I believe they went to drive by wire in 98 or 99, but 2001 is when they updated to a more powerful 1.8T engine. Interior was also changed in 98.5-99. Excellent cars just make sure to change the Timing belt every 70k mile's. Also the control arm bushings tend to go soft and squeak, needing replacement about every 60-90k mile's...can't replace just the bushings.