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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  Fuel Pump Failure - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike - August 19 - 10:00 am

  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!! At 30,000 miles the fuel pump failed and VW is trying to pin it on me, even though this is a common problem. They asked me to show them my last 5 fuel reciepts. I dont save fuel reciepts, not many people do. The seats are not comfortable, my back hurts after riding in this car for a half hour. If they solve the fuel pump issue Ill either replace the driver seat, or have it redone by an upholstery shop.

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  My firs lease - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Debby - August 19 - 4:03 am

  Have had the vehicle for one week. Rides smooth. Handles well in heavy rain. This a first time leasing, I feel comfortable with it.

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  Should have done this years ago - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tebbe - August 16 - 10:16 am

  I bought this used with 42K on it and have driven in 2500 in one month. It is my "working mans BMW". I love this car. It is a TANK. Sturdy, quick and comfortable. After 2 weeks I rear ended my wife in our drive way (steep and curvy) she was backing down in a Mazda 626, I was driving up. Her car was destroyed and subsequently totaled, The Jetta -- just a few scratches. So we took the insurance money and went out and bought another Jetta for her.

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  Love to Drive - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By NotTheFamilyCar - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought it new, changed the oil regularly, had trouble with windows and AM antenna (both fixed by dealer under warrantee), yellow goop cleaned at each oil change by dealer for a few years, just changed the battery and tires. I could not expect more from a first year of a new style.

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  Just the Details - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By details - August 10 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Jetta. Purchased the first on in 2000 and the product and service I have received has always been top notch with Volkswagen. Minor problems were alway repaired quickly and to my satisfaction. My next purchase will be a Volkswagen.

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  watch out - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By haasco - August 10 - 2:00 am

  car has many problems

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  Frustrated with Volkswagen! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By discodancinqueen - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I have taken my car in numerous times for recall things. I had only had it for 1 year when the keyless remote quit working - was told it would cost $200 to re-key it - that it wasnt covered under the warranty! (I shudder to think of paying $200. every time it "loses" its memory!) Then the sunroof wouldnt open all the way - I was charged another $200 and told it wasnt covered under warranty because it was only "dirty" and "needed cleaning!" So Im going to pay $200 every time it gets dirty!?!

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  greatest car ever - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By CocoMonkey - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I have had two Fords and a Nissan before I bought my Jetta Wolfsburg. They dont even come close. This is one of the best cars ever built. Build quality, performance, you name it, its got it all.

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  2004 PD TDI WAGON - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Richard Rothschild - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my second VW TDI. Other cars include a Mercedes and Corvette. The new 2004 PD TDI has noticably more torque and more power, however, fuel mileage is not quite as good as the 2000-2003 TDIs. I got 45 -50 mpg on last TDI; 2004 PD TDI gets about 40-45 mpg... still very good. I would avoid the light beige cloth interior... too hard to keep clean. (I known this from my 2000 TDI). Overall, very happy with car and would highly recommend.

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  Good Car but the Seats Stink - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Estabhan - August 8 - 5:43 pm

  I love how the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T handles and the overall compact design. Its gas mileage is good, though not as good as others have said (27 to 30 mpg). The big problem is the seats - they are too narrow. I am 5 foot 9, 175 pounds so I consider myself average. After 1.5 hours in this car, my thighs have had it. I bought a seat pad from Brookstone that elevates me slightly (watch that headroom!) and relieves the pressure. My wife and all of the passengers I have had in it have noticed the same problem. Volkswagen offered no assistance saying it was "the design." I notice the new Jetta advertises more hip room. Go for the new one, leave this one to the sub 150 pounders.