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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  Good so far - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Newbie - October 29 - 4:40 am

  Just got my 2006 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0T two days ago. I will update my review when Ive had it longer. I got a 2.0T with Package 2 for $500 UNDER DEALER INVOICE (just under $26,000). I paid $1,000 down for all fees, title, taxes, tags, including cap cost reduction of about $250 yielding monthly of about $365 for 36 month lease and 12,000 miles per year including 10% DC tax. I was going to get package 3 but there werent any around here that didnt also have navigation; tested navigation didnt seem worth it. I put 5 for reliability and build coz I dont have a basis to judge yet.

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  Even better at 2,000 miles - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Newbie - October 28 - 7:50 pm

  This updates my 2/26/2006 post entitled "Good so far." I now have about 2,000 miles on it. Ive been totally happy with the car. The car came in with no defects whatsoever and none have materialized yet. The gas mileage Im getting is about 21 city and 31 hwy.

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  Review of VW Jetta - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Blendermix22 - October 28 - 1:16 pm

  Bought car upon college grad drove it four years. Scotchguard did not prevent staining of water spill on passenger seat or fading from sunlight. Timing belt problematic from beginning, dont expect good or adequate service from Kingston VW. Went in five times before they actually agreed to fix it. Brakes replaced twice in four years, check engine light was on most of the four years due to faulty O2 sensor that was never fixed properly. Space is deceiving- not much room in backseat, trunk is big but opening too small to fit items. Revs too high (when in 5th on the highway, sounds like its in 3rd). Once ownership ended (returned vehicle) all communication from VW ended as well(no follow-up).

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  The best car ever - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Moncho - October 28 - 1:10 pm

  Ive been a Volkwagen guy since 1988 when i took a ride in a VW Fox. I Also have a 2003 Jetta 1.8T and a 2001 Bettle. I ahve had no problems at all with any of them. So far this is the best Volkwagen ever, it run fast and it looks great.

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  Great auto, 3rd world bluetooth - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By rmcmilla - October 27 - 6:40 pm

  I have been following the TDI for a year and finally purchased one recently. Impressed with the zip-ability of the TDI and the DSG is the transmission from heaven (really, it is that good). The big surprise was to find my common Verizon cell phone will not connect to the VW bluetooth system. It works great in my Fords Sync system but it is not on the short list of acceptable Verizon phones that work within VW. No where in the VW literature (that I can find) nor on the autos window sticker state the Bluetooths connectivity is so limited. Big disappointment, now I need to purchase dumber phones to work in both autos.

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  Be wary - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By erhowe - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my old Accord for a used Jetta, as I was swayed by the VW hype. Have doubted this decision ever since. Within the first 11 months, check engine light came on 8 different times--signaling many major engine problems. My "new" car was in the shop over a week each of these times. Some of the problems I was told were undiagnosable--until the warrenty ran out, conveniently. A co-worker had the same car, only a 98, and he had the exact same problems with his. Make sure exhaust system is in top- shape, as I found that this is very expensive to fix.

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  Awesome car! best ive ever owned - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By shaun - October 25 - 11:23 pm

  i have owned this car since new and it has given me nothing but good experiences, it has never left me on the side of the road and Ive never had any problems with the engine or parts. It provides me with great gas mileage and they are very comfortable inside and for long trips. It has very smooth driving too. No problems and very reliable.

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  unreliable dream car - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dan - October 22 - 3:40 am

  I bought my TDI used with 20,000 miles on it. It now has 120,000 miles. The car is fun to drive and gets great gas mileage but thats all I can say good about it. I have had trouble with A/C 3 times, pwr windows, hardware falling off, engine immobilizer, light bulbs, radio reception, and ... The worst part is the quality of service. I have tried 3 different dealers. Ive had 8 VWs over the years but this is the last one!!

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  Best Overall Car - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By TDICT - October 21 - 12:56 am

  I have owned 15 cars over the past 30 years ranging from a Subaru to a Porsche. The Jetta TDI is the best overall so far. Low price, great gas mileage, fun to drive, roomy, great build quality and love the huge sun roof.

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  Love the TDI - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By scooter - October 20 - 7:46 pm

  I have had the TDI for 3 weeks now. I looked at the A3 TDI, but it was $8,000 more and wasnt as well equipped. The Jetta has the same engine and transmission, so I didnt need the four rings. The Jetta is also much more spacious and has a bigger trunk. I love this car. It is fun to drive, well built and gets great mileage. Im averaging 39mpg on mostly city driving. i bought this car as a third car. My BMW 530xi hasnt left the garage since.