What is the difference between VW Jetta models, GL, GLS, GLX, GT, etc. Is the VR6 engine dependable?

Question

Interested in a used Jetta GLX and want to know if the VR6 engine is worth it from a dependablity standard? And what was a good year for them.

Answer 1

The VR6 engine will last longer than the rest of the car. The GL and GLS trim models are usually not available with the VR6. The GT is the GLX trim with the 4 cylinder engine. The GLX is the full boat VR6 with all the goodies. Avoid the 1994 model year, the first ones had some electrical issues. I think the best years were 1995 and 1996. The models after 1996 had a glove box and a central unlocking button, which are useful.
Problem spots on the VR6 are the integral water/oil cooler built into the oil filter housing. There is a meal pipe connecting these two systems that ALWAYS tends to rust, eventually breaking and dropping all the coolant on the ground. If this pipe is new, then the old owner fixed it. If not, be prepared to have this fixed.

Answer 2

I have a '98 Jetta GLX, I've never had a problem with the engine, everything is standard and the VR6 still runs strong.

Answer 3

For 1999-2005 models:

GL is the base model
GLS is a higher trim level (alloy wheels, moonroof etc)
GLX is the top-of-line (leather etc)

I have a 99 Jetta GLS VR6 with 80k miles on it.

The VR6 is a joy to drive. The engine itself has been reliable. In any case, the car came with 10yrs/100k engine/powertrain warranty.

But overall the car has not been very reliable. So far I have had to replace the engine cooling system (fan, thermostat, waterpump),
catalytic converter, radio-antenna etc. The power door locks & anti-theft alarm misbehave regularly (won't lock/unlock properly).

And ofcourse, there is the extra 100% german tax on any repair work done on the car. Any repair/replacement is double what comparable work would cost on a american/japanese car.

Answer 4

The difference between any make/model vehicle is defined by the amount of extra features or options...i.e.
a)- You start with a basic vehicle/car and that one has basic standard trim and limited accessories.
b)- Now you start putting x-tra trim+ some options it becomes a deluxe model.
c)- As above with more things added on and it becomes a super deluxe model (GLX)
d)- A car or vehicle that is and has all the goodies......on the body and interior...what about the power train...lets factory tune that baby a little more than others and call it a GT (aka...Grand Tourer)

Answer 5

The letters are different packages on the car.A GL is just a basic car, 2.0 L motor no power windows no power seats. Stuff like that. A GLX is probally a VR6 motor

Answer 6

I would look on the VW website. Maybe bluebook.com has some information for you. Each of the models is going to have different standard features. So if your not going new then I would look more at the history of the car, milage, wear and tear, etc than at what the exact model is. Don't buy a used car for color or extra features.

Answer 7

99 Jetta Vr6

Answer 8

Get the newer V6. The VR6 has some quirks.

Answer 9

The VR6 was one of the most reliable engines I've had in any of my vehicles. Even with the mods I had done to it, it still proved to be reliable and practically unstoppable.

Answer 10

the vr6 is dependable but it is very hard to work as are all newer VW's. this means that if your car ever has a problem than its going to be expensive.