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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  Good When It Works, Which is 10% of the Time - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ME - April 3 - 2:03 pm

  This car is great when it works. It has good handling, and a nice feel, but it is the biggest pile of junk I have ever owned. I have spent more money in one year on repairs than all the other cars I have owned put together. I will never buy another and am trying to get rid of it. So dont ever buy a VW! Most people I have talked to have similar experiences.

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  Tons o Fun! - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By blubyu - April 3 - 4:00 am

  My first real car was 77 Rabbit. Drove Japanese and American afterwards. Realized I missed my VW. I absolutely love this new Jetta! Great torque through entire power band. Love the tight German suspension engineering. Manual transmission shifts like buttah. Its so much fun to throw the car into any curve, have it stay planted on the asphalt like its on rails, give it some throttle and come rocketing out the other side. WOW!! And this is the base S model. Interior fit and finish is xlnt. Im 64 and have plenty of leg/head room, compared to most Japanese cars. Theres enough bolster in the cloth seats for those curves, but still very comfortable for my daily commute to the city.

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  First VW - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Guinco - April 3 - 2:00 am

  A great experience I will surely buy VW again

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  BEWARE OF THE JETTA!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ayvahbaby - April 2 - 10:33 pm

  Well I HAD to have a Jetta, even though my husband didnt want it. I hate when he is right! CV axle, mass air flow sensor, radio,struts,2catalytic converters in 3 months. WORST OF ALL... the ABS lights from HELL!! I have had the car since May, its now Aug. Since the ABS light has been on, the car has ZERO power. No one seems to know why. I give up. I have it up for sale, I almost feel guilty selling it to anyone. There has been several electrical problems as well. Not at all what I expected.

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  The Best VW made! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By pjrias - April 2 - 5:06 pm

  The VW Jetta is a great car! I am the original owner and have 158,000 miles on my car. The engine is unbelievable. I average 31 mpg on the highway. My car has its original clutch! It just keeps on ticking, like a Timex! The only major problem was a tensioner on the timing chain had to be replaced at 80,000 miles! I have had only had two tune-ups! The leather seats still look brand new!

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  I FELL IN LOVE WITH MINE - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By griffith - April 2 - 4:46 pm

  I absolutely love my jetta, great car, and for 4 cylinders its pretty fast, definitely one of the best handling cars. Safe, and it looks awesome, great first car. Reliability has some issues though, it will go into the shop for a seemingly small repair that can come out to hundreds or even thousands of dollars. That was more the dealerships fault though for replacing it with cheap parts and selling it, now that mine is fixed, it runs strong with 130k miles. Me and this car have been through a lot together and I will be sad to see it go, when I sell it in a few months. Definitely prefer this over a Japanese car. Its worth the reliability issues and expensive maintenance.

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  VW K2 - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VanWeston - April 2 - 10:00 am

  this is a great Car very fast. much much car for the money. manny goodies. turns heads I love it

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  No Problems! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Seattle - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I rate my Jetta excellent, Ive had no problems with this car. My dealership has been wonderful, within the second year the oxygen sensors did fail in the car and they were replaced under warranty. When the part was recalled after I was off waranty the manufacturer notified me, and the dealer again replaced the parts even though I had no problems after the original failure. The car is fun and easy to drive (I highly recommend the manual transmission) and has great fuel economy. My only complaint would be rear passenger space, but then Im not in the back seat!

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  Great little German car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By lik - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Plushy interior is the feature to beat compare to other sedans with similar performance. The engine is the best thing about the Jetta and the large trunk space is not compromise with the 4 doors and the back seat. Tiptronic is also a fun feature if an automatic is a must for you or your family. Its a good looking car with some class, and can be taken to the max with no worries of break down.

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  Gets the job done - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By docta96 - April 1 - 3:16 pm

  This is my 10th VW. I bought it as a Certified used car from a dealer rather than a 2006 model since I wanted a factory tape deck. This is my third diesel and is, by far, the best. I spend quite a lot of time in the car and it is does everything well. The Monsoon sound system is great except for poor AM reception that the dealer has been unable to correct. Although I drive the car briskly and primarily non-city, the fuel consumption has been 48 - 49 MPG over the last 7,000 miles. The cruise control, despite less than optimal placement, is dead-on accurate. The car handles well, has excellent brakes and the ESP system works flawlessly. The trunk capacity is good, but the rear seat room is below average.