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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  A New Diesel Convert! - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Bill D. in L.A. - November 9 - 7:20 pm

  Looking for a combination of good gas mileage, sportiness and quality is not easy. However, the Jetta TDI hits on all 3! I love this car. 33 MPG in L.A. traffic and downtown and over 40 MPG on the freeway, all with a brand new engine. The TDI really makes me enjoy driving again. The suspension is a bit bit stiff and the steering is very responsive. The interior finish is equivalent to a much more expensive car. Love the new white and red dash instrument lights. The neon blue in older VWs can lead to vertigo (kidding). The folks at VW have hit a home run with this car. Bought through the the AAA program. Great price and dealers will still negotiate too.

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  I chose an 06 Jetta TDI over the Cadillac CTS - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Billin NC - November 9 - 5:46 pm

  My 04 Cadillac CTS was totaled and I chose the Jetta TDI over another CTS. The current model is as large as the 05 Passat. It has plenty of interior room. The trunk is very large and the rear seats fold down. There are many standard features on this car that you would normally have to pay extra for on other cars. The interior materials are of high quality. The diesel engine is relatively quiet. The seats are comfortable with plenty of adjustments. I have Pkg. 1 with the steptronic transmission (very smooth) and leatherette seats which I prefer for carrying dogs. Its handling is very good and it cruises like a dream at 75-80 mph. My first tank of diesel averaged 41 mpg with a 50/50 mix of driving. This is a great car!

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  Finally A Car I Love - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JLA - November 9 - 1:53 am

  Just picked up my Jetta TDI Sportswagon last week and so far Im loving it. Fun to drive, handles great, the turbo is a real kick. Perfect size after driving mini-vans for the last 19 years. Plenty of cargo area in the back, seats are comfortable. A/C works great and cools down the car within a couple of minutes. So far Im still on my first tank of gas but at 175 miles Ive only used a quarter of a tank of gas. Nice to finally have a car I look forward to driving.

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  Im VERY satisfied - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Raymond - November 8 - 6:03 am

  I have been averaging 41 mpg! The car has plenty of power and hugs the road very well. My only real complaint is that the sun visors do not have retractable extenders. When they are pulled over to protect against sunlight coming from the side, they can be very ineffective. We were also told that we did not have the option to purchase programmable buttons for our garage door opener with our model (GL). Since there is also no place to put a handheld door opener, we find this very disappointing.

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  Lion of the concrete Jungle - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sharkie - November 7 - 5:26 pm

  I love my car to RAS!!! VWs especially the VR6 (jetta/golf) go down well with people who love and care for them and not recommended for car neglects. Treat them well and they will go down in history with you. I will never drive anything else than a VW (6cyl) or an Audi. The good thing about them is you can really supe them up nice and steady. They are great @ curves and i will always recommend the shift stick (6spd) to transmission.

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  250k Mile Review - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bluebirdfan - November 6 - 4:23 am

  Original owner of a great commuter car. Have had no major problems mechanically. Still get 44 mpg overall with 80/20 hwy/city. Ride and drive a re still surprisingly good despite having 250,000 miles. Bought the car to be able to haul cargo and get good gas mileage after using a 1/2 ton truck. Still on original clutch, brakes, transmission, etc. Very impressed with the car overall and would not hesitate to buy again when this one dies.

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  My fingers are crossed - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By zbignew - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Good so far, but still, a few typical problems: Three window regulator replacements. Chipping and scratching on the inner door handles and sliding cig lighter/coin tray lid. The front spoiler assembly has been dragged off its flimsy plastic attach points. Replacement of the A/C adapter next to the coin tray. The left driver door creaks. Chances are, the mechanics previous job was fixing shopping carts. The service center waiting room is a kingdom of Woe. The car has been fine so far, but Im thinking about making a clean break when the lease is up.

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  2002 Jetta TDI - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By TDIowner - November 6 - 2:00 am

  We average about 47mpg. The best mileage was just over 60mpg and the worst being 38mpg in the summer with AC going and a lead foot. Havent had any issues with the car. We enjoy it so much we will be buying a second TDI. This car is not slow. It will hold its own. The car is very capable in city and highway driving. Our car is all stock. I have had a number of honda civics try and race us. I normally give and and race them. Havent been beaten yet. The Jetta 2.0 is very close in performance. I just wanted to show you this isnt a doggish diesel.

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  GERMAN!! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By TAZ - November 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a great fuel efficient vehicle.

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  I love my Jetta - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By barbara - November 5 - 4:20 am

  I love my Jetta, its comfortable with lumbar support. I like the simplicity of the style and it has good "get up and go". I have the Value Edition, therfore no fancy wheels. I bought aftermarket wheels and had problems getting the vibration out of the steering wheel. Thanks to an awesome tire dealer we found the Michelin tires where the answer with exact balancing. It took a whole month of back and forth to figure out what the problem was with tires wheels and my steering wheel shaking, but I am very happy now and would buy my Jetta all over again.