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 51 through 60 of 89.00-
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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Beware of very expensive 40K service - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By cheapcar2012 - April 7 - 10:51 pmThe MPG really drops if driving above 75mph. 40K service includes DSG transmission fluid drain, and it costs $$$$. Back seat tight for 3 adults. Impossible for 2 Adults+baby seat.
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black tdi wagon-- auto--corn silk interior - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By garry8 - April 6 - 5:13 amjust turned 2k miles goes like a scalded dog-- have avg 39.6 miles over all and have achieved 53.4 driving home from my lake cabin in nw wis. with a tailwind to the twin-cities--avg. normally about 47-- i am 6-1 inch and 220 pounds fits like a glove -- looked at Outback wagon but i aldready have 2 other 4 wheel drives a Trooper & 2010 hemi ram pickup--it replaced a 2006 JEEP wrangler which held its value like none other i figured that this TDI will also hold its value
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STAY AWAY - 2012 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By - March 9 - 1:37 pmI purchased this vehicle about a month ago. Automatic Transmission. I commute 50 miles to work each way daily. I traded in a reliable and loved subaru for the TDI for fuel economy. BIG MISTAKE. It drives terribly. From the second day of ownership the car bucks terribly the first few miles of driving if it has sat for longer than a 4 hour period of time. Dealership says this is normal. Whiplash is not normal in a brand new car. Also, the fan stays on for extended periods of time after driving. Also told this was normal. Cooling is fine, but an hour for the fan to stay on? I dont buy it. My relationship with VW isnt off to a good start. I have a feeling I will be returning to Subaru, and soon!
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A bit over whelming! - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By raindaytoo - February 19 - 7:32 pmIt was love at first sight. That ended quickly. First noticed that the ignition key would become extremely hot, although, it did not happen all the time. Then, I would notice the info screen to bleep out, then come right back on. This had happened several times. Next, while driving, hit a pot hole, bubbled the tired. Replaced the tire. Came back the next day, because of error message on the screen. Then the mileage, other info messages where not working. Took the car in, replaced the cluster, stated they found nothing wrong with the ignition. Well, the key still gets hot. A little upsetting. Oh yes, one more thing, acceleration is sluggish.
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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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Stay away - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By tim208 - January 26 - 10:10 amI work for a company with 24 vehicles of this Jetta model. We drive about 100 miles a day and most of the cars are now close to 100k miles. Two cars so far has been taken out of service due to costly repairs. I drove most of the cars and they all had the diesel injector problem before 35k miles which was covered by warranty ($9k estimate repair and a week at the shop) BUT a lot more problems will occur afterward including turbo replacement. I had to change the whole A/C kit twice (at 50k and 90k) the cost to repair is over $2k. The dealership was a great help but I would suggest to stay away. Oh, and you will change the front tires many times due to the vain spinning at take off
