to being compared with the Audi A4. Both cars have compact interiors with very tight rear seats. Both cars are designed on front wheel drive platforms with optional four wheel drive (the Jetta 4Motion is available in Europe, hopefully will be available soon in the U.S.). Both cars have sloppy-and-vague-feeling manual transmissions (avoid the manual; the automatic in both cars is much better suited to the typical duty of city/highway driving). But since VW owns Audi, Mr. Piech won't pit his own vehicles against each other in such an obvious manner. Still, most American car shoppers are price-driven, so even a top-of-the-line Jetta GLX is $5,000-$15,000 less than a comparable Audi A4 2.8 and therefore not likely to be cross-shopped (the A4 1.8T has a less powerful engine than the Jetta GLX, and doesn't offer leather, so that would probably turn-off many cross-shoppers, too).

I would like to instead recommend the roomier Passat (which competes in the compact class of Honda Accords, Toyota Camrys, and Nissan Maximas) but I think the Passat's bodywork styling is too bland and undistinctive, in contrast with the Jetta's. The two areas which make the Jetta "right" are the well-balanced physical dimensions (its better proportioned than the long-and-slim looking Passat) and the multifunction headlamp design, as well as the more sculpted nose area. The Passat is scheduled to receive a mild facelift for the 2001 model year, so I may change my recommendation if the restyling is more Jetta-like.

In the meantime, the 1999-2000 Volkswagen Jetta is worthy of my recommendation, however, I have one reservation to consider before you sign any purchase agreements. As a previous owner of a 1992 Volkswagen Corrado VR6, I experienced a less-than-satisfactory service experience with the enire Volkswagen network of operations, from local dealerships to regional representatives to customer service at the national headquarter level. Whereas most manufacturers have followed the Lexus school of customer service, Volkswagen lags behind with its old school ways of treating its service customers with an absolute disrespect whenever they contradict the official guidebook of VW service problem resolution. Vindication of my experiences not being limited to myself alone, VW has announced a self-improvement program dubbed "Volkswagen Marketplace" which will gradually roll out across 250 U.S. dealers over the next two years. This program is aimed at providing a more Lexus/Infiniti-like customer experience in the showroom and service departments. I'll believe it when I see it. If you are serious about owning a new Jetta--or any new VW--I would highly recommend contacting some other same-model owners in your local area for their experiences. In the current state of things, finding a reputable VW dealer can mean the difference between a pleasant ownership experience and a frusterating nightmare.