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:

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  Weird car - 2014 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
  By katherine3333 - November 15 - 3:42 am

  This car is the "compromise" for those who want decent gas milage and a wagon without breaking the bank. Be prepared to be uncomfortable in the small, hard seats as get your 40 MPG. And it is LOUD, a noise that music can not drown out. Oh well...gotta give to get.

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  2013 VW Jetta Sport Wagon TDI /Nav and Sunroof - 2013 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
  By mtncam - November 2 - 4:08 pm

  We 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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  Fuel injector #5 replacements and counting - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
  By lsap - October 28 - 2:29 am

  All started in the winter at about 58k. Bought care used with 34k. Got it for the gas milage as i drive 100 miles highway/ day. Check engine light came on, took it i , vw said had to replace fuel injector. Less than a month later, was in for 2nd fuel injector replacement. Vw didnt think anything abnormal about 2 going bad. Less that a month later car back in twice because of ANOTHER FUEL INJECTOR, and the key ignition switch (locks click on and off when car pulls to a stop). 2 weeks ago, check engine late on AGaIN, VW international said they sent the dealer a faulty one, and they are replacing on that was already replaced 2 months ago. Guess what happened today, after only driving 600 miles.

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  Super Value - 2013 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
  By mnjim55 - June 11 - 2:58 am

  We 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 pm

  Weve 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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  Never thought I would LOVE an efficient car! - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
  By motoxer913 - February 2 - 9:01 pm

  Im a car nut and I proclaim this THE PERFECT CAR!! The TDI motor #1 is why I love this car. I can drive 600 miles on a single tank, consistent 35-43 MPG at normal speeds. I dont baby my car, I like to have fun while I drive and yet it still gets 35+ mpg. On a weekend road trip it got 43mpg at 80mph. #2 is the Wagon and roof rack. A recent road trip to Steamboat Springs my wife and I had 2 road bikes inside and 2 mtn bikes on the rack plus gear. So flexible!! #3 This car is proof that selling my truck that was costing $300+/month gas was the right decision. I enjoy driving it more, it cut my gas usage by 1/3, and its plenty flexible to transport cargo and toys.

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  Perfect in all but an A/C way - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
  By pekingrick - February 1 - 8:57 am

  I 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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  German Engineering in MEXICO? - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
  By fishingfewl - November 9 - 11:03 am

  German Engineering? I was VERY dissappointed to find out (after purchasing ) that my car was assembled in Mexico with 35% of the parts made in Mexico also.Anything that is made from plastic can and will break. Be sure to lubricate the vents with armorall as if you dont they will stick and in my case break and just fall apart when trying to adjust them . aty 36,500 miles the the A/C compressor took a dump. 10,000 miles later it is on its way out again. I purchased it at Compass Motors in Middletown . I would not suggest buying anything from here as they do not like to stand by the factory warranty . They can and will try to take every penny out of your pocket . In 0ver 15x 4 repairs A+mpg

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  Sportwagon, TDI, Manual - 2014 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
  By stevenjohn - October 11 - 11:44 am

  Bought this car because we needed something reasonably priced, great mileage, that can haul things around. First VW we have owned, we have owned BMW, Acura, Honda. Very happy so far with the purchase. Excellent driving, very good mileage (over 40 mpg....), plenty big, love the manual, and the turbo diesel.

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  2011 VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
  By yangk - October 5 - 6:02 am

  Bought vehicle brand new with 5 mi on the odometer. 1st month owning it, there were paint blemishes on the vehicle so that was taken cared of by the dealership with heat treatment. Vehicle just has over 9,000 miles, its been in the shop 3 times for acceleration problems. The vehicle stutters, hesitates, on acceleration and when it does this, there is a harsh shift to the next gear. VW Dealership has not been able to replicate problem. I always get my diesel fuel from Kwik Trip or Shell depending on my travel routes. VW Dealership has also did a software update since I purchased the vehicle too. So far I have been somewhat disappointed in the TDI for the acceleration problem - VW has no fix