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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  Will never by any VW again - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By norma jean - June 28 - 3:16 pm

  Two weeks after purchasing the car air condition went out with pieces falling onto the road. After waiting 4 months, THE DAY I got the vehicle back the starter goes out. After waiting another 5 months for the air conditioning and starter to be fixed finally got to drive my new car for more than two weeks. The cup holder is broke along with glove compartment and other plastic pieces exterior and interior, also seats will stain even if you only spill water. My personal opinion, it is one huge expensive piece of broken plastic. Cheaply made, expensive parts, too much maintenance to keep on the road. But it does get the best gas mileage for any non-hybrid car.

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  Love this car! Efficient, Fun,Versitile! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By NWS - June 28 - 1:00 am

  I commute 180 miles, round trip, each day to work and with fuel cost skyrocketing my GMC Yukon was simply costing too much to run. Some of my friends who own VW diesels suggested I take a look at them. Test drive, purchase, happiness! The fuel cost savings pays the car payment and the insurance, very amazing. Have never gotten less than 39 mpg and on several trips have gotten 48 mpg, average is 43 mpg. Local driving and AC use seem to be the things that lower the mileage but only by 2 or 3 mpg. The crash safety ratings were also a major plus. No maintenance issues yet at 35,000 miles.

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  Lemon - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Cindy Dustin - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Too many hours spent in the shop to repair/replace electrical problems, check engine light problems, oxygen sensor and brake sensor problems.

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  Fun car so far - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bee1000e - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Driving my Jetta has been great-the engine is wonderfully responsive, especially in 2nd & 3rd gears. Powerful enough to have fun, not so powerful that I get into trouble. The interior is of great quality, but the ergonomics arent great - stereo and HVAC controls are a stretch. Seat could be more supportive. Dealer has never been able to completely fix a passenger side window glitch.

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  Take the service contract - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By willdineen - June 27 - 2:00 am

  It must depend on where and on what day your jetta gets built. I see that some of the reviewers think this is a good car. Well ours isnt. It get very poor gas mileage for a 4 cyl car. We have already had the tires replaced at 40,000 mi. and the brakes had to be replaced at 27,000 mi. The plastic section below the grill has come off twice. The car is noisy and has no power. It does look nice.

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  my jetta - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By karmann21 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I love my jetta!! this is one solid and reliable car! I will never go back to any domestic brands. they have great service. never had any problems. the engine is powerfull and fun. I deffintly recomend this car!

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  VW Jet - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mark1980 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Good car that looks great! The car drives like an expensive German car but cost half the price. The 5-seed manual transmition is a must it gives you the extra proformance punch. Steering is responsive a little understeer is noticable while cornering at high speeds. Enough power to make a pass in 5th gear and 4th will over through most anything.

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  German Junk - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By philomela - June 26 - 10:00 am

  If youre looking for a reliable car, dont look at a Jetta VR6. This weeks repair--new catalytic converter. 2 weeks before that it was an O2 sensor and in the last year, trunk sensor, temperature gauge sensor, mass air intake sensor, and the window regulator. Things that still need repair: fuel gauge sensor, dash lights, and seat levers for both front seats are broken.

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  Dont waste your money or time - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Stella - June 25 - 1:56 pm

  I purchased this vehicle new and within one month; there has been nothing but mechanical/electrical problems. At least every other month something else was and still is breaking and needs repair. The trade- in value is horrible; however after this mornings episode; I made up my mind to finally get rid of this piece of junk. The latest break was found when I went to get gas. The tank release button on the door broke and the gas door cant be opened. After looking throughout the car and trunk for an emergency release button; none could be found. I drove the car to a local station; warranty expired; so this cost will be added to the long list of headaches that came along with this car.

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  Best Car Ever - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Kristi - June 25 - 3:59 am

  Ive been going thru the reviews and have seen a lot of bad reviews. I actually love my 2005 New Jetta 2.5 model. I bought it used with 50000 miles in 2009. It now has 150000 miles. Last year I did have some costly repairs but it sure was cheaper than buying a new car. I drive my car for work and I feel confident that it wont leave me stranded and she never had! My Jetta has a chain timing belt, so no issues with the engine. With a rubber timing belt breaks can and do happen on every make and model of vehicles. If you have a rubber belt, check it periodically because they wear. Overall, I love my car! I love the leatherette material, the heated seats, the rain scenored wipers, the ESP for stability, comfort and good fuel efficiency even today.