Overview & Reviews

Few small cars have the following of the Volkswagen Jetta, one of the company's best-selling models in the United States. The name, says VW, refers to the Atlantic jetstream, "combined with the luxury and power of a modern jetliner." We're not sure about comparing the cabin and performance of this compact sedan and wagon to a Lear jet, but for much of its history, the Jetta appealed to buyers with its upscale design, refined cabin and strong engine options. It essentially bridged the gap between everyday compact economy cars and entry-level premium brand compact sedans. It was a niche almost unto itself.

More recent times, however, have seen VW go mainstream with the Jetta, cutting its price to make it a more viable option for small car shoppers. One of the most notable downsides of the associated cost-cutting was cheaper cabin trim. So more modern versions are cheaper but less distinctive. That said, a new or used Jetta remains a solid pick for shoppers looking for a compact car with European flair, good performance and, in the case of the TDI-powered versions, impressive fuel efficiency.

Current Volkswagen Jetta
The Volkswagen Jetta is VW's most affordable sedan. There are five trim levels available: base, S, SE, SEL and TDI. The Jetta Hybrid and the performance-oriented Jetta GLI are both reviewed separately.

The base car is a stripper that must be special ordered and doesn't even come with air-conditioning. The S comes more reasonably equipped, with power/heated side mirrors, power door locks, air-conditioning and keyless entry. Both of these trims are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces a wheezy 115 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic is optional.

Stepping up to the SE and SEL trims gets you a more desirable 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 170 hp and 184 pound-feet of torque. The SE gets the same transmission choices as the lower trims, while the SEL is automatic-only. Besides the engine, these upper trims have access to more standard and optional features like heated front seats, Bluetooth and an iPod interface. The TDI, which is equipped similarly to the SE, features a 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder that is 50-state compliant and produces 140 hp and very impressive fuel economy. A six-speed manual or Volkswagen's DSG dual-clutch automated manual transmission are available.

In reviews, we've found the latest Jetta to be a fairly refined, roomy and comfortable compact sedan. The improvements made this year, such as the replacement of the humdrum five-cylinder engine with a perkier turbocharged four-cylinder and the fitment of an independent rear suspension for all trim levels, have boosted both overall performance and handling composure. As such, the current Jetta stands as one of the more appealing choices in this segment.

Used Volkswagen Jetta Models
The current, sixth-generation Jetta debuted for 2011. Compared to the previous generation, this Jetta is bigger and has a roomier backseat. But it also lacks the upscale interior of prior models.

The original engine lineup consisted of the base 2.0-liter inline-4 (115 hp and 125 lb-ft), a 2.5-liter inline-5 (170 hp and 177 lb-ft) and the turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel inline-4 (140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque). The first two engines could be had with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel offered a choice between a six-speed manual and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.

The following year saw only minor changes, while four-wheel disc brakes were made standard across the board for 2013. Potential buyers should note that these Jettas, though otherwise similar, lack the current Jetta's notable improvements. The latter include a more sophisticated fully independent rear suspension (previously exclusive to the Jetta GLI) for all trims as well as the substitution of the peppy yet more fuel-efficient turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine for the previous five-cylinder engine. These years also lack the availability of a rearview camera and VW Car-Net telematics.

The previous VW Jetta marked the fifth generation of Volkswagen's venerable four-door. It was introduced for 2005 (overlapping with the previous generation for one year) and ran through 2010. The sedan was the only available body style until the debut of the Sportwagen in 2009. Unlike the current car, the sedan and wagon were nearly identical save for the latter's extra cargo space.

Trim levels originally included the Value Edition, 2.5, TDI, 2.0T and GLI. The base engine was a 2.5-liter five-cylinder that initially made 150 hp, while the 2.0T and GLI featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produced 200 hp. This engine was available with Volkswagen's appealing DSG dual-clutch automated manual transmission.

The first diesel-powered fifth-generation TDI became the victim of new emissions regulations after 2006, but for those interested in getting excellent fuel economy, a used 2005-'06 Jetta TDI with its 1.9-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder (100 hp, 177 lb-ft of torque) should be a good pick. The TDI returned for 2009 with a new, cleaner-burning 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder that produced 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual was standard and DSG was optional.

For 2008, VW reorganized the trim levels to S, SE, Wolfsburg (featuring the 2.0T engine) and SEL trims. The base engine's output rose by 20 horses (to 170 hp) and the GLI became its own distinct model within the VW family. The following year VW added more standard equipment (including stability control) and introduced an improved navigation system. Notably, '09 was the only year you could get the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine in the Sportwagen; it came with the SEL trim level. For this Jetta's final year, VW improved the interior and created the sport-tuned TDI Cup "Street" Edition.

In reviews, we found this Volkswagen Jetta set itself apart from domestic and Japanese economy sedans by offering a distinctly European interior and driving experience. It was a bit more expensive, but its higher-quality cabin, generous features list and quality engineering made it seem worth the extra investment. This Jetta was also a bit bigger than before, offering generous legroom, a large trunk and a more compliant ride than before. The GLI was also quite fun to drive. If there was anything that held this Jetta back, it was its styling, which just didn't resonate with buyers like its hugely successful predecessor.

The fourth generation, sold in sedan form from 1999-2005 and as a wagon from 2001-'05, was the most popular Jetta yet, and arguably the best-looking. It received minor styling and interior updates for 2004. Front seat-mounted side airbags were standard throughout the run; full-length side curtain airbags were added for 2001. It was also an entertaining car to drive and had top-notch build and materials quality. Scant rear-seat legroom was its major shortcoming. Although reliability has been spotty, a fourth-gen Volkswagen Jetta is still a good buy on the used market if its service history checks out clean.

As the base 2.0-liter engine offered weak acceleration and mediocre fuel economy, we recommend getting a fourth-generation Jetta with the excellent turbocharged 1.8T four-cylinder. It was available on the sedan starting in 2000 and on the wagon starting in 2002. Horsepower on the 1.8T also went from 150 to 180 in '02, but both versions of this engine were enjoyable. For even more power (but worse fuel economy), the VR6 engine was available, first with 174 hp and later upgraded to 200 hp for '02. This engine was only available on the sport-tuned GLI model for 2004 and later. With its firmer suspension and sport-themed body modifications, the GLI could also be had with the 180-hp 1.8T engine.

The diesel-powered Jetta TDI was offered throughout this generation (2002-'05 on the wagon) 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.

Although not as upscale as its successors, the third-generation VW Jetta was also quite popular. It was on sale from 1993 to mid-1999, though a strike at the assembly plant significantly limited '93 sales. Dual front airbags were phased in during the '94 model year. Air-conditioning was standard on most Jettas of this era, and ABS was generally optional. None of the third-gen Volkswagen Jettas were quick, not even the GLX model, which had a 172-hp VR6 engine, but all exhibited responsive handling.

User Reviews:

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  The 4 Cylinder Jetta Sucks! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jewel2 - October 19 - 11:10 am

  I have not had this car for a year yet and Im already having problems. Like other owners, I have electrical problems with check engine lights coming on, coolant lights and all seem to be "fine" when checked by mechanics. Also the transmission sticks when driving. It sometimes jerks when trying to accelerate going uphill. My drivers side door squeaks when I open it. Ive lost a hubcap and on a rainy day the tires slip. Also the fuel economy sucks on the highway as well so Im left wondering, why did I buy this car?

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  Good Overall, Some Problems - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dave Nadeau - October 18 - 6:46 am

  I just turned 80,000 miles on my Jetta TDI. Overall, Ive been very happy. The mileage is unbeatable, and the turbo works wonders in the mountains here in Colorado. Some of the other owners comments are well taken however. My suspension squeaks. Part of my panel lights are intermittent. The suspension is too soft, which means poor ground clearance, which means the plastic under the oil pan eventually gets beat up. The passenger side door handle requires two pulls to open. Other than those issues, the car has performed quite well, with minimal maintenance.

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  Best Car - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Shorty - October 16 - 9:26 pm

  I bought my car about 5 months ago and nothing has gone wrong with it. My 97 Trek has Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, CD player (aftermarket), Power Sunroof, and Anti-Lock Brakes. The car is really fun to drive and I really like the manual transmision and clutch. The only thing I dont like is that there is a short little high pitched squeak when I first begin to open the sunroof and it lasts about one second.

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  Poor Workmanship - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jaybird11 - October 15 - 10:00 am

  My Jetta has been in the shop about 30 times in the year I have owned it. The plastic pieces in the interior have all peeled and had to be replaced. The replacements have begun their peeling now. My passenger side seat fell apart, and has been to the dealership and upholstery shop 4 times. The seat is still broken, and was inoperable for over 2 months. I would not wish my Jetta experience on my worst enemy. DO NOT purchase a VW.

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  Even the service manager agrees - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tcb - October 15 - 2:43 am

  This car has been the worst vehicle I have ever owned. The electrical system has had to be rewired, the starter replaced, the computer replaced, and the windows have been repaired numerous times. Even the service agrees that they are all common Jetta problems, hes just never seen them in one place.

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  No More VW for me! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ali - October 12 - 5:16 pm

  I really dislike my Jetta! I bought it brand spanking new with four miles on it and its been a headache from day one. Ahhhh, the list of problems (and these are all in the first two years) includes a check engine light that never turns off, the glove box door fell off twice, the arm rest broke twice, the button to open the trunk inside car wont work, the drivers door wont lock with the remote, the drivers window motor broke five times, and all of the other window motors broke twice EACH! My windows broke so many times that VW repaired them even after the warranty expired. I will honestly never buy another VW. Its a cute car, but it is put together with spit and everytime something breaks it is EXPENSIVE. I am looking to trade it in real soon!

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  GLX Vr6 - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By RCA - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I have read many of the negative comments about the Jetta. It looks like the most of the problems are in the initial build quality. I am the second owner of this car and it has over 70k miles and for the price(used) you can not beat what you get. It is tight rides well and is an absolute blast to drive. I owned the 850 GLT before this car and the repairs on a european car and the cars like the Jetta are not cheap. Maybe if the negative drivers would buy a ford focus or something like that they would not be so shocked by some of the repair bills. After all you are buying a BMW type car check out the repair bill on those...

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  Driving the Jeta TDI - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By david groth - October 7 - 1:30 pm

  My wife and I enjoy driving our new Jetta TDI. We have been achieving 33 mpg in city driving and 43 mpg on the highway as long as the auto is driven sensibly. The new diesel is much quieter than we expected, and there is almost no odor on start-up, even on 20 degree mornings! The seats are a bit larger than the older style Jetta, but are still firm and comfortable. Rear legroom has also improved. While I would not classify this auto as a true sports car, it does handle well. The fit and finish of the interior is excellent, and all controls are well placed. Overall, we are happy with our purchase. Its a lot of car for $23,000.

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  New Owner - Retired Car Buff - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Frank Jay - October 5 - 8:00 pm

  I walked in to the dealership and asked for a Jetta TDI automatic with leather. One was found soon and we made a quick deal, but they held to the sticker. I dont like the $299 processing fee, but I paid it and drove home. I really like the TDI as I already have a 2005 CDI. Now all I want to drive is the TDI. It is getting about 12 mpg. more than the CDI. The Jettas handling and ride are excellent. Its torque is not as great as the CDI, but good for 100 HP.

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  nice car - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By wisco06vw - October 4 - 10:46 am

  Great car so far. Extremely fun to drive and my friends love it. Only problem I had was the power went out in my drivers door and had to replace the harness, but the warranty covered it.