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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  Great car for a great price! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Kahlua - October 4 - 10:20 am

  We purchaed a Jetta Wagon GLS 1.8T 5-speed. The steering is excellent, with some body roll evident, as we didnt get the Sport Suspension, but its still manageable. The shifting is precise, and the car is QUICK, and stable at high speeds. We got every option you could get on the GLS except for the sport Suspension package, and still came in at $21.5k even. For a car with this many options, thats a GREAT price! This car needs nothing else to be a great and fun car for a small family.

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  2004 VW Jetta TDI - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By John Ades - October 3 - 5:23 pm

  A fun car to drive.It has lots of acceleration for normal highway driving.The fuel economy is wonderful at todays prices.I have gotten as high as 49 mpg on a trip,and always get at least in the low 40s.Slightly pricey,but nothing except hybreds come close to the fuel economy.

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  Dont believe the hype - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By IhatemyJetta - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 98 dealer-certified Jetta in Jan. 2001 for about what I would have paid for a 2001 Corolla, thinking I was getting a better car. And in terms of comfort and handling, I was. The positives end there. This car has been a nightmare. Transmission (automatic) died at 54k; the powertrain warranty was only good up to 50k, so the dealer politely informed me that I was screwed. Cost of a new trans: $3,000. Car still doesnt run right: Jerky, inconsistent shifting and acceleration, runs hot, idles rough, burns through coolant. Dealer insists with a straight face theres nothing wrong with it. In short, a total piece of crap. Never again.

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  Poorly built - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By andreas2000jetta - October 2 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has tons of tech bulletins for costly repairs. Our problems in the first 25k miles include: **Bad Clear Coat, damaged first week of ownership - fixed after complaining to vw a few times. **Engine knock/tic that is reduced with an oil change every 2-3k miles. **Musty Smell coming from padding under carpet - told it is an $850 fix related to this poorly built car **Sway bar link came loose at 22k miles. **Rear brakes on this stick shift down to 10% after 18k miles. Front brakes are at full padding.

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  Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By CGK - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful Car. If you love fuel mileage you will love this car. I got 54 MPG on a 750 mile trip.

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  Chriss ride - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By charliev - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Just a fun car to drive. I wanna autocross it!

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  Great choice - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mustafa - October 1 - 8:50 pm

  We love our TDI Jetta. It works great for our long trips. No need to fill up for over 500 miles on a highway. First diesel and loving it. Interior looks and feels great. Heating is not that great, but heated seats help a lot. We had issue with check engine light, and it was fixed under warranty. A lot of space in the back for all the bags.

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  Lemon! Terrible! Money Pit! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By whitewolf1145 - October 1 - 6:01 pm

  This car breaks down more than any car ive ever even heard of! Something anything breaks at least once a week and being a vw parts cost $1000+ for the simple crap! Bought car 6 months ago at 107,000. It now has 117,000 and after $2000+ in repairs the transmission is going out. The car has ruined my financial life! i owe $4000 still thats twice what i could sell it for if it worked! -__- Very expensive lesson learned! DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!

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  Fun To Drive, Feature Loaded - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike T. - October 1 - 2:50 pm

  Having owned the New Jetta for a month now, Ive had time to learn all the little features packed into this car. I am really impressed with acceleration. Pressing your foot on the gas the car accelerates from 0 to 40 in a heartbeat. Road grip is amazing (as is overall handling). The care easily handles double the speed limit around curves without body roll or protestation from the tires (ie. a local interchange between two highways has a 25 mph limit and the Jetta easily handles it at 50.) Lots of little convenience features have you discovering something new for weeks. Id be surprised if a sales rep covered 25% of them.

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  Here is a new TDI convert! - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By TDIconvert - October 1 - 10:00 am

  I have had my car for about a week and am very happy with it. My first half-tank of diesel has gotten me 350 miles! Beyond that, its a car with excellent fit-and-finish, great sound, smooth ride, and a classy feel. It feels like I bought a much more expensive car. There is plenty of room for four people, and there is ample hip, shoulder, and leg room. The car is fun to drive, has unbelievable torque and accelerates nicely.