Overview & Reviews
Because of the massive popularity of compact SUVs, few automakers bother offering a compact wagon these days. But Volkswagen has one exception with its popular Jetta Sportwagen. Just like the Jetta sedan, the Sportwagen offers classy European design, an upscale cabin and a sophisticated ride quality. And being a wagon, this Volkswagen can carry plenty of stuff. With about 67 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, the Sportwagen is even roomier in that respect than some bulkier compact crossovers. Beyond all those perks, the Jetta Sportwagen also offers the availability of fuel-sipping diesel power, resulting in real-world fuel economy approaching 40 mpg.
Note that with the following generation of this car, Volkswagen technically retired the Jetta Sportwagen nameplate and replaced it with the new Golf Sportwagen. But the Jetta Sportwagen has long been one of our favorite cars through the years -- wagon or not -- and we certainly recommend it as a used-car choice.
Used Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen Models
The Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen was produced for the 2009-'14 model years and was commonly available in S, SE and TDI trim levels. The S and SE models were powered by a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder. A five-speed manual was standard with this engine, while a six-speed automatic was optional.
The Jetta TDI featured a 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine that produced 140 hp and a healthy 236 pound-feet of torque. A choice of a six-speed manual or VW's DSG dual-clutch automated manual were offered for the TDI. The Sportwagen TDI earned an impressive EPA estimated 34 mpg for combined driving, and in real-world driving often yielded even higher numbers. Unless you're completely adverse to diesel, we recommend getting this engine over the gasoline five-cylinder.
The Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen set itself apart from comparable domestic and Japanese wagons or crossovers by offering a distinctly European interior and feel to the driving experience. Not only did this Jetta provide better handling, but its cargo space was generally on par or better.
Note that for the Jetta Sportwagen's debut year of 2009, it was most closely related to that year's Jetta sedan. For 2010, the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen received many of the same changes carried out that year to the Golf. The Sportwagen's body shape, interior volume and powertrains were essentially carried over, but VW improved the interior, retuned the suspension and made minor exterior styling changes.
For 2009 only, VW offered an SEL trim that featured a variety of luxury items like a fully powered driver seat with lumbar adjustment and memory functions, dual-zone automatic climate control and upgraded speakers. It also came with a 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder from the GTI and could be had with a manual transmission or the DSG. If you want the most sport from your Sportwagen, try to find one of these rare '09 SEL models.
The fourth-generation Volkswagen Jetta was available in a wagon body style from 2001-'05, though it wasn't known by the Sportwagen moniker. It was an entertaining car to drive and had top-notch materials quality and ample safety features. Scant rear-seat legroom was its major shortcoming.
As the base 2.0-liter engine offered weak acceleration and mediocre fuel economy, we recommend getting a fourth-generation Jetta with the turbocharged 1.8T four-cylinder introduced to the wagon for 2002 that produced 180 hp. The diesel-powered Jetta TDI was also offered in all but the first model year and provided mileage in the 40s. The 1.9-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder initially produced 90 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque and was upgraded to 100 hp and 177 lb-ft for 2004.
User Reviews:
Showing 21 through 30 of 89.00-
2013 VW Jetta Sport Wagon TDI /Nav and Sunroof - 2013 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By mtncam - November 2 - 4:08 pmWe purchased our new TDI Sport Wagon March 8th 2013. Our new Jetta is quite, smooth and powerful. This car is very satisfying to drive on the highway and around town as well. If you are looking for a safe,relaxing and economical vehicle you need not look any further.
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Super Value - 2013 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By mnjim55 - June 11 - 2:58 amWe have about 4,000 miles on our 2013 Jetta Diesel Sportwagen. Excellent car. Fantastic value for the money. The front seats are comfortable and supportive. Adjustment is quick and easy. This car can carry alot of stuff or people with ease. Mileage has stayed around 45mpg. With a cargo box on top I still managed over 42mpg. The audio, bluetooth, CD, IPhone, memory card system is great! Sound quality on our standard system is pretty good. So far we are very happy.
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Have enjoyed every minute! - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By fpl1972 - March 7 - 1:51 pmWeve just put over 10K on our 2011 diesel wagon and it has been awesome! We routinely average 40+ on the highway and even through mountains with the car loaded with 2 adults a dog and all the accompanying crap! The seats are extremely comfortable and all the controls are easily accessible and fuctional. The only grib I have is that the car gets door dings and scratches SO easily! Ive had cars in the past that have been hit with a shopping cart and nothing...maybe a tiny scratch. This car, you have a dent AND a scratch. Just be careful...thats all Im sayin! Will see how it handles in the mountain snow next weekend and we are heading to Mt. Bachelor in Oregon!
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Perfect in all but an A/C way - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By pekingrick - February 1 - 8:57 amI bought my Jetta Sportwagen TDI in May 2011, and now have 99,000 km on it. Ive religiously followed the recommendations for the servicing of the car (only 1 oil can be bought at Pep Boys - at 13.00 per Liter!), but have changed the tires to Nitto Motivos (wow! great tires!), and change my air filters myself. So far - Im on the original ceramic brake pads. Very cool.
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amazing - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By dardson1 - July 26 - 10:18 pmAlthough Ive only had this car a week I am amazed. I drove several vehicles but fell in love after I drove the Sportswagen TDI. It is extremely quick (the HP numbers seem meaningless with this Turbo Diesel). It is way fun-to-drive and the ride is smooth as "butta". Im used to truck based and Crossover SUVs (07 Murano last and 3 Tahoes before that). My job changed and I no longer need a full-sized vehicle. The Sportwagen will be perfect if......it holds up well. VW has had a questionable reliability history, but for now Im very happy. Absolutely LOVE this car and the sound system is tip-top
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One month of pure Fahrvergnugen " driving enjoyment" - 2012 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By bygrace - May 25 - 1:59 pmAs of today we have owned our 2012 Jetta Sportswagon TDI for one month. After owning large pick ups for most of my driving lifetime; I was skeptical about comfort. But it is not a concern at all. The seats & interior design make for a very comfortable ride; even long distance. My husband is 64" & about 230lbs & fits comfortably & says he has plenty of head & leg room. We both love the power of the turbo charged diesel. And the MPG is GREAT!!! We have not gotten less than 45 mpg & that was due to city driving & sitting still in a drive through for over 10 min. Otherwise, it has been getting between 47 & 55 mpg on the Highway. Havent changed any driving habits either.
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Great Car! - 2013 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By di96 - May 18 - 2:37 pmIf there is a have it all car on the market this is it. -Over 40mpg -32cuft of storage (seats in place!) -Available with manual or DSG -tow over 2k lbs Interior design is fantastic, night driving is a pleasure, dash is very pleasant to look at with the white lights black backdrop. Insurance rates are lower on this car then any hybrids ($200 a yr less then a Prius for me), more then pays for the extra cost of diesel. The navigation system is so-so, but I knew that when I bought it from the test drive. The only reason I still went with the top end nav package is because of the KEYSS system, never need to take the keys out of my pocket is sweet.
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One of the last great wagons - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By touareg13 - May 12 - 2:08 pmIve had my 2011 2.5l Jetta Wagon for about 70k miles and its been a great, reliable wagon. The size of the car is perfect. You can fit 4 adults and their gear or fold the seat down if you need to haul anything big. Ive never run out of room in this car. Its a not performance car but the 5 speed transmission is fun to row through and the 5 cylinder engine has enough power to have some fun on twisty roads. Its also a very practical car for the price - the standard features are great (bluetooth, heated seats), I average about 30 mpg and this little car will handle bad weather with proper tires. My wagon goes with me on many ski and mountain bike trips and its never let me down.
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Better Bang For Your Buck - And Fun - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By mywagencan - January 30 - 4:55 pm20 years of Crown Victorias and Im loving my Sportwagen. 10000 miles in two months. Mileage is awesome, plenty of power - fun to drive. Comfortable seats and best equipped for the price. I couldnt be happier with my choice. On fairly level ground with cruise at 75mph and A/C on I was at 47mpg average over four hours! Drops in the mountains but still beats a V8 gas engine. Great looking car too. Thanks VW!
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The best car ever? - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By nonickel - November 16 - 10:00 amI now have 11K miles and just been through my free 10K service. I love this car. Long distances are no problem. Seats are supportive, and it can cruise at 80+ mph all day and still get close to 40mpg. With cruise set at 65 I have gotten 48mpg over a 150 mile trip. The TDI has plenty of power for passing, yet turbo lags a little off the line. My DSG has been perfect so far. Sport mode is great for around town (eliminates alot of lag). Handeling is also excellent with a great steering feel. Get the 17" rims, they are worth it. Feels as solid as my old MB. Also a great value. You cant tell its a diesel little noise and no smoke. This could be the best car ever made. No Joke!
