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 If You Dont Like Driving Much - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By R.D. - April 26 - 6:37 pm

  First of all, Sport has nothing to do with it. "Sport" is an overstatement. If you performance and an engaging car to drive, get a GTI or GLI. I bought my 2016 Jetta Sport last January to replace my 2000 Audi A6 2.7t and boy do I regret it. The "Sport" model includes the same suspension setup featured in the GLI, fog lights, a lip spoiler and sport seats with more bolstering than your standard Jetta. All good things, but unfortunately the rest of the car doesnt match the persona that Volkswagen tried to get with the "Sport" trim. If you want to merge onto a highway with a speed limit of 70, good luck doing that safely. If you want to pass somebody on a highway at about 70, you arent going nowhere. The 1.8t is an absolute dog of an engine. No torque, no pickup and absolutely atrocious gearing. If you care, even in the slightest about performance the Jetta Sport is not the car for you. The five speed gearbox features nice, smooth, short throws. But thats about all its got going for it. The clutch has an excessively long travel, the engagement is horrible and its feather light and feels like its pushing away from you. Its also worth nothing that the reverse gear of this car does not have a syncro. What this means is that it sometimes wont engage into reverse properly and will grind occasionally when being put in reverse. This also means that the car cant be put into reverse while moving at all. Something that most cars nowadays have. Throttle application is uneven and not smooth and the turbo lag is annoying. The interior build quality is pretty horrible, expect plenty of squeaks, rattles and badly pieced together trim. Everything is hard, hollow plastic and everything from the speakers to the headliner will rattle at some point. One of the few redeeming features this car has is that you can get up to 45 miles per gallon highway. Thats pretty damn good.

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  Good If You Dont Like Driving Much - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By R.D. - April 26 - 6:37 pm

  First of all, Sport has nothing to do with it. "Sport" is an overstatement. If you performance and an engaging car to drive, get a GTI or GLI. I bought my 2016 Jetta Sport last January to replace my 2000 Audi A6 2.7t and boy do I regret it. The "Sport" model includes the same suspension setup featured in the GLI, fog lights, a lip spoiler and sport seats with more bolstering than your standard Jetta. All good things, but unfortunately the rest of the car doesnt match the persona that Volkswagen tried to get with the "Sport" trim. If you want to merge onto a highway with a speed limit of 70, good luck doing that safely. If you want to pass somebody on a highway at about 70, you arent going nowhere. The 1.8t is an absolute dog of an engine. No torque, no pickup and absolutely atrocious gearing. If you care, even in the slightest about performance the Jetta Sport is not the car for you. The five speed gearbox features nice, smooth, short throws. But thats about all its got going for it. The clutch has an excessively long travel, the engagement is horrible and its feather light and feels like its pushing away from you. Its also worth nothing that the reverse gear of this car does not have a syncro. What this means is that it sometimes wont engage into reverse properly and will grind occasionally when being put in reverse. This also means that the car cant be put into reverse while moving at all. Something that most cars nowadays have. Throttle application is uneven and not smooth and the turbo lag is annoying. The interior build quality is pretty horrible, expect plenty of squeaks, rattles and badly pieced together trim. Everything is hard, hollow plastic and everything from the speakers to the headliner will rattle at some point. One of the few redeeming features this car has is that you can get up to 45 miles per gallon highway. Thats pretty damn good.

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  What I love, what I hate - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By kogan - April 26 - 3:36 am

  Jetta fulfills promise of feeling the road w/ tight cornering & great acceleration. During 1st 900 mi.had to replace spark plugs. Too much red in dash at night make finding things hard. AC may not do the job in summer heat. Heat on floor takes too long during cold weather. Black cloth interior show EVERY speck of lint. Sun visors too short. Cruise control sputters when resuming speed. Cant figure it out. Rear visibility could be better. Keyless entry fob needs to be more intuitive.

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  Fun to drive, Poor Quality - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By sath - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Its a fun car to drive, I have had it for almost an year but in the past month Ive had the radio replaced, the front passenger power window quit working, the reverse light relay was shot, the glove coprtment light stays on and the ignition coil broke. There was a recall on the ignition coil.

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  Three Days and Really Surprised - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mikey Bee - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive only been driving my 03 Wolfsburg 5spd. for a few days, but I must say that I am pleasantly surprised with my initial impression of the car. The build quality is very tight, and the materials are of high quality. I was/am definitely nervous about Mexican build quality, but initially its great. The seats are fantastic, the engine performs strongly, its quiet, and the standard stereo sounds great. This is my first "European" car (Ive only purchased Japanese cars before), so Im definitely nervous about reliability. Hopefully, I will be lucky!

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  Good car, lots of little problems - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Justin - April 25 - 2:26 pm

  Based on the criteria above, I gave the Jetta 1.8T a good review. Overall, this is a very nice looking and fun car to drive. There are, however, a lot of little things that frustrate me. The check engine light comes on a lot. I read the code, and its a problem with the coolant temp sensor. Not a big deal, but still. The interior rattles a TON. Pretty disappointing for a car of this caliber (read price). The gas mileage is okay. 25-26 mixed, 28-29 hwy. Now in winter its 23mpg. Cost of maintenance is high. The ride is pretty stiff. On smooth roads is like butter. On anything less than smooth, you feel every bump (and hear it via the interior rattles). Not as worry free as I would like.

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  Loaded German Luxury for 26K - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jayjay78 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  before I bought my Jetta i was looking at the BMW 325i. Compared both and for everyday use the Jetta drives just as nice as the 325i looks great, fun to drive and great power from the Vr6 with a super smooth Trany, there is no other car out there the size of the Jetta with the looks, price, features, and the German feel with a V6 for this price

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  Nice Looks, but Do Your Homework! - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By IL-VW - April 23 - 1:36 pm

  VWs exterior and interior material are much better than those that are used in most import and domestic autos, but mechanically I think they need to improve. We are currently having issues with oil consumption of 1 quart of 5W-40 synthetic oil ($5-6) every 1,300 miles and a soft brake pedal on cold starts. VW claims that 1 quart per 1,000 miles is normal. I do not agree with this, I think they got this spec. from the VW Bug. The dealer and VW Corp. will not fix these problems. Please, do your homework before you buy any VW. Try http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ for consumer complaints before you buy.

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  Very impressed - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mylasher - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Jetta for four years with very few problems. I got the bottom-rung model and next time will get the power windows and seat, cruise control and sunroof. After about 80,000 miles the Check Engine light started to come on at odd times with no noticable change in performance. Its reportedly the oxygen sensor. After 105,000 miles, oil changes about every 5,000-8,000 miles, two brake jobs, one tire change and no other maintenance, the car is still getting its factory mileage and performance. Im very impressed.

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  Very Happy with This Purchase, So Far - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jsefcik - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new in November, 2003. Huge incentive from VW so the car was a steal. Ive been thrilled with it so far. The build quality seems far superior to the Mazda, Matrix, Impreza, Focus. No comparison really. My sis-in-law owns an Audi A4 Wagon that is a spitting image -- same exact engine, same interior --except the Audi has trip computer, leather and 4wd. If you think leather, trip computer and 4WD equals $17,000, then go for the Audi. My car was half the price of hers!