1999 Volkswagen Jetta
04/12/1999
Shahed Hussain
VW has been on a roll lately, and the 1999 Jetta is an example of how Volkswagen is determined to regain its prominence as the best value in German cars. The Jetta has been very popular in the US for many years. Even though it shares a platform with the stodgy Golf, the 1999 Jetta is far more stylish. Ironically, the more practical Golf outsells the Vento (the moniker outside the US) in Europe. Perhaps Europeans value the utility of the hatchback Golf over its trunked sibling.
The 1999 Jetta is a completely redesigned car, with only the various engines as carryovers from the previous model. As before, the standard powerplant is a 2.0L 115 bhp 4-cylinder. Optional engines include a 1.9L 90 bhp TDI turbodiesel, and the 2.8L 174 bhp VR6. Transmission choices are a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed adaptive automatic.
The Jetta GL is available with the standard 2.0L or the optional 1.9L TDI. Enthusiasts hankering for the VR6 will have to opt for the GLS or GLX trim levels. The tested Jetta GL was equipped with the 2.0L/5-speed combination. Standard equipment includes dual airbags, front-side airbags, 8-speaker AM/FM cassette, ABS, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, heated mirrors, and central remote door locks.
Interior
The Jetta features uniformly high quality interior materials. The dash trim is the expected low gloss textured plastic. The firmly padded seats are upholstered in durable fabric and the colors match well with the interior. All controls are easy to see and reach. However, German automotive ergonomics are somewhat different from that of Japanese or American manufacturers, so some switches and stalks are not where one might expect. Nevertheless, the ergonomic differences do not detract from usability, given some familiarization.
Front seat accommodations are ample for those 6' and under, but taller drivers may feel cramped. The rear seats are best suited for shorter adults or kids. In comparison, the Honda Civic is far more spacious in usable passenger room, especially in the rear. Potential Volkswagen buyers who need more space will be more satisfied with the significantly larger Passat.
Exterior
VW has made a clean break from the nondescript, squarish styling of the previous Jetta. The new body has a chiseled look, yet still manages to incorporate subtle curves into the design. Overall, the Jetta has a compact athletic appearance that is very pleasing to the eye. The optional 15-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels lend an aggressive stance that accents the sport sedan image.
The paint finish and overall build quality are superb, as expected from a German car. Doors close with a solid "thunk," and panel gaps are small and even. The headlights combine conventional halogen clear lens lights with smaller projector-type and turn-signal lights. All Jetta's have daytime running lights as standard.
Chassis and Suspension
The chassis is the expected galvanized steel unibody structure. Suspension components are standard compact sedan bits. For the front: MacPherson struts, control arms, coil springs, and an anti-roll bar. The rear suspension is comprised of VW's standard semi-independent torsion beam axle with shock absorbers, coil springs, and anti-roll bar.
Driving Impressions
Even though the Jetta GL is not the most sporting model in the lineup, it offers confident and secure handling. The springs and shock absorbers are tuned to provide a compliant, well-damped ride. Bigger anti-roll bars would be the most recommended change to reduce body lean when cornering. Driving on potholed winter streets reveals that the Jetta does not lose its composure or transmit excessive noise and road shocks to the cabin.
The Jetta's disc brakes are powerful, but a little abrupt, and make the car dive excessively when stopping quickly. The 4-cylinder powerplant offers 122 lb.-ft. of torque at 2600 RPM and is reasonably zippy at low speeds. The 2.0 liter engine is smooth and quiet and revs without complaint. Opting for the 5-speed manual is highly recommended to best use the modest thrust available. Hydraulic actuation ensures very light clutch effort. The clutch is so light that it is sometimes difficult to feel when it is fully engaged. The shift lever provides positive gear engagement. Those seeking a shiftless experience should choose the VR6/automatic transmission combination offered in the GLS and GLX.
Specifications
General
1999 Volkswagen Jetta GL
Front engine/Front-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
Price Range: $16,700-23,500
Price as tested: $16,700
Measurements & Capacities
Curb Weight: 2,853 lb.
Width: 68.3 in.
Height: 56.9 in.
Track F/R: 59.6/58.8 in.
Overall Length: 172.3 in.
Wheelbase: 98.9 in.
Fuel Capacity: 14.5 gal.
Engine
Inline-4, liquid cooled, iron block, aluminum head
Valvetrain: SOHC, 8-valve, hydraulic lifters
Fuel Delivery: Sequential multipoint fuel injection
Displacement: 1.984 L
Bore X Stroke: 82.6 X 92.7 mm
Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
Power
(SAE net): 115 bhp @ 5,200 rpm
Torque: 122 lb.-ft. @ 2,600 rpm
Max. Engine Speed: N/A
Fuel: Unleaded Regular, 87 octane (R+M)/2
Oil Capacity: 4.2 qt.
Coolant Capacity: 5.8 qt.
Emission Controls: OBD-II, 3-way catalytic converter, 2-oxygen sensors
Transmission
5-speed manual
Ratios: 3.78/2.12/1.36/1.03/0.84:1
Reverse: 3.06:1
Final Drive: 4.24:1
Suspension
Front: Independent, MacPherson strut, coil springs, shock absorbers, stabilizer bar
Rear: Semi-independent, torsion beam axle, coil springs, shock absorbers, stabilizer bar
Steering
Power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Steering ratio: 15.6:1
Steering Turns (lock-to-lock): 3.0
Turning Circle: 35.8 ft.
Brakes
Front: 280 mm vented disc, vacuum-assist, ABS
Rear: 232 mm drum, vacuum-assist, ABS
Wheels & Tires
Wheels: 15" X 6.0" alloy (optional)
Tires: 195/65 R15 H All-season
Fuel Economy
Highway: 31 mpg
City: 24 mpg
Interior
Head Room (Front/Rear): 38.7/37.2 in.
Leg Room (Front/Rear): 41.3/33.3 in.
Hip Room (Front/Rear): N/A
Shoulder Room (Front/Rear): 53.7/52.9 in.
Interior Volume: 88.0 cu. ft.
Cargo Volume: 13.0 cu. ft.
Restraints
Front: Driver and passenger airbags, Seat mounted front-side airbags, 3-point belts
Rear: 3-point belts
Summary
Volkwagen made a bold move when they restyled the Jetta, as the best selling VW in the US was something not to be trifled with. The new Jetta succeeds on its impeccable styling and flawless build quality. However, these qualities are counterbalanced by a compact cabin and a relatively high price, especially for the GLX, which costs as much as the significantly larger Accord and Camry V-6 models. Potential VW shoppers will find that the VR6/5-speed Jetta GLX retails at $23,500, which is close to the $23,800 VW charges for a VR6/5-speed Passat GLS. This underscores the impression that VW may be pricing the Jetta GLX out of its class. The best value in the Jetta line is the GLS VR6 model, which sells for $19,950 equipped with a 5-speed manual.
Will the Jetta's distinctive looks and driving experience overcome its high price in the ferocious $15-25K sedan market? Only time will tell.
Sidebar:
At a Glance
A slick compact sedan for driving enthusiasts.
Likes:
Styling that sheds the boxy look of its predecessor
Dislikes:
A little too small for the price.
Surprises
A Jetta that is a pleasure to look at as well as drive.