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:

• 

  WHEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Txst - August 2 - 1:33 pm

  I just got my Jetta TDI today and I must say that it is by far the best car I have ever owned. There are so many features to be enjoyed in this car and although I payed just below sticker price I really feel I got a very good deal. I have noticed that other places are jacking up these vehicles by thousands of dollars because they know there are only a few left and people will pay well above sticker for them. So far the whole experience has been great. Get one while you still can...there arent too many left. I was not considering getting the manual tranny but one test drive sold me.

• 

  DONT BUY IT!!!!!!!!! - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Lisa_Marie - August 1 - 2:00 am

  DONT BUY IT!! I have had so many problems with this car. The Transmission, window regulators, the serpentine belt (twice)---which caused my a/c, alternator, and power steering pump to go out. Which I was charged, b/c the car was at 24,400 miles. VW has no pride in their cars, just ask the service manager if they drive one.... I promise, they dont!!!!

• 

  Ticking Time Bomb - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By klc - August 1 - 2:00 am

  29k mi. Have replaced the transmission, AC..twice, window clips..twice (window dropped into door), climatronic ac thermostat, CD player, radio, cup holder, center console/leather arm rest..(handle broke), battery...(they used unsealed batteries before 2002 which leak in hot weather like here in Houston), and have reprogrammed transmission points...8 times (red lines and shakes car). There is 2 second delay when shifting from R to D. The brakes wear out at 15-20k mi and have no sound indicator so that you ruin the routers w/out even knowing it. This wolf in sheepÂ’s clothing will take every dollar you have in repairs.

• 

  The Hybrid Killer.... - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jhb - July 30 - 5:13 pm

  Commuting 42 miles each way to work requires a good dependable vehicle with really good fuel mileage. So my choices were a hybrid or a TDI. There is no comparison, after test driving both, the TDI is the winner hands down. It has plenty of power with the turbo and the long term reliability of diesel. Why should you have to sacrifice your driving experience to save on fuel and for the environment? With the TDI you can eat your cake and have it too! It has decent power, tons of room, is well built even for a VW, and it is fun to drive, plus it gets well over 40 mpg...mixed highway and city. Im clocking in at 48 mpg, consistently. So whether a Jetta, or Golf..the TDI is a hybrid killer.

• 

  2000 Jetta TDI - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By EEROB - July 30 - 10:00 am

  No other vehicle sold in NA can beat this combination of fuel economy and performance.

• 

  Do not buy! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ns_sanchez - July 28 - 7:27 am

  I purchase this vehicle pre owned for my wife at the time it had 70 thousand miles and was doing good until we hit 90 thousand. The car has been worked on multiple time and is mostly electrical issues. The car is very low and my wife knocked off the bumper twice just be aware of that also. I have changed out the alternator twice on this vehicle as well. This car is a costly vehicle and I would not recommend this car to any one. The space in this car is small and I honestly never felt comfotable driving it. In the future I will avoid anything VW.

• 

  The VW Experience Part 2 - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ADROSS - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I have always loved Volkswagen since my high school days of driving my VW beetle that was two years older than me. After graduating college and working in the real world, I finally got out of debt from my previous clunker car (of the Ford variety) and was able to save enough money to purchase my OWN NEW CAR! I knew it had to be a VW and it had to be fast for the big city of Houston (as I have to merge with freeway and highway traffic as effectively as possible). The VR6 Jetta GLX has been the answer to my driving prayers.

• 

  A piece of @#@$ - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jmj - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Two broken glove boxes, 1 oxygen sensor rear brakes worn really fast. numerous fault code problems in and out of shop 8 times needs a muffler.you smell the washer fluid in the car when sprayed.I traded a 1998 honda accord for this car what a mistake this car does not even hold value to a honda.

• 

  Give it a try, you might be surprised - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jim - July 26 - 10:17 am

  This Jetta puts a smile on my face every time I get into it, simple as that. Its a very well balanced car. I have only two complaints about it: (1) somewhat lacking steering feedback - not a huge deal once I got used to it but I prefer the steering feel of Ford Focus; and (2) headlights not turning off with ignition - this one is annoying enough to force me to search for an aftermarket solution. Other than that the car is excellent and great value for money now that tumbleweeds are rolling through VW showrooms and dealers are knocking 15-20% off MSRP. Responsive engine, good torque in a wide RPM range (even better with aftermarket tuning if thats your thing), smooth manual transmission, solid handling and braking (aside from the steering that might take some time to get used to), very nice touchscreen with Android Auto support, comfortable seating position, lots of space in in the back and in the trunk, Im sure Im forgetting something but the main thing I use a car for is to drive it and the Jetta does that better than any car I tried in this price range.

• 

  Jetta is Great! 70K miles and counting! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Frank - July 26 - 4:10 am

  The Jetta seems to be a love/hate car. It looks to me like a lot of people that had the 1.8T models had serious issues. Couldnt be happier with the 2.0 L GLS model. Only complaint is the water pump issue that VW has yet to recall. Common issue: the water pump fins melt off and cause head gasket failure. If you look around, this happens to everyone. Other than that, very few issues in 5 years. Great car for the money and fun to drive!