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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  Cant afford to drive it - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Brad - September 13 - 9:40 pm

  This car has got a beautiful interior, nice looking, body not rusting, but my wife and I are scared to take it anywhere. It sometimes starts and sometimes not. The mechanics cant find the problem, this gets expensive. All repairs on it are expensive. Im a 200 lb man and not much room for me. I have a sore back and this car is very uncomfortable. My old beat up Dodge van is fine. Id never buy another VW. Its not dependable. We have put so many repairs in it already. I will ride my Harley any day, much more reliable

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  Where do i start? - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Gianni - September 13 - 3:11 pm

  The good: great performance, power, interior build quality, MPG. The bad: .......Expensive maintenance, engineering flaws abound.... HPFP not engineered to USA diesel tolerances. 7K $ repair, DPF (filter that once clogged under 150K miles cost several thousand dollars.) How do you engineer a car with known issues that are so expensive to repair? intake manifold went around 120k. Then the EGR problems and limp mode. I unloaded the car with 160k miles once the wastegate actuator went on the turbo. Oh yeah, good luck if your turbo goes..it will....another several thousand dollars. I know 2 others whose turbo blew before 150k. That is why i got rid of this money-sucking headache. Shame on you VW ! Lawsuits, and building a car just shy of a lemon. VW ...NEVER AGAIN

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  Still in honeymoon phase - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Floridian - September 13 - 12:10 pm

  I have now had my tdi one year and 35,000 miles. Still drives like new. I do a lot of highway driving and it is too easy to drive way over the speed limit (85-90) while still getting 35-37 mpg. Queen size air mattress fits in back for the dog. No downshifts required when driving up 6% grade mountain highways. Torque just flattens out the mountain. Driven very conservatively, I have nearly hit 700 miles to a single tank of diesel.

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  WHAT A CAR - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By al_caholik - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I just test drove the Jetta GLI and all i can say is wow. The model i test drove had everything, leather sunroof and cold weather package. The engine performace even surpassed my big v8 i currently drive. The 6 speed is a blast and i WILL be purchasing my car SOON.

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  Great Ride! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Thundercat - September 11 - 1:00 pm

  I agonized over buying this car for weeks. It was between the Jetta, the Acura RSX, and the Honda Accord. After test driving, I picked the Jetta. It came standard with more features (especially safety features) than any other car I looked at. I mean, come on, everyone drives a Honda, be different. Plus, lets face it, it looks cool. The ride is smooth and the interior is great. I love the leatherette seats...all my friends think they are real leather. The heated mirrors and seats are great in the winter. I got the Option 1 with Sirius stellite radio...now I wished a picked XM, but the car is so versatile that I can get XM later if I want.

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  2001 Jetta TDI (TurboDiesel) - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jetta Owner8 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Car is incredibly comfortable, & feels solid.My firstnice car,I bought it used & put 20k miles annually on it commuting to work.The biggest drawback(only drawback) is NO ONE with any experience works on TurboDiesels in the WV area...& turbodiesels(be they VW or otherwise) are very special little beasts,&require attention. My routine timing belt change was a fiasco (along with virtually every TDI owner who has is done),& the Ntake is constantly clogging with diesel soot(theres a way to stop it, but its not too envirofriendly).Its an incredibly nice car,&gets great mileage (45mpg pre- timing belt change),&it is much snappier than the 90HP rating shows.

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  I love my TDI - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tarheel TDI - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Sorry it seems almost everyone else dislikes their Jetta. I have over 90K on my TDI and have never had a problem with my O2 sensor, transmission, electrical system, light bulbs, brakes, door ooze, or windows. MAF going bad at 85K and water pump wearing out at 90K are the only mechanical items that gave me heartburn. I empathize with the folks who have seasonal rattles in the interior as that is my only "major" peeve in a car that is fun/comfortable to drive and gets better than 50 MPG on the highway. Our other car is a new 2001.5 Passat which has over 30K of nearly trouble free miles. Our next car will likely be a Jetta TDI wagon or a Passat B6 TDI wagon.

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  Run, this is not for you! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Cindy - September 7 - 2:00 am

  With only 42,000 miles on the car it has been in the shop 5 times for the transmission. Talk about a lemon and YES I am checking on the lemon law.

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  FAST AND FURIOUS - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Irish eyes - September 7 - 1:06 am

  I have owned my VR6 w/ A/T since July 1999.This car is designed to be DRIVEN!! and believe me I have pushed it to the limits. I love the power and the performance. I enjoy the sound system and the interior lighting. During the first five years, I replaced the battery, a couple of sensors and rear brake pads. My window parts were replaced under warranty and my cup holder is broken. No other problems after 50,000 HARD miles. Now my check engine light comes on more frequently and I have more wind noise. I just had to have a coolant leak fixed and the engine cooling fan motors replaced. So far, the fun and performance of the car has outweighed the upkeep expenses but I doubt it lasts to 100,000.

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  A great all around car - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Howie Atkinson - September 6 - 10:06 pm

  Great car Love the 5 cylinder 2.5 sad to see it gone un the newer models. A great car for my petite Daughter!