1997 Volkswagen Jetta Driving Impressions Review at Automotive.com
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1997 Volkswagen Jetta Review: Road Test

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1997 Volkswagen Jetta Review

A sport sedan in sensible shoes.
Driving Impressions
The Jetta GLX is a lot of fun to drive and the source of much of that

fun resides under the hood. The VR6 engine revs well and propels the Jetta

quickly down winding roads, but strong mid-range response and a wide powerband

is what really sets the GLX apart from the other cars in its class.

The VR6 engine generates 85 percent of its pulling power at only 2000

rpm--much lower than most engines--and continues pulling right up to 6000

rpm.

Punch the gas pedal at any time and the Jetta GLX is an instant getaway

car. For example, the GLX can get away from an Acura Integra GS-R, a Nissan

200SX SE-R and a BMW 318ti. VW's VR6 is also one of the smoothest engines

in its class, and ongoing development has largely elminated the noise that

plagued earlier versions.

All Jettas offer a great balance of handling, driver feedback and ride

quality, the result of a rigid structure and finely tuned suspension. At

higher speeds, the Jetta is exceptionally stable, thanks to VW's track-correcting

rear suspension bushings that minimize unwanted steering effects from the

rear wheels during cornering.

The standard Jetta five-speed manual transmission is smooth and reasonably

precise. The GLX has a close-ratio five-speed gearbox that helps keep the

engine in the sweet spot of its broad powerband, to enhance acceleration.

If you prefer an automatic transmission, VW's four-speed self-shifter

adjusts shift patterns according to how the car is being driven. The ample

torque supplied by the VR6 works well with this smart automatic. Next Page



1997 Volkswagen Jetta