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 31 through 40 of 89.00-
Warning: TDI fuel pump - 2013 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By badtux - March 28 - 3:40 amVolkswagen specifically states that putting biodiesel in your tank will void your warranty and many people have had their vehicles fail. Unfortunately B10 or B20 (10% or 20% biodiesel) is all thats available in several midwestern states. Be forewarned -- filling your VW up with diesel can kill it.
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TDI a pleasure - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By markneumann - February 1 - 9:19 amI bought the car 5 weeks ago and just took it on a 3,000 km trip to the Sierra Nevada mountains and Lake Tahoe. Amazing - this engine and tranny pulls exceedingly well. It climbed up steep grades at 50 km/h in 4th and 5th gears w/a full load. My only complaint was that fuel consumption was much worse than expected. Granted, I had a full car, but I expected - at the least - 35-37 mpg. I was disappointed as I barely managed 32-34 mpg. Not all of the trip was going up the mountains. I went down the same mountains and expected more. So far, the daily commute has been a joy, as the car itself is a total blast to drive (no, I havent been flooring it just so I could move quickly). So far, so good.
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Glad to be back in a Jetta - 2013 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By desertguy51 - November 19 - 6:36 amThere was one manual S available in all of Southern California when I was in the market. While I loved the response of the TD, I just couldnt justify the additional $5-10K. Plus, I live in the desert, so I really dont have any desire for a sunroof. This car replaces a 2009 Subaru Forester, a reliable yet gas guzzling AWD, with no power & awful seats. I dont regret not spending the extra $ for the diesel because Im consistently getting 33-35 mpg/hwy, 26-28mpg/city. I drive 60/40 hwy/city. After 5 months, with 5K miles, Im thoroughly enjoying this car. Though this is as basic a Sportwagen as one could probably find, I got a lot of car for a very reasonable price.
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Sunroof stains this car - 2012 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By monkfarm - September 20 - 5:51 pmI did not purchase the extended warranty on this auto, and I loved it until the sunroof stuck open, tilted on one side. I went to a dealer, and they really could not see what was wrong, but estimated $2048 to fix it, the headliner needs to be dropped, of course they gave us the worst case scenario, broken frame. I barely used the sunroof, but live in the woods, on a gravel rood, and it must have stuck from the dust and the spruce needles. The sensor for the window washing fluid also broke, even though I always put antifreeze window washer fluid in it. Especially if you buy the sunroof, plan on buying the warranty, these autos are expensive to fix! I will buy a different brand next time.
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Fun to drive but many problems - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By osucowboy86 - August 19 - 8:08 amBought new in 2011. Really liked the look of the car and the performance of the car. Gas mileage was superb. Was a good car until about 25,000 miles then problems started happening. The AC compressor got out. The radio had to be replaced 4 times. There was also a short in the ignition system. Thankfully they were all covered under the warranty, but it was a pain to have to take it in to the dealership. Also the DSG transmission is the worst.
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Took delivery today... - 2012 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By djvinmsn - May 24 - 7:03 pmMy scores may be a little optimistic -- I just took delivery today of a Platinum Gray JSW TDI with automated DSG. No warts yet! Traded in a 2003 Audi A4 Avant -- amazed at how similar the two cars looked when parked next to each other at the dealership.
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Perfect balance of performance, ecomony, and practicality! - 2012 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By bjudd4 - March 29 - 10:18 pmI took delivery of my 12 JSW TDI in Dec. 2011, and have put over 17k miles on it in less than a year! My other vehicle is a 07 VW GTI and although the TDI of course does not match its performance, I have to say that as an automotive enthusiast I still very much enjoy driving the TDI with its generous amounts of torque. Driving it as I would drive any normal car (a little lead-footed...) I still consistently see 42mpg without a problem, and 45mpg+ if I am driving economy-minded. Had no prob starting in below zero temps in NY winter. My wife and I recently had a baby, and the car seat fits in the rear without a problem, and there is plenty of cargo room for luggage, stroller, etc.
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maritime hauler - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By nplatt - March 15 - 5:19 amI drive about 10,000 kilometers a month as we are building a house about 1,800 kilometers from where we live. I make about a trip a month down east and my daughter plays a lot of hockey in the Greater Toronto Area. My car has almost 50,000 kms. since I got it late last fall and I feel that I can give a fair and balanced review. Yes, the mileage is great as long as the weather is not too cold, it gets much better in warmer weather. My only gripe is the GPS which conks out after 10 hours of driving- maybe it overheats, I am not sure. The one negative thing that caught me off guard was a tow truck driver who tried to intimidate me which filling up. He said that I was in the truck land-a..hole!
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Best bang for the buck by far - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By juanchankane - January 15 - 8:46 amChecked all small SUVs and most sedans out there. With my home minister we settled down for this peppy, refined wagon. An SUV would be more comfortable but no way near as sportier and fun to drive, and Im not willing to give that up. Obviously fuel economy is also better for a wagon. However I didnt go for the Diesel everybodys favouring, as I like more this well known 5 cyls one. Rattles, wind, noises & road & insulation are a big concern to me and this wagon is up there with the best about this. Known issues are very few in comparison with other options. Quality and attention to details is abundant. The sound is pretty good, VW has gone crazy with stock speakers in ammount and quality.
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Good so far-first 3000km - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By wilsonberg - December 12 - 5:04 pmHappy with the car, mileage has been very good. Adding snow tires for the Canadian winter affected mileage by consuming an extra litre per 100km. The car is assembled in Mexico not Germany so we will see how long term reliabilty works out. You pay a premium for the TDI engine but the car is nicely equipped with heated leather seats, massive sunroof, trip computer, very good stereo. For the price VW should include automatic climate control and full power seats (currently only the drivers side has power for the back of the seat). That is nickel and dime type stuff by VW dub. Due to the great torque available from the TDI engine, this car is more driveable than the my wifes 5cyl gas Golf.
