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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  Great - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dickhead04 - March 3 - 10:00 am

  I love the car

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  Pretty shoddy. Lots of problems. Dealers dont care. - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By kingtaco - March 1 - 11:32 pm

  So, Ive had my wagon for about 32 months and Ive given up. Ive had multiple problems with the suspension, the alloy wheels break from even the most minor potholes. Ive replaced something like 7 wheels at this point and finally started buying steel wheels. Those havent had any problems. The dealers are hideously overpriced and dont seem to care about any of the problems Ive had. They just want me to keep coming back and spending more money when something breaks. After another $600 bill for a small pothole Ive given in. Im waiting for Kia to get their 2012 models in and as soon as they do the Jettas gone. I got 120k miles out of my last car (Honda), but only 45k out of this junk heap

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  2006 Jetta TDI w/DGS - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Steve - March 1 - 8:20 pm

  This car is solid and fun to drive. It puts a smile on my face every time I puchas fuel (B5).

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  Made me a VW fan for life. - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Gunar - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I got this car 6 years ago for my 16th birthday. I was the first of my friends to be able to drive. The car had just hit 100,000 when I got it... Being the only one who could drive I was always loading my Jetta (we named it Ronald) with friends and going all over the place. Its never let me down. Its still running, and I bet its going to run for quite a long time more. Ive put 65,000 miles on it in 6 years, with only routine maintenance, and its still chugging along as great at it was when I got it... The VR6 has TONS of get up and go, and people are amazed how fast this thing will get going when I put my foot down. This is my first Volkswagen, and its NOT going to be my last one.

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  Fun plus fuel efficient - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Andy - March 1 - 10:00 am

  Purchased a manual transmission tdi wagon in late august. Have owned a diesel rabbit back in the 70s, since then nothing but hondas and volvos. Vw has hit a home run with the jetta sportwagen. Fun to drive, great gearing, 40+ mpg since day one. Decided to purchase when vw finally had incentives on the diesel (1.9%) plus the tax credit. Hope it lasts like my hondas and volvos. So far no complaints, and pleasure to drive. Looking forward to how it handles snow this winter.

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  A Great Car for the Money - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By beetleboya - March 1 - 4:07 am

  Bought in August and I have had zero problems! I paid 18500.00 with an extended warranty. This is a great daily commuter with plenty of pick up around town. This car is also very roomy and handles well.

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  please beware - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By luigi123 - February 28 - 8:43 pm

  i purchased a 2001 jetta gls 2.0 and this has been the worst car i have purchased. do not get stuck in the vw trap. a week after buying it with 98000 miles the transmission started tweaking and is costing me roughly 2900 just to replace without the fact that its starting to get a lifter tick that was estimated $1200. it is a money sucking trap. the interior is nice but material is junk. electric problems are guaranteed lol... ive never driven a car that runs at 4000 rpms on the highway.. that is insane dumb.. i am selling as is or taking it to the junkyard and buying myself a reliable honda!

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  Traded in a Hybrid - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Annapolitan - February 28 - 8:16 am

  I traded in my Highlander Hybrid for a JSW TDI and cant be happier. After nearly 10K miles, the car is driving great and the engine is really breaking in. I drive 60 miles each way to work, and on one trip home last week, I average 50.8 mpg! Thats more than twice what I gut with my hybrid. Car is comfortable, and I love the nav with satellite traffic. Makes picking a route home during the evening rush much easier. Highly recommend this for commuters who need to carry stuff, or have big dogs, like I do.

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  This Car Saved My Life - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By kellylong - February 26 - 3:20 am

  I totaled my Jetta in a head on collision with a guard rail after a tire blew, and walked away with minor bruises. I then turned around and bought the same exact car. People can say what they will about cup holders breaking and plastic peeling, but I say quit complaining. You either are a VW person or your not, and I am 100%. I had to replace my battery, timing belt @ 120,000k (which was a choice to avoid problems), brakes, and my battery, but these are all things that should be fixed on any vehicle with over 100,000 miles. I am a VW believer all the way.

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  Dont hesitatte, This is the one!!! - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By wolfsburgdino - February 25 - 9:20 am

  DSG, black on gray interior. Very solid build, improvement noticeable even over 2007 model (wife has 2007 wolfsburg). Great response and performance from engine and transmission both. Nice sounding engine. 2.0t is much quieter than 2.5 unless you like to hear it growl...it can be somewhat tricky to find right driver seat position, knees tend to hit center console, but i have been able to adjust the seat to minimize the discomfort. find it very hard to stay off the accelerator. can be driving 100 and not notice it. car is very solid and you can feel it. Was able to get a very good price for it. not quite a GLI without all the extra stuff but for 7000 less, you cant beat it.