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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  Very Cool Black 03 - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Rocky Mountain High - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Black with black interior and blacked out windows -- looks very cool. The base engine is plenty fast enough -- its a car I feel good about having my children drive. This is the 5th new VW Ive purchased -- all have been great cars. In buying the vehicles and having them serviced, the local dealer has always been excellent.

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  Der Wagen ist Wunderbar! Muchas gracias! - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dw438 - May 8 - 8:16 pm

  Yes. its a 2010 Jetta TDI SportWagen. Assembled in Mexico. And one of the hottest cars in North America. This is a diesel? For a wagon its got pickup ... and even style. The Jetta TDI SportWagen has lot of little things youd expect in cars that cost a heck of a lot more ... and are standard. A very comfortable, low-to-the-ground torquey drive. It hugs the corners on high-speed parkways .. and proves to be a nimble creature driving around the big city. It even did well in the recent last weekend of autumn 2009 snow here in the Northeast. The fit and finish is solid. Very quiet for a small car. Great audio system. A superb, well-engineered replacement for my hybrid Ford Escape.

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  Best New Car Ever! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dan - May 8 - 11:36 am

  The price of gas drvoe me to trade in my 2003 4WD Toyota Tundra, which I really liked, on the new Jetta. After a lot of research, I decided that the Jetta was clearly the best value going. There are a few other cars out there with the new Jettas features, but they cost thousands more. But the real proof came with the buying and the driving. I have never been happier with any car than this one. Superb in every respect, inside and out. If it werent for the VW symbol on the steering wheel, you would think you were driving a car that you could never afford. Forget the high-priced alternatives like BMW or SAAB...theres no comparison. Now I look for reasons to have to drive somewhere!

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  Dependable - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By vwluv - May 3 - 4:16 am

  Dependable, solid sedan that is both fun to drive yet feels safe compact

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  Best for the planet and pocketbook! - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By PZeiger - May 2 - 12:36 pm

  Im acquainted with diesel because the last time I visted my relatives in Austria, they picked me up in a Audi A6 diesel. I previously owned a second generation VW Scirocco in the 80s and although I loved the car physically, it was a mechanical nightmare. Eventually got 140K on it but with two transmissions! This TDI is an unbelievable car! Everything is well thought out and superb quality. VWs attention to detail is unmatched. Little things like the back of the seat belt fastener has velvet backing on it so it doesnt scratch or make noise! The interior of the glove box is velvet lined like a jewelry box. The drive is true German, sporty, responsive, crisp, and joyous!

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  my thoughts - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ragtimeAlex - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Smooth alternative fuel vehicle.

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  Ugh! Headache within 2 months! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By David - May 1 - 5:36 pm

  Truthfully do not waste your time with this car... I got this car used at 64k miles... Exterior and Interior was BEAUTIFUL. 2 weeks after I have the car my check engine light come on. Take it back to the dealership they check it... its the AC temp gauge. They replace it... 2 days later the check engine light come on again. Take back to the dealership and they ask me to bring it back when I can use give up some time... later that day my dies. every dashboard light comes on and my ac and radio stops working... its been almost 2 weeks and the dealership can figure out what wrong with this car. I had a friend with a year older model and the same occurred with his car...

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  Great car for the money - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sam Houston - April 29 - 11:26 am

  Amazing what you get for the money paid. The car is fun to drive and interior is solidly built. Exterior is a little bit unimpressive, but with some aftermarket parts and accessories, it wil look fantastic.

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  fuel pump failure - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Steelyeyed - April 29 - 12:43 am

  While still under warranty, the HPFP failed and the whole fuel system has to be replaced as a result. AND VW will not pay for repairs which are $10k. VW developed a HPFP which is susceptible to lack of lubrication using the ULSF which is required by law, and it comes apart after 25k miles. VW blames it on bad fuel, but what reasonable person buys a car that one has to test the fuel on fill up? The Siemens pump is especially vulnerable and you should insist on the Bosch fuel pump.

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  Good car, but it will cost you in the long run... - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By flint879 - April 28 - 1:22 pm

  This car was great when my wife and I first bought it. Great gas mileage, very reliable when travelling long distances and it wasnt bad to drive. I wouldnt recommend owning this car though. The gas mileage is great, but its a Volkswagen, parts for this car are not easy to find and when you find them, they are hella expensive. Since Ive owned this car (4 years), Ive had to replace the transmission, 3 starters, exhaust system, fuel pump, and other such things. It doesnt do well in terms of going up hills because the engine is so small it can barely make it up most hills. Other than the gas mileage, I dont care much for this car.