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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  Piece of Junk! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Krista - September 6 - 2:16 pm

  I bought this car so that I could have something reliable to get me from point A to point B. So long with reliable part, the first month I had it the car was in the shop. Since then it has been in 15 other times. First it was both oxygen sensors, 4 spark plug wires, my cadilitic converter, my serpentine belt, the passenger side window and other things that I cant remember. Now the transmission is going out like several other peoples Jettas. Do not buy this car! You will regret it!

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  A Lot of Car for the Money - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JoeGo - September 6 - 10:20 am

  Great car. Traded in a Subaru Impreza which I liked but the VW is in a different league. More like a BMW or Audi. The car is almost perfect, just a few minor details such as the sunroof dial should be illuminated, everything else in the car is and at night you cant see where the dial is pointing.

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  Diesel-Like Fuel Economy - Sporty Ride & Steering - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Wes Lem - September 5 - 10:15 am

  Outstanding Class leading fuel economy with new 1.4 Turbo Engine and 6 speed automatic. Well equipped for under $20,000.00 price point. Quiet ride, torque galore, car loafs at 1600 RPM in 6th gear while hitting 65 MPH on a straight road. Averaging 37 MPG in mixed city and hwy driving, (running on Premium Gas). If you are looking for a real sleeper of a German engineered sports sedan, this car really fits the bill. It really stacks up amazingly well to an Audi A4 from a technical and design perspective but is priced way lower than the $40,000 ask price for a well equipped Audi A4. The Jetta exterior styling is pretty ho-hum and nothing really exciting or appealing about the generic lines and plain jane front and rear fascias, but the engine and transmission are buttery smooth and the fuel economy will really blow you away. Corning is razor sharp and you can feel the road when cornering and traversing country roads with all of the proper feedback that comes from sports sedans. VW really designed this car to be a stellar performer at a bargain basement price. It has so much more sports car DNA and solidity still lacking from similarly equipped Toyota, Nissan , Mazda and Subaru sports sedan models.

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  Diesel-Like Fuel Economy - Sporty Ride & Steering - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Wes Lem - September 5 - 10:15 am

  Outstanding Class leading fuel economy with new 1.4 Turbo Engine and 6 speed automatic. Well equipped for under $20,000.00 price point. Quiet ride, torque galore, car loafs at 1600 RPM in 6th gear while hitting 65 MPH on a straight road. Averaging 37 MPG in mixed city and hwy driving, (running on Premium Gas). If you are looking for a real sleeper of a German engineered sports sedan, this car really fits the bill. It really stacks up amazingly well to an Audi A4 from a technical and design perspective but is priced way lower than the $40,000 ask price for a well equipped Audi A4. The Jetta exterior styling is pretty ho-hum and nothing really exciting or appealing about the generic lines and plain jane front and rear fascias, but the engine and transmission are buttery smooth and the fuel economy will really blow you away. Corning is razor sharp and you can feel the road when cornering and traversing country roads with all of the proper feedback that comes from sports sedans. VW really designed this car to be a stellar performer at a bargain basement price. It has so much more sports car DNA and solidity still lacking from similarly equipped Toyota, Nissan , Mazda and Subaru sports sedan models.

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  STOP the HATE - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mike - September 4 - 4:43 pm

  The 2001 VW Jetta is awesome. It is fast as heck, the interior is awesome, and VW dealerships have great customer service. Its fuel economy isnt great, but thats the only down fall.

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  Jetta TDI wagon - a confusing experience - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Nick S - September 4 - 12:40 am

  The vehicle is great to drive. We live in a mountainous area and it eats hills. We can drive from Kamloops to Vancouver in 6th without much problem. It has loads of passing power. Even with hills and high speeds combined fuel use is 6.7 L/100km. That said, vehicle totally failed at 1000km and had to be towed to a VW dealer for repair. The problem was identified as a leaking turbo hose. This was fixed but the engine warning light subsequently came on frequently until the engine computer was "re- mapped". Carpet in rear is coming out from the interior sill and the carpet on the back of the rear seats is falling off. This is all scheduled for repair but is a bit disappointing.

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  Quiet, Quick, and Refined - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Patriek G. - September 3 - 10:00 pm

  I have put 6,000 miles on my Jetta and have had no problems. I get many compliments on it. It has great handling and performance, as expected. Its fuel usage is average. It has good head room. It is pleasing and comfortable on long trips. The price with packages 1 and 2 was $26,200.

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  Fuel Filler Issue - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Roady - August 31 - 2:10 pm

  I like my TDI very much but there is an issue with finding a small automotive diesel fuel fill nozzle in rural areas. The big nozzles used at truck stops and most small town gas stations that sell diesel will not fit in the TDI fuel filler opening. When in dire need I have held the big nozzle against (not in) the opening and slowly added fuel. This is hard to do because the truck flow rate is also much higher than the VW can accept - so an overflow onto your shoes is very likely. Because of several bad experiences I always start looking for an automobile diesel pump way in advance of running out. McGyver-types will figure out how to survive but this is something that needs consideration

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  WOW! Best New Vehicle Ive Owned! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ron - August 31 - 1:53 am

  My VW Jetta is everything I expected it to be. The fit and finish are first rate. No rattles or odd noises. The ride is right on target for a vehicle this size and the handling is great. The HUGE trunk is a very big plus. My fuel economy has been much better than stated on the sticker. Traveling through New England in October of 2007, and traveling on major roads along with the various State Police crusers at 80 mph, I got 34.5 mpg. The fuel milage was calculated from the last fill up and the amount of fuel needed to fill up again. Ive owned Saabs etc., but for the money, you just cant go wrong with a VW Jetta. It feels like a very expensive car, but at a working mans price.

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  Trading in for another Jetta - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jessie - August 29 - 9:23 pm

  This is a great economical car that is comfortable for all passengers. Mine survived some 550 mile work weeks and 12 miles of gravel roads a day. The suspension took a hit here and there but I treated it like a farm truck from time to time. Mine still runs and drives great at almost 172k. Im in the market for a new 5spd Jetta.