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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  Turbo Jett - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By BlackForestTurbo - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Great car...cant beat it for the money.

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  Best Car Ever! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Anthony - October 16 - 6:38 am

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  Pick something else, not VW - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Time to change - October 14 - 6:56 pm

  Im a lifelong bug driver. My husband got a TDI Jetta wagon and it has been a nightmare. The engine gummed up, blamed on diesel fuel 1000, the front heated seat burned through the leather, the drivers window fell into the door, the leather wore very poorly, the back window has mysteriously broken 3 times with high deductible has been a fortune. Its like a Christmas tree with a light on all the time. Time to dump it and head to Honda. Truly sad, we like the styling but hey, it has to leave the driveway.

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  Fun Car - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike Tubesing - October 13 - 3:43 pm

  The 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI is a really a fun car to drive. It has excellent handling, and is a very good looking automobile. I may have a problem getting used to puting in only 12 gallons of fuel and going over 500 miles. Our firt tank yeilded 44 mpg. Its almost like having a hybrid. I love the large trunk and fold down back seats, although my wife wont let me haul 2x4s yet. (maybe someday). I also like the ride, our last car was a Caddy, and we are really impressed how comfortable the smaller car was. Also, the instruments are well thought out and beautiful at night. The light combination is very striking. I love the safety rating too, althought I havnt tested it. Hope I never have too. I love it.

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  Great Car!! Awful company!!! - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By merlin101 - October 10 - 2:00 am

  My car is a darling. Until the check engine light comes on - then its a mystery until Im in the middle of traffic and I can no longer accelerate. Service is awful! No one should have to pay $45.00 for a light bulb change or $30 for wiper refills, or wait two months for a catalytic converter when your car has failed NJ state inspection emissions and you CANT DRIVE IT!!! Volkswagen service needs an improvement plan.

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  Okay car - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By IbiG82 - October 8 - 7:36 am

  I bought a new 2001 Jetta GLS 2.0L (4sp auto) back in OCT 2000. I have 85,000 miles on it now and still runs like a new. I dont think I had many problems with this car. But once, there was a window problem which VW dealer recalled and fixed and another one was the automatic shift knob didnt work because when you try to change gears youre supposed to step on the brake for safety, but that sensor broke. I think replacing that cost me around $150~200.. and some light came on but VW dealer took care of.. And thats about it... bad thing about this car is that rear space is too small. No rear leg room. Gas mileage is poor. 2.0L has only 115hp and only get 22/28 miles per gallon.. weak engine

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  A zippy little number with lots of power - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Deb - October 8 - 2:00 am

  You cant beat the great handling and powerful VR6 engine! I love putting the windows down, opening the moonroof and just letting it all hang out.

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  Jettas ROCK! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By LukyDuk07 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  After my first car i was painstakingly looking for another car that would last and yet look good. The Jetta was the best bet! i love the way it runs and the inside and outside of the vehicle. i love my car!

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  Early Impressions - All positive - 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
  By TheMagicTiki - October 7 - 5:03 am

  I was looking for a small commuter car that, while reasonably priced, had a bit of style and personality for the daily commute. While some excel in certain areas, nothing else we test drove had the same combination of features, and style that this Jetta has. After two weeks of ownership, we are very pleased so far. Plenty of interior room for adults (or big kids) in the front/back seat. Rides & responds like a solid German car should. Great torque and acceleration (Ill give up the 2-3 MPG for that over others in the class). SEL adds some great creature comforts. Sure, its not a BMW... but it is close enough to stand out as a cut above the class of economy appliances in this segment.

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  3rd Diesel and the best yet - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Marc - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my third VW diesel (85 Golf, 98 Jetta,09 Jetta) What a car! Very fast and shifts like a manual. 22300 miles so far and have averaged 44.7 mpg combined hiway and city driving. Drove from eastern CT to northern Alabama and back on 41 gallons of fuel. Thats over 52 mpg. Much quieter that the other two I owned.