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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  If it was put together in Germany... - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By petarvn1 - March 11 - 1:34 am

  Ive got a 2012 jetta with just over 6K miles on it. For the 16 months i have owned it, i have come to conclude that its fast enogh to get you in to trouble, but controlable enogh to get you out of it. Being a new driver, getting a good, safe, reliable car was my parrents priority, so the got me a jetta, natrually. Only problem with it is that its build quality isnt tip-top. My friend has a VW golf (assembled in Wolfsberg, not mexico) and its much better put together. All together, its a good package. Id recomend the 5 speed manual with the 2.5 liter engine. For the $21,000 you pay you get a lot for your money, plus its a very sexy machine!

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  2 for 1 and a warranty too - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Edina Realty - March 10 - 10:00 am

  Traded in 1997 Jetta Gls 2.0 with chip and k&n air filter. Better performance and smoother ride. Havent figured out where to put TV/DVD/and GPS system from old car.Traded two cars for one with 1.9% financing. By the way diesel gas smells if you get some on your hands.

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  Worst car ever driven..... - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By suma120200 - March 9 - 1:27 am

  I fell in love with this car from the moment I laid eyes on it, how ever the moment my warranty expired my nightmares began. Luckily, some of the problems started when I still had warranty. Since I bought me car, I had to replace the septic system, I had electric system problem where my sunroof didnt open and my radio did not turn on. Now Im having intermittent problems with my gas cap not opening. I looked to see if there is a manual release, but unable to locate. Im driven a Mazda, Toyota, and a Honda, I have never seen so many problems on a car under 35,000 miles.

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  Unreliable - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jj78586 - March 7 - 1:53 pm

  I should have known this was a bad car the first time we started it at the dealership. Has always made a horrible sound when first starting. Everyone asks what is wrong with it. Dealer said this was normal for this engine. First 8 months were fine, then the problems began. Trunk would not stay closed, noises in the dash, cooling fans went out, bad spark plugs, bad coils, headliner falling down and headlight covers are cloudy. No more VWs for this family. We are going back to Ford.

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  Great Little Car - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mark - March 7 - 11:06 am

  This car has served my faithfully and reliably in the entire time only once I was stranded due to a dead battery. Have not even changed a light bulb yet. Got about 45 mpg highway and about 40 city.

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  Great Car...So Far - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bob - March 6 - 9:33 am

  I have had my 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI for three weeks now and am getting a true 43 mpg on the road. Its fit and finish are phenomenal. It seems to be a very well built car. I have no complaints yet.

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  avoid - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By terrance - March 3 - 10:00 am

  The problems that we experienced were too numerous to list here and I am afraid to tally the total $$ spent on strange, unexpected maintenance items. Our problems closely resemble other posters here (ignition coil, AC, o2 sensors, continuous engine light indications, etc.). We constantly worried about the next unusual problem and the $$ required to fix it. We will never purchase a VW again.

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  Review - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By blc - March 3 - 10:00 am

  IÂ’ve owned this car for a year and am extremely pleased with this, my 2nd Jetta. The TDI, with its excellent fuel economy is practically the best thing going. Couple this with the longevity and reliability of diesel, itÂ’s the hands-down best. Although CR rates this model low in reliability, IÂ’ve had no problems in the past year.

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  Caught on fire! - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bad jetta - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Do yourself a favor and do not even consider purchasing a Jetta. I have painstakingly taken care of my Jetta for the past 4.5 years. One day, after not driving it for hours, my car just caught on fire and was destroyed. This happened because of faulty electrical components. VW told me that this is not uncommon and that they have had many complaints about this problem. However, they are not offering anything to me to compensate for my lost car because it was out of warranty. By the way, my Jetta only had 40,000 miles on it. Hope this helps...

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  Note to self...LEMON LAW!!! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By phillyvegan - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Within the first 11 months, I had the car in for unscheduled service 9 times! First the tires were wearing prematurely and needed alignment. The mechanics (Springfield Auto Outlet in PA) told me it was my fault! I had to replace the tires after 25k miles! Then the ignition coils went...again and again and again. The window regulators have gone multiple times. The interior rattles. Arm rest broke. My signal lights are constantly burning out. My temp light goes on for no reason. The car stalls frequently after starting it up. Thank goodness there is a 50k warranty. I got VW of America to credit me one car payment for all my troubles...thanks for nothing!