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:
Showing 1791 through 1800 of 4,495.00-
Wouldnt get another VW if you paid me - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
By cd1138 - January 25 - 2:00 amI have had nothing but problems since I got this car. The trunck released at will on the highway, the car wouldnt come out of park if the a/c was on, the windows fell inside the door twice, the paint peeled off, and the transmission has had problems twice. In addition to this all of the plastic parts inside have either broken or fallen off.
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Be afraid - be very afraid! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
By SO UNHAPPY! - January 24 - 10:00 amI was so excited...my first NEW car. No more worrying about breaking down or having my car in the shop - I was buying a VW! NOT! This car stinks so bad - I dont even know where to start - Im so angry w/ VW I just cant stand it. Gas tank was replaced after having the car for 1 month. Sunroof leaks, mass air-flow sensor had to be replaced, passenger & driver window regulators both broke within a week of eachother. VW Customer Care has reminded me that VW is not obligated to help its customers after the warranty expires - even if they know the parts they used to build the car are crappy. Please save yourself the trouble - buy ANY other car!
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VERY BAD EXPERIENCE - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
By MA_Driver - January 24 - 10:00 amI raved about my Volkwagen Jetta TDI for the first 50,000 miles, but have been very disappointed since then. The list of repairs is numbing: glow plug relay, glow plug, air flow sensor, passenger window motor, and dash lights. All of these problems have cropped up in the last 20,000 miles. Ready to push it off a cliff.
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Engine Issues - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
By Jenny - January 23 - 7:56 amI bought this car because of its great looks and cheap price tag; however, all I have faced is headaches. I am currently going in for the fourth time since my purchase for engine, exhaust, and electrical problems. One of the times there had been a recall through VW, and I was never notified.
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Great Car All the Way - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
By xscoops - January 22 - 6:52 pmI just recently got my Jetta SE but love it! I have driven many different makes and models and for the cost the Jetta is certainly the best value. I was, like most, somewhat apprehensive after reading reviews about poor interior quality but took it upon myself to go investigate. After driving and seeing all the great features I was impressed and bought the car right after. Dont be swayed by any reviews until you have personally experienced the car for yourself!
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Wouldnt buy another VW - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
By MC001 - January 21 - 10:00 amSo far (Ive had the car since Sep 99), Ive had the following go wrong: O2 Sensor out - took 2 days to replace Cupholders broke Center arm rest latch broke Drivers side window fell into door Two weeks later (after the factory recall repair was supposedly done), the right side window fell into the door Mass airflow sensor had to be replaced (this seems to be a common one) Its not that this is such a bad car. I have the VR 6, and it drives really well, has great power, and is quiet. Its just that with a VW, I expected to feel like I had a reliable car, and I dont.
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Mini-BMW - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
By WLFSBRG18T - January 21 - 10:00 amWhat an awesome car! People often underestimate the power of this little car, but on the highway, this car is unbeatable. The interior is fantastically furnished and equipped and the seats are supportive without being constrictive. The classic lines of the Jetta are perfectly accented by the subtle yet classy BBS RXIIs on which the vehicle rides. Recently, an older gentleman in a Jaguar complimented on the classiness of my car, quite the compliment coming from someone with clearly refined tastes.
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ride/drive - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
By caroline - January 21 - 10:00 amit was very comfortable, and very relaxfull.
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Unreliable and Expensive - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
By Jimbo - January 21 - 5:13 amI like the design and handling of this car however there have been several major issues. My car has had a series of electrical issues and you need to be a contortionist to get to the fuse box. Ive had the air conditioner fail. the fan switch short out and MELT, the coil cracked (a common issue) and this is in addition to the exhaust rattling (another common problem). You expect to have to do replacement of wearable mechanicals however this is an expensive car to repair. Even basic replacement items such as struts are far more expensive than any car Ive ever had. You have to go to the dealer to replace/ top off trans fluid in automatics. Idiotic.
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Love my New Jetta - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
By rosweet - January 19 - 10:46 amI traded my 9yr old Civic for a new jetta SE automatic. Really enjoy the horsepower I got and all the conveniences came with the car. Love the sunroof and heated seat especially in cold So Cal winter.