1997 Volkswagen Jetta Summary & Specs Review at Automotive.com
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1997 Volkswagen Jetta Review: Summary & Specs

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1997 Volkswagen Jetta Review

A sport sedan in sensible shoes.

1997 Jetta Review Summary & Specifications

All of the Jetta and Golf models deliver confidence-inspiring handling,

roomy interiors and German engineering.

The powerful VR6 engine turns the Jetta GLX into a real sport sedan.

It handles well and it's fun to drive. The interior is comfortable, elegant

and functional.

Although its exterior design is a little boxy by contemporary standards,

the Jetta GLX combines comfort, utility and composed road manners, with

sinewy performance.

The result is a sport sedan that backs up Volkswagen's "Drivers

Wanted" advertising theme. Jettas have tended to be a trifle expensive

in the past, but Volkswagen has held the line on pricing while competing

cars have soared.

Predictably, this policy has helped VW regain lost ground in the U.S.

market, and it's a key factor in the Jetta's rising popularity. If you

covet European performance but a BMW is out of reach, you might just find

the Jetta GLX a more-than-acceptable substitute.

Review Sections
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1997 Volkswagen Jetta Specs
Vehicle CategoryCompact Cars
EditorMitch McCullough, Editor-in-Chief
Model Lineup
Engines (standard)2.0-liter sohc 4-cyl.
Engines (optional)172-hp 2.8-liter dohc V6
Transmissions (standard)5-speed manual
Transmissions (optional)4-speed automatic
Safety Equipment (standard)Dual airbags
Safety Equipment (optional)
Basic Warranty2 years/24,000 miles
Assembled InPuebla, Mexico
Manufacturer Phone1-800-444-8987
Manufacturer URLwww.vw.com
Base Price MSRP15070


1997 Volkswagen Jetta Specs as Tested
Model Tested MSRPGLX
Standard Equipment(Jetta GLX) VR6 engine, ABS, four-wheel disc brakes, air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/ audio, power moonroof, power windows, power mirrors, power locks, trip computer, driver's seat height adjustmenttwin vanity mirrors, front pockets, split-folding rear seat, traction control, sport suspension, aluminum alloy wheels, theft alarm
Options as Tested (MSRP)Leather seats, all-weather package
Destination Charge
Gas Guzzler Tax
Layout
Price as Tested22655
Horse Power115 @ 5400
Torque122 @ 3200
Fuel Economy24/31
Wheelbase97.4
Length/Width/Height173.4/66.7/56.1
Track Front/Rear57.5/57.0
Turning Radius32.8
Seating Capacity5
Front Head/Hip/Leg room39.2/53.8/42.3
Middle Head/Hip/Leg room
Rear Head/Hip/Leg room37.3/52.8/31.5
Trunk Volume15.0
Payload
Towing Capacity
Front SuspensionIndependent
Rear SuspensionBeam axle
Ground Clearance
Curb Weight2591
Stock TiresP195/60R-14
Brakes Front/Reardisc/drum
Fuel Capacity14.5
1997 Volkswagen Jetta