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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Steer away - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By Tom - December 21 - 8:51 pmThe electronics are designed to where you have to take it to the dealer for check light resets, the radios go out and are expensive to replace. I bought mine with 80,000 miles, the check engine light came on everytime I started it. The reset only lasted 2 weeks. I took it to the dealer, he told me they have the only computer that will reset it. He was right. If vw offers to buy it back, Ill sell it back and never buy another.
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MPG - 2012 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By geo02r1 - December 3 - 3:00 pmI purchased a 2012 VW sportwagon se 2.5 rather than a Nissan Frontier truck mostly for the MPG. Having owned a Toyota that had lower EPA MPG, I thought it was a good move. The cars EPA MPG is 23 city/31 Hwy. I expected 25-26 combined. Im getting 18-19 driving conservatively. I went to the dealer thinking there was something wrong and was told its fine. I contacted VW Corp. and was told its the way I drive. WARNING VOLKSWAGON MPG IS FALSE !!!!!! I WISH I NEVER BUY A VOLKSWAGON
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Love the Jetta - Hate the electronics - 2012 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By trainsam - November 5 - 11:53 pmCar is a pleasure to drive. Love the mileage (43-60mpg between 75 and down to 55 respectively). Carries a ton for a small car. Even gets great mileage with luggage stored on top. No power train issues ever. JettaSportWagon is 20 months old now with 30k miles. Lock system just went wacky. Dealer cant even figure out why some locks lock sometimes and others at other times. Completely random behavior. Changed lock control module. No luck. Now dealer is calling in expert from somewhere else. In first two months had similar electronic hiccup with ATC system. Wish the electronics were more stable.
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Not just for kids - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By VWAnnie - September 9 - 10:00 amThe 2011 VW TDI sportswagen is a joy to drive. TDI engine is amazingly fast and responsive. The DSG automatic transmission allows you to shift up or down when you want a more hands on feel. Averaging about 36-40 mpg in mixed driving. We skipped the sun roof and the navigation system putting our money into the TDI option instead. The computer gives you lots of feedback with controls on the steering wheel without being intrusive. I am a grandmother, haul lots of stuff as a non profit volunteer. This wagon is spacious and handles extremely well. My kids and grandkids give it five stars. Loved my 2008 rabbit, love this more. Toffee brown color is stunning and rich looking.
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Awesome Value - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By CJohnson - September 2 - 2:00 amI think that this is the best car that Ive owned, including other VWs, Mazdas, and Acuras. I dont know how you could do any better at any price. The styling, both interior and exterior is fabulous, and the fit and finish is beyond compare. LOVE the sunroof. The car feels very solid like it would last forever.
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Fun To Drive!! - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By JND - September 2 - 2:00 amI love this car! But all I have to compare it to are big vehicles, Full Size Truck, Excursion and old Landcruiser. So of course I love the GAS MILEAGE! We have the Diesel. We live on a long dirt and gravel road with crazy mud and snow--was looking at a Subaru, but needed good gas mileage, this works! May buy mud and snow tires soon, but pleasantly surprised so far.
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Dieses Auto ist groß - 2012 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By etaggart - May 16 - 11:28 amIve had my TDI Sportwagen for about 3 months now. I went from a large SUV (Durango) to this wagon. I LOVE IT. I have owned SAABs in the past and appreciate the european feel to the interior. The Panoramic sunroof is AWESOME. Love the torque and power of the TDI and the DSG transmission is great. The DSG does take a bit to get used to and I can understand why the previous reviewer complained. The DSG "downshifts" when you are coming to a light much like you might in a manual. The "bucking" can be experienced when the engine is cold (1-2 min) and you hover your throttle between giving it fuel and not.. However, once you realize what the deal is you can avoid that situation totally!
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Simplify - 2013 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By mtnmike4 - March 17 - 6:52 pmDrove from Orlando to Philadelphia on just 2 fuel stops. average 41.8 MPG. Passed many a hybrid "conserving" fuel. TDI gives plenty of pep for passing and having the "manual mode" helps when pulling hills or overtaking. Fits our 3 person family just fine with even a large 2 seat Burly bike stroller in the back. We chose this over an Outback due to fuel savings. It also beat the Focus hatchback due to cargo capacity. The Focus did not pass the stroller fit test. Dash is simple to use ..controls on the steering wheel are easy to adjust to. Blue tooth is exceptional... Have over 11 k in just 6 mo. Couldnt be happier
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Dont believe these high reviews - 2011 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By johnnybumps - February 12 - 11:16 pmFirst thing you must do is Google HPFP failure. It is happening to all 2010 and newer models with the CR injection system. Mine died on the road at 23,000 mi and had a horrible time threatening VW of America and the delearship to fix under warranty. All the dealers are giving the same story to owners that face the "flashing lights of death" on ther dashboard that they are to blame for putting gasoline in their engines instead of diesel. This is a lie not to honor an engineering defect.
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2nd TDI I own: Spirited Driver! - 2012 Volkswagen JETTA SPORTWAGEN
By monkfarm - December 13 - 5:43 pmWonderful car! This wonderful car has it all: great braking, comfortable seats in front, great handling, adequate power, smooth shifting, great fuel economy. This car is fun to drive, it accommodates my leadfoot with great fuel economy (usually 41 with mixed city hwy with air conditioning, wife: 44.) I dont feel bad about cruising the speed I want to drive because Im not putting that much fuel in it. We have 3 dogs, and with luggage is fairly comfortable for long trips (210 miles to my folks.) The exterior design has grown on me. The back folds down into a smooth platform which the dogs love, and I carry supplies to my country home with ease. I love it!! 10,000 miles on it so far.
