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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  5 yrs later...$8000 in maint. & rising - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ididlikevwjettas - July 8 - 10:00 am

  If you are going to buy a used vw jetta make sure to get extended warranty! Bought the car used at around 60,000 miles with warranty till 100,000 miles. Problems: internal engine problems-dealer replace whole engine, got used engine in-did not work, got another used engine-worked, secondary air system leak-replace cracked round plastic resevour next to oil pan-not covered by warranty, replaced all belts; due to noise, replace faulty ac compressor, coolant leak at thermostat housing. rear alignment is off: not adjustable, WTF! Just got new tires. must be bent suspension? thats gonna cost alot! Otherwise great performance, vr6 is quiet and seems at times "as if the engine is not even running.

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  Great Commuter Car - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Loki1098 - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car mainly for commuting duty (90% highway driving) as I drive 65 miles daily round-trip. The DSG transmission is extremely smooth and a good investment. The ride is smooth and comfortable at highway speeds. The combined package of high mpg, comfortable ride, good handling, safety features, cargo room, resale value, and $1300 tax credit made it a no-brainer for me. The only problem was finding one. I found the exact car I wanted, but it had the DVD/Nav. I decided to buy anyway to avoid the 3- 4 month wait of a factory order. Ive only been driving the car a few days, but I really like it dont regret the purchase. Feels more Audi-like than my 2006 BMW 330i.

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  Best of the Best - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Nicholas - July 7 - 6:20 pm

  I had this VR6 for 4 years now. I reviewed other reviews from other clients who owned it. Im lucky... Most have problems and being put in shop often. My VR6 has been running excellent for me with average of 35 MPG. Low profile tires (51 PSI), performace K&N air filter, full synethic oil, prenium gas, increases gas mileage. Ive pushed my RPM over 7,000 so many times and never had a problem with it. Ive topped almost 175 MPH with a radar used from a friend. All STOCK! It is a very fast car. Ive raced BMW M5 and beat him, he was an idiot, he had auto and I had stick shift and I won 500 bucks. hee hee. Best car Ive owned except for my old Dodge V10 truck.

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  Bargain in a nice wrapper - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Brian Reed - July 6 - 4:50 am

  I have taken this car on two long trips and it has been everything I wanted and more. Everything works superbly in the car from the Monsoon system, cd changer, seats and cupholders. It gets fabulous MPG in town and on the road. I consistently get between 27-30 in town and 34-37 on the road. When the cruise is engaged, it has no problem pulling an uphill grade like the Grapevine in CA fully loaded. I love this car!!!

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  LOVE IT!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By J Dunbar - July 3 - 7:10 pm

  When I still had this car stock, it was awesome, the sport suspension, the power. Even though only 200 ponies, it was still very snappy. I have since put a chip, exhaust, intake and some higher performance sport suspension and love the car even more. It is def a sleeper and no one has any idea what the little sedan is capable of. HIGHLY recomend it. And since it is a 24v VR6, and VW only made them for about 2 years.. should hold pretty decent value for enthusiasts.

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  Great Car - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By poopoopeepee - July 3 - 6:37 am

  This is a great car. My car is at 38k miles and the only problem Ive had is weak break pads, but that can happen to any car. It is extremely smooth to drive. It has delayed steering, a great suspension, smooth shifting, and a VERY quiet engine. Im pretty young, and I drive manual transmission so I think that the quiet engine is a negative quality of the car, but that is a great thing for a lot of people. And the inside is amazing, I havent had a person sit in my car and not give me a compliment. With heated seats (not leather), electric Everything, and plenty, i mean PLENTY of room in both the front and back seats, it feels like a $30k+ luxury vehicle. (only paid $14k)

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  A fun Car - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By donm - July 2 - 10:00 am

  You will not be disappointed in this car!! Great acceleration, handling and ride!! Get your hands on one if you can.

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  Luv it - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jettafan - July 2 - 10:00 am

  My husband & I love my Jetta. Its Sporty, quick & reliable with an awsome sound system. Great for people or couples without kids. The backseat is kinda small for passengers. I mainly have it to commute to work. The backseat folds down for x-tra cargo space. My V6 has a ton of power. My husband calls it the sports car. When given the choice on which car to take on a trip, we have always chosen the Jetta.

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  Tough to Beat! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By rsbible - July 2 - 10:00 am

  I purchased “our” Jetta for my wife a little over a year ago. At first I was a little concerned about the sticker price (in comparison to other models in the same class) but the fuel economy was the kicker. After a little over a year I find myself running errands just so I have an excuse to drive it. The performance is outstanding and the mileage just can’t be beat. All I can say is… sharp, fun to drive, and well built! I am sold on VW!!

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  Great bang for the buck - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By DG - June 29 - 3:26 am

  I test drove the Wolfsburg Edition and the SE model at the dealership, and those two trims dont compare when it comes to driving excitement. The Wolfsburg just exudes power even with just a light touch of the gas pedal, while the SE just felt limp even when wound up. If youre looking for a practical car that can really pull when you want it to, consider WE Jetta.