I love how so many people are suggesting other cars when the OP didn't ask for such in any way. But that's what forums are for, right?
I'm assuming his girl likes how the Jetta's look, and the price is right, so that's why it's the forerunner.
Sorry, can't comment on newer VW's. I had a 2000 GTI and while it wasn't super "unreliable" it did have some issues. Mostly small stuff, but also the clutch slave cyl. (which they designed to be located INSIDE of the bell-housing... GG) failed on me at about 80k miles, ruining the clutch/flywheel with it.