4 Star Reviews for 2006 Volkswagen Jetta

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.49/5 Average
529 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Two new trim levels join the Jetta lineup for 2006: the upscale 2.0T and the sporty GLI. Both feature a 200-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and both can be equipped with VW's trick DSG direct shift gearbox. All Jettas besides the Value Edition now feature standard alloy wheels, and torso-protecting rear-seat side airbags are newly optional.

Pros:
Cons:

User Reviews:

Showing 81 through 90 of 529.00
  • Great value - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Except for the MPG youd never guess its a diesel. Has a lot going for it. Ride, dry road handling, seat comfort, fit/finish all great. Good pick-up once turbo is engaged. People have mistaken it for a BMW - good looking car. I have driven trucks for years and got tired of the gas bill. I am really pleased with this terrific car.

  • Just bought new Jetta 2.0 Manual Pkg 1 - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Just picked up my new Jetta. It handles beautifully. I wanted a specific color and a manual transmission, so it took a long time to get. I had a Passat before and can truthfully say it drives just as well or better. Overall the car feels a lot more cramped, I guess Im not used to such small confines. It gives me "sports car" fun.

  • 200,000 with my 06 Jetta 2.5 manual! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I bought my Jetta new when I was 24 with the intent to keep it a minimum of 10 years/200,000 miles. I almost bought a manual loaded Mazda 3, boy I am glad I didnt do that. It now has almost 201,000 miles on it and I have mixed feelings. The headlights burn out far too often, the rear brakes get locked up after getting new pads/rotors EVERY time because dealers and non dealer shops have no idea how the Germans designed the brake system in the 06-11 Jetta lol! New brake lines every time will solve the issue usually. Squeaks and rattles come and go randomly, the AM radio gets terrible reception (in Vegas anyway) and there is some road noise and engine noise, both of which I like actually. The inline 5 cylinder engine sounds great to me especially around 4-5,000rpm which I visit quite often. Gas mileage is a decent 24-26/mpg combined. I usually see about 30.5 on the freeway and right at 22-23 in city. The manual transmission allows this. Speaking of my manual, Ive only replaced the clutch one time at a dealer(never again as it cost way too much!). Normal fixes during my cars life include the water pump replaced once, fuel pump once, cooling fans once, radio system once due to wear on the dials, and a few other small things. If youre lucky enough to live in a city with a good VW non-dealer mechanic youll save lots of $$ as the dealer prices for ALL work is just ABSURD!!!! Overall I have loved my vehicle. Its not perfect but I plan to keep it at least 5 more years unless repairs cost me more than 1,500-2,000 a year as a new car payment would then become logical. My headliner is still attached, my car still tracks straight, its not a Mazda 3, and it still starts the first time every time. This is due to absolutely 100% strict maintenance being done, all oil changes, filter changes, lubes and tunes done at manufacturer recommended intervals. Its been a little pricey but well worth it. My interior is in like new condition except for some tears in the pleather seat that I got while moving (a pic frame stabbed my seat 😕) and my stearing wheel is super corroded for some reason. I have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy my Jetta!

  • Do not buy 2005/6 TDI unless cam has been replaced - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I own two VW TDI Jettas from new a 2006 and a 2010... Both have issues... I’m anal retentive on the maint and always go to dealer until warranty is over then I do it myself but always buy all my parts etc from the dealer... My 2006 has 168k km on it and the camshaft is pooched… VW Canada gave me a $400 credit towards a $4k+ repair bill… I just snickered and said can you spell the word Toyota… I love the car… like the dealership… I have owned 4 VW diesels each with over 400K on them with never an issue… I think you are seeing VW’s goal to be the #1 manufacture and lots of short cuts… After 20 plus years of good value I guess I need to find another path… DO not buy any 2005/6 TDI’s they all have this problem with the cam… it is a manufacturing issue… the hardness in the cam was never right on them… all of them will fail sub 200k… I personally know of 4 all between the 160-190k mark…

  • Dont miss my BMW - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I recently traded in my 2001 BMW 525i for a Jetta GTI. Yes you do give up some drivetrain smoothness with the diesel, however the gas mileage is amazing. The interior of the VW has better ergonomics than the BMW and the quality of materials is surprisingly good. I hope the reliability of the VW will be better than the BMW. It seems that problems begin to develop in BMWs after 40,000 miles.

  • Its a Blast! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Ive had the vehicle for about two weeks and its a blast. Ive owned VWs before, including a Jetta, but the initial quality on this GLI is a major leap beyond the 95 Jetta that I owned. The gas mileage is great, I get ~27 in my suburb/urban commute. It has nice speed/acceleration, great handling, and road feel in spades. It feels magnetically bonded to the road - you become part of the car and the car becomes part of the road - again, its a blast. The interior is nice. I went retro with Plaid Package 1. Mine is black with 17" wheels - the color/wheels configuration doesnt scream "Im a sports/performance car." It "looks" like a classy / tasteful / modest sporty sedan, but its definitely a performer.

  • Want to love my Jetta, but... - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I chose the Jetta from a very short list. I actually wanted a Hybrid very much since. However, when I drove the Jetta, I just fell in love with its handling, interior room and massive trunk size [the Sopranos would get trunk-envy here]. Sadly, along the road a long list of annoyances has cause me to rethink my relationship with VW. Here is the list: - Sunroof - sometimes closes improperly, propped up in vent position - Interior plastics - bubble and peel - Trunk release - stopped working and then once fixed still not working - Service guys thought I was crazy for 1] having so many issues and 2] for expecting them to be fixed 1st time. - Service creating more issues during fix

  • Dont Buy a Jetta! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I have had a very bad time with my Jetta, Ive been to the dealership so many times that Im ready to dump this car like a hot potato. Where do I start?! The A/C failed in the summer and it took three days to fix. The power windows went out, the back seat was bad, and now it is leaking oil like crazy and they dont even have the part to fix it. The back brakes pads need replacement, which will cost $300. Im buying a Camry!

  • Best purchase we ever made - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Our Jetta TDI has been incredibly reliable. The 40 miles to the gallon is reason enough to buy one, I figure we have saved roughly $1,500-$2K in gas in the couple of years we have owned it. In addition to that, we havent had a single problem with the car and have only had to replace two break pads at 50K miles! The manual transmission also makes it fun to drive, and the TDi has plenty of power. I strongly recommend this car.

  • 80,000 and going strong - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    We have owned this car for 2 1/2 years. I drive over 2 mountain passes nearly weekly with heavy snow in the winter. The car accelerates well, is great in snow, runs as well with 4 adults as it does with one. I am not sure where others get their numbers for MPG, but I consistently get 40+ at average speeds of 60 MPH with an automatic transmission. The only time it gets less is when the air conditioning is on. Prior to purchasing the VW we owned a Honda Accord which was a great car. One very significant difference between the Honda and the VW is how much more it takes to ding the sides of the VW as compared to the Honda. Without a dozen dings, pride of ownership comes much easier.

Volkswagen Jetta Reviews By Year:
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