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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  Love It! - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By NJ Steve - October 15 - 5:00 am

  I traded an 01 Cavalier with 136,000 miles on it for a VW Jetta Wolfsburg. My fiancee has an A4 Audi. These cars are very similar, but not the same. So far, other than the vanity light not working (dealer repaired), the car is great. It has lots of power, handles great, and its comfortable. I wish it came in blue though. I think we are going to trade the A4 in on a Jetta GLI and save $6,000-$8,000. It just has no quattro AWD. I was leery about the car being built in Mexico. I was going to buy a Rabbit 4 door that was made in Germany, but for $500 or so more, I went with the Jetta and am glad that I did. I would not recommend the dealer though. They were typical BS artists with no product knowledge! I knew way more about all VWs than them.

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  Made in Mexico CRAP! Do not buy!! - 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jreed10 - October 15 - 1:55 am

  I purchased my Jetta TDI nearly 4 months ago (Jan. 21), and loved it at first, but it has rapidly begun to fall apart already. The navigation system is an utterly useless waste of money, the "premium" Fender sound system develops so many vibrations that one cannot even enjoy listening to music, and the door panels started rattling while driving, after less than 2 months of ownership, so I cant even enjoy driving the car anymore. Its a shame, because the fuel economy and powertrain are both fantastic, but overall, I would not recommend this car to my worst enemy. I have grown to hate it that much. VW wont even stand behind their product and make it right. Dont waste your money.

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  My problems - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ASavage - October 14 - 2:00 am

  First the good news, VW has decided that the mass airflow sensor is covered by the powertrain warranty ($350 you wont have to spend every 3 years or so). I have also had problems with tie rods, coil packs, and the windows in hot weather(not wanting to roll back up). Ive had problems with dealership service in New England, but my dealer in Virginia was great. Overall, not a bad car, but it has gotten considerably more expensive than I expected.

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  becareful!!! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By argentineink - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I had three major oil leaks, was under warranty and was fixed. window fell in on both driver and passenger side, seatbelt in back *middle one* is stuck and wont get loose, center cupholder is broken, back cup holder is broken, oozing stuff out by the front doors, cd changer reads *cd error*. most problems have been fixed by VW. car has 65000 now, and it uses 5 quarts of full synthetic oil *4.99 per quart* in less then two months! friend works for vw told me to take it in and if they cant fix it, to get rid of it! i have 900mi left on warranty, well see!

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  My Sixth VW Diesel - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ensleyf - October 13 - 3:10 pm

  My early experience with VW diesels was that they were like driving a transfer truck as far as acceleration goes. The 2006 outperforms my 1998 TDI noticeably. In my first diesel VW, a 1977 Rabbit, I got 47 MPG on a trip when it was nearly new. It had no power options or air conditioning. It averaged about 40 MPG in combination driving. The 2006 does slightly better than that even when I drive 75 - 85 miles per hour on the interstate. The top speed of the 1977 Rabbit was 75 MPH but I have not reached top speed in the 2006 TDI although. I reached 90 MPH when I passed a car on the interstate recently. The only negative that I can bring up is that I sometimes brush my head on the doorway entering

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  FOURTH JETTA IN THE FAMILY - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Doug JR. - October 13 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS THE FOURTH JETTA IN OUR FAMILY. I HAVE FOUND IT TO BE MORE RELIABLE THAN MY PARENTS 2000 JETTA GLS. THE ENGINE IS NOT VERY POWERFUL, BUT ONCE YOU REV IT UP, IT SPRINGS TO LIFE. ANYONE WHO DISAGREES WITH ME JUST SHOULDNT OWN A VW. ONCE YOU DRIVE A JETTA AND LEARN HOW TO DRIVE IT EFFECTIVELY, YOU CAN STOP HEARTS. P.S. FOR ALL OF THOSE ANTI VW PEOPLE WHO THINK I DONT KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT KEEP THIS IN MIND, I HAVE HAVE TWO PORSCHES 911 & 928, A 328I BMW, AND THIS JETTA. I CHOOSE TO DRIVE MY JETTA DAILY. AND I ALWAYS HAVE A SMILE WHEN I GET HOME!

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  I love my GLI - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Masemoto - October 13 - 6:23 am

  One test drive an I was sold. This car satisfies me in every way. Its interior space and design are excellent. The car performs flawlessly. The engine roars with power. The car looks sharp. What more could you want. Fuel economy? Try 26 in the city and 31+ on the highway. The value for money is amazing for something which does everything great. I have yet to have any problems with my VDub and would highly recommend it to anyone. Take a test drive and youll see what I am talking about. A+

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  Dont Waste Your Money - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VWMoneyPit - October 12 - 8:10 pm

  I had a 70 Bug in school that needed infrequent attention and which I remember fondly. Those memories led me to purchase the Jetta thinking that the quality of the Jetta would be all that I remembered Volkswagen being; i.e., a maufacturer of quality automobiles. That is not the case. My Jetta has had numerous, costly electrical, engine wiring and emission problems (two catylytic converters in ten years), two broken glove boxes (how long have they been making cars?) and atrocious customer service. All of that ensures that I will never buy a VW again. My four purchases before the Jetta were Toyotas and Hondas - not as much fun to drive but trouble-free and much, much kinder on my pocketbook.

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  Beg to differ - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By gys98jetta - October 9 - 9:23 pm

  Great to drive to Sacramento and back and to work and to all my friends houses and then do it all over again.

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  Great Compromise - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By DriverTDI - October 9 - 10:00 am

  MY Jetta TDI is a great great automobile. I average 47mpg with combination driving (75 city/25 hwy), it doesnt take off like a 3.5 Altima..but then again an Altima (no matter what engine) cant get 50mpg...ever. It can, however, get out into traffic with no problems...was pleasantly surprised at its ability to go from a stop. It is loads more comfortable than the Corolla I traded in on it, which is important when travelling more than 2 hours at a time. The has great build quality, and is surprisingly quiet on the road too.