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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  2011 Jetta TDI 6 spd MT - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mike18040 - January 12 - 6:04 pm

  I have owned my Jetta for 2 weeks and absolutely love it. I read the Edmunds review prior to purchasing and I dont agree that VW has made a cheaper car. I owned a 2006 TDI and also loved that car, but I believe the 2011 is even better. The interior is wonderfully designed and high quality compared to many other cars. The 6 spd manual is silky smooth and fun to drive. It handles like its on rails. The fuel mileage is unbelievable for the power that you get too! The leatherette seats are of very high quality and look great. Overall, this car is worth every penny and is not cheaply built in any way. It seems like it should cost a lot more.

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  Poor Quality - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By vw_stinks - January 12 - 10:00 am

  My 1998 (44,000 miles) Jetta is a big disapointment. While it is a fun car to drive, it is hard to keep the car long enough to have too much fun. Since owning this vehicle I have had t the following problems: - 3 out of 4 power windows FAILED - Power Sunroof FAILED - Body molding FELL OFF (on both sides) - Power Steering Pump FAILED - factory battery FAILED after two years - Power Door locks intermitantly FAIL

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  VW losing their touch - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Alexandra - January 12 - 8:03 am

  Do yourself a favor and dont buy a jetta. My VR6 has been in my family since it was purchased in 2001 (its a 2000). I paid my brother 5,000 for the car in 2005 which was a steal (or so I thought). As of now, in 2009, ive spent almost 5,000 fixing it. Im a regular at the shop. Ive replaced, like many other Jetta owners, sensors, breaks (way too often), water pump, clutch, struts, some more sensors... The glove box and cup holder broke within the first two years of use (Cant Germans even engineer a cup holder?). All in all, from sensors to cup holders, its not much more than faulty junk.

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  Stay Away from Jetta! - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Eric B - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Lets see. The window regulator has broken on both windows. I burn through tail lights and headlights as fast as I can change them. The light in the trunk stopped working a year and no one can seem to figuire out why. The volume button on the radio is broken. The cup holder in the dash broke and has been fixed. Stock tires last 35,000 miles. Emergency brake sticks when it is below 32F. Battery used water as quickly as you can re-fill it. Oil cooler went out at 49,000 miles. Spark plugs went bad at 47,000. Finally at 50,000 they have discovered I have a blown head gasket. Buy at you own risk!!!! Nothing but headaches.

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  Jetta 1.8t / tiptronic & Sport pkg. - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By scottw911 - January 12 - 2:00 am

  For the money, the 1.8t, with the sport package and 17" wheels is exceptional. It offers plenty of performance and comfort for the relatively low price point. The small displacement offers good milage and a sense of environmental responsibility while the Turbocharger gives the car some real kick.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By NoEffort4u - January 11 - 10:36 am

  Since buying my Jetta TDI, I have had nothing but fun with it. My gas mileage has been anywhere from 42 - 48 on every single tank full. I love the sunroof and the heated seats. I was amazed at how low my insurance was also. So far, the only thing I have found that I do not care for, is the way the armrest covers up the second cup holder in the console. If you have two poeple in the front seat, it is a fight getting the second drink out from under the arm rest, unless you push it all the way back again. this car has enormous trunk space and lots of power plugs for anything you would want to plug in. Overall, the Jetta has been just super.

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  The Ultimate Road Warrior - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By michael - January 11 - 10:00 am

  The Jetta TDI is an excellent vehicle for the price. This is my second TDI and probably wont be my last. It gets 40 mpg and it isnt even broken in. I would definitely recommend it for anybody who wants a stylish, safe vehicle with outstanding fuel economy.

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  Who Knew - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Joe - January 9 - 7:20 pm

  I am driving my 5th VW and have owned a lot of fine cars, Jaguar, Lincoln, Mercedes just to name a few. I have been driving for 45 years and have owned more than 25 cars. I still think the VW is the finest car ever built for the price. Notice that I said for the price. You can buy more expensive cars that have everything you could ever want, but for my money I love VWs. As for the one guy who wrote there a piece of junk, maybe he truly got a lemon, thats why there are lemon laws. I have never paid for anything other than normal maintenance items for all 5 of my VWs. Forever faithful to European excellence in manufacturing.

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  Not what you would expect. - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Unhappy - January 8 - 10:26 pm

  Traded a 2003 Beetle for new Jetta GLI, worst trade ever made. Jetta has good performance, poor gas mileage from what sales person explained. Major problem with brake issue. I have only owned for 2 months, been in shop 3 times for brakes and still not fixed. Paint was bubbling on rear of car. One of the BBS rims paint faded.

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  Way OVER engineered - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tbsx - January 7 - 6:42 pm

  I donÂ’t understand the great reviews considering so many characteristic problemsÂ… youÂ’ll see. Should the engine stall while in motion the key must cycle fully off to restart the auto. This LOCKS the steering while in motion. With clutch depressed the engine wont rev above 2500 rpms. I have to pop the clutch several times when on a hill or stall engine. The traction control system engaged breaks on left side of car (I never touched the breaks) sending the car sideways. Lights come on when I donÂ’t want; they go off when I donÂ’t. Doors lock, unlock automatic.