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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  2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Stick - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Bernard Gibbes - February 4 - 2:53 pm

  I traded in a 2003 Audi A4 quattro with sports / premium / stick for this Jetta GLI. Amazingly, I dont miss my A4 at all. Its only been a week and its like a distant memory. The new GLI is a huge improvement over the previous model (just like all mark V Jettas). The engine is outstanding - this cars ability to accelerate is extremely impressive, particularly with the manual box. This is the best short-shifter I have used on a vehicle under $40,000. The clutch is smooth and light and the steering wheel is best in the world (under $100,000 at least). I love the sport cloth seats. They are not cold in the winter or sticky in the summer). VW used a high quality fabric, which is very durable. this car has a great MP3 stereo head unit and bi-xenons headlights, too.

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  Power house! - 2014 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Steven G - February 4 - 3:13 am

  Bought this car used 2 years ago from rental car company with 50k on it. Because I like speed I got the car tuned with apr stage 1 with a downpipe, and let me tell you WOW. 28mpg city and 0-60 maybe in the low 6s I beat tuned focus STs all the time. Stock this car performance wise beats most others in its class with mpg to power in consideration. But after the tune it is no contest. The ride is good not great for cornering really fast but Id rather not feel every crack anyways. Seats are comfortable, taken the car on many 3+ hour trips and no issues. Although the interior quality is a bit lacking.

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  Good to go - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By SDM69 - February 3 - 10:53 pm

  This is a great car. IÂ’ve had my New Jetta 2.5 for just over one month and all has been great. It is a very solid, well built car. It comes with many quality Euro-type features for its class like how the trunk and hood are self opening, all the way up. The trunk makes it great to operate with your hands full. You only need to press the key fob and it opens fully to place your stuff in. The fit and finish are excellent and the handling is very secure. So far, its been a great experience, I would recommend this car.

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  Cheaply Built Junk - 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
  By wriley999 - February 2 - 10:23 pm

  Garbage. VW does not stand behind their product. Begins to fail immediately after warranty.

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  An excellent car, but do your homework - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By calex905 - February 1 - 11:30 am

  This was the most reasonably priced car in this kind of fuel mileage range that did not feel like a toy. True the interior is not flashy, and I am a bit heavy for the standard seat bolsters, and it is not an independent rear suspension, but this little car is a kick to drive. I have 12,000 miles on and I have no complaints. I just got my first 50MPG trip this last weekend. In mixed driving I get 38 on the low side and can always depend on 44 to 45 MPG highway driving with cruise control on 65 or 70 from Fresno to Los Angeles and back. The DSG transmission does take a while to get used to but its a great car. Lots of torque and a huge backseat.

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  Passing up gas stations! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By KellerJetta - February 1 - 1:30 am

  I just picked up my Jetta TDI 3 weeks ago after lurking for years on the TDI forum. Its very quiet inside while cruising and is quicker than it feels. I am constantly finding myself trying to slow down because Im going too fast! The DSG tranny is a dream and gets almost the same mileage as the 5 speed stick. The car is very roomy inside and the trunk is huge! With the rear seats folded, I was able to fit 5 very large trophies that are over 4 feet tall.

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  Great Car, Great Buy! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By RobD - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I just wanted to say that this is an amazing car! Theres more than enough power stock in this car, its a dream. Its got all the features I need and all the controls are very instinctual (unlike a few Japanese cars Ive driven...). Id have to give VW a lot of praise for this little wonder.

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  Love my new Jetta!! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By snwilson - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I am a first time VW owner and I will never go back!

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  safe car - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By eecir - January 29 - 8:06 pm

  Bought the Jetta new and drove it for 53,500 miles. Fun car to drive and comfortable. Only complaint is electrical problems (windshield wipers, door locks, CD player,dash lights) which were corrected by service department after several trips in. Most impressed with the safety of vehicle. My wife and daughter were t-boned by a car going in excess of 70 mph. All air bags deployed and the only injury from this twisted metal was my wife sufferd a broken arm. Doctors, police and insurance adjuster were all amazed, given the impact the Jetta received and the condition of the vehicle, that no one was not killed or more severly injured. The safety features were the #1 reason I bought the Jetta. Im glad that I did.

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  A Coffin on Wheels - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dennisinwv - January 28 - 12:08 am

  When my 2006 Jetta TDI had 42,000 miles a timing belt clip broke at 45 mph, and after a loud "clang" the engine locked up. I requested a new engine, but VW refused and instead repaired the existing engine with a new camshaft for cylinder #1. Since then two more camshafts have failed for cylinder #1. The vehicle suddenly lost power in front of a semi tractor trailer at 65 mph and my family was almost killed. Absolute lemon. VW Customer Care Center doesnt care. Period.