Re the Jetta, my sister-in-law has a 2002 Jetta 1.8T GTI...and it's a monster! 5spd 182HP@5500RPM pushing a 2600lb car around...you need a GS-R or ITR to get that kind of acceleration (approximately). No Accord (except the new V6) or Civic is going to get you that...and so far, it's been perfectly reliable. Just a thought