We wanted a small wagon that handled as well as our previous car, a VW Beetle, but that could fit three car seats in back in addition to a rear cargo area. It has been everything we have expected from a VW: great steering, braking, etc. The car has front, side and window-wrapping airbags, and the anti-lock brakes work great. The engine we got, a four cylinder, along with an automatic transmission makes for a car that does not have quick acceleration, such as for passing, but it does keep up with fast-lane traffic on the highway. The Monsoon sound is terrific, but the CD player does not start automatically when a disk is inserted, which is a bit of a pain when driving. The velour upholstery is difficult to get really clean, as it attracts lint. At three years some of the plastic trim is peeling, another minor dissappointment. Knock on wood, we have had none of the nightmarish scenarios we have read from other VW owners, the only thing we have had to fix is a broken window control button, which was under warranty. We are concerned how the car will function as it ages further, given VW's less-than-desirable reliability reputation.
Amount Paid (US$): 18000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2002
Model and Options: VW Jetta Wagon GLS, Automatic