2000 Volkswagen Jetta Review (continued)
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Walkaround

The Jetta retains the Volkswagen family profile, looking quite similar to the larger Passat. The sloping hood and rounded fenders culminate in a distinctive lighting system; a clear rectangular lens incorporates all lighting elements, including the headlights, turn signals and sidelights.

Interior Features

Slide behind the steering wheel of the new Volkswagen Jetta and the German penchant for attention to detail is immediately evident. The Jetta is a perfect example of why this world-renowned reputation is well deserved and is sought after by potential buyers. Closing the doors generates a solid ca-chunk" that exudes quality construction.

The Jetta provides excellent accommodations for driver and passengers without becoming ostentatious. There is plenty of room in front for a driver that is well over six feet tall, even when equipped with the optional power glass sunroof. The front bucket seats are built firm in the European tradition. Some people may prefer more cushion, while others (like us) find them supportive and quite comfortable. In the Volkswagen tradition, the knob for reclining the seat back is awkward to reach and difficult to operate. Another handle operates like a jack to raise or lower the driver.

Rear seat room is at a premium if driver and passenger position their seats to the rearmost location. We moved the seats slightly forward to accommodate a full load of passengers while retaining a relatively comfortable position for a tall driver. The rear seat features 60/40 fold-down capability as well as a pass-through feature for skis, fly rods and other longer objects. Three shoulder harnesses and three headrests are installed in the rear for safety.

In Teutonic fashion, the controls, switches and instruments are easy to see and operate. Indigo (dark blue) and red lighting is used for the instruments to maximize night vision. The shade of blue that illuminates the instrument panel makes the numerals easy to read and the stark contrast of the red pointers make them stand out as if floating in thin air.

The leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel on our GLS feels good and is in keeping with the sporty intent of the Jetta. A new radio adds manual tuning to the scanning feature, making it possible to receive weaker signals.

The $295 Monsoon sound system features a 200-watt amplifier and custom equalization that directs low, mid and high frequencies to the appropriate speakers. Volkswagen offers both an in-dash CD player as well as a six-disc CD changer mounted in the trunk as options, and the Jetta can be equipped with both. An eight-speaker AM/FM/cassette stereo comes standard."