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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  Dont - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By LisasJetta - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car brand new with less than 50 miles. I have had nothing but problems and its been in the shop more than Ive been able to drive it. Dont count on Volkswagon to help you out either as they have been nothing but rude with me whenever Ive called to complain of all of the problems. If I were you, Id look elsewhere for a car.

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  VW Stands for Virtual Wreck - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By PenelopePeach - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Many things have been fixed or replaced on this car & only 1/3 was covered under their "warranty". Here are a few of the major things: the speed sensor 2x, throttle body & adjoining parts, the engine fan & its "computer", the battery exploded-it & took 2 hours to maneuver it out of the awkwardly mounted box, the transmission has had several repairs & the engine light has been reset a few times by the dealer when it comes on for NO reason. Ive had 2 recalls, 1 for the seatbelt & 1 for the oxygen sensor. Not to mention all of the little gadgets awaiting repair. This car is just your old- fashioned,plain and simple LEMON and I know Im not the only one!

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  Oh So Bad - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By butafly00 - December 5 - 11:33 am

  Major things broken : ABS-$500+,Throttle body $350,A/C $800,Oxygen sensor $500, ALL fuel lines and pump $750. Finally after only 3 years and no accidents I was told the car is "irrepairable" Minor things: hubcaps replaced 3x cause they just fall off, window fell into door,car stuck in park and had to be towed Annoyances: Cloth seats will NEVER look clean cause felt like material keeps all lint for life. Gas milage is poor in my opinion for a sedan. Things inside the car are always breaking, like the glove box, cup holders, cloth on ceiling.

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  All around awesome. - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By illimk4 - December 4 - 1:32 am

  When going for a different vehicle I was searching for something stock turbocharged that had potential as far as tuning goes. Originally I set out to find an srt-4 but found a 1.8T GLI first. Im glad I decided to purchase that instead. The car is fun to drive and fairly quick stock, but with apr stage 1 software It definitely kicks it up a notch. I love my VW and I doubt I will ever drive anything else. They are well built and very reliable. The only downfall is VW vehicles are expensive to maintain. Other than that the car is well worth what I paid for it.

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  Audi for VW price - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By epic_sandwich - December 3 - 10:18 pm

  This car is incredible. A true sleeper, the turbo motor responds well to simple mods (intake, downpipe, tune) but has plenty of power stock. The 6-spd is one of the best Ive rowed thru. The interior just oozes luxury like a high-end Audi. The steering feel (and the wheel) is phenomenal. Brakes are great. The handling is the best- fling this family sedan into a corner and it will throw the apex into a headlock, its incredible. Comes standard with all the luxury options but you cant option extra like phone Bluetooth, pwr seats, etc. Still an awesome deal and a true sleeper!

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  New Jetta Rocks! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By NRH - December 3 - 10:33 am

  I love this car! Ive had my “New Jetta” for 3 months now, and I couldnt be more pleased with it. The handling is outstanding, and the interior wouldnt be out of place in a luxury car. I used to have a Ford Explorer, and was looking for a fun car to have; something nice but affordable. This is it. Anyone looking for a luxury car without the price; this car is for you. The build quality is amazing. Just feeling the texture of the materials, and the way the car handles and rides on rough roads is amazing.

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  Im broke - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dontbuyajetta - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Jetta in 2000, the day I drove it off the lot I knew something was up. Ive had several problems; muffler fell off twice, Mileage sucks, the back seats are two small to fit anyone, transmission went at 33,00, fan belt went at 55,000. The exterior (plastic rubber pieces on the side) flew off into the road as I was driving. Its been a nightmare. I drove through a puddle and the sparkplugs got wet and it took days to get it started. Now the car just overheats. I was very religious in taking proper care of this car so it would last me a long time. Please do yourself a favor and dont buy one. It will do a number to your wallet.

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  VW Service is for the Birds - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Missing Amplifier - December 3 - 10:00 am

  With a missing amplifier at our purchase, to 4 years of sound system problems, I am fed up with VWs lack of responsibility for their product. After 2 1/2 years of daignosis on an poorly installed amplifier, we thought our days of leaving the Jetta for service all day were over. Wrong, now a little over a year later we are back with the same issue and Don Jacobs VW in Lexington, KY will not revisit their work to check the issue and VW of America will not support the consumer because the years warranty on the replaced parts is now over. Consumers will spend more time at the dealership (without resolve) than enjoying their brand new cars!

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  Diesels Rule Hybrids Drool - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Frank D - December 1 - 5:26 am

  Ok, not a long range review, I only have 1200 miles on it, but so far love it. I have been averaging 42 mpg on my 27 mile one way commute, mostly country highway miles. Heated seats are great on the cold mornings, I dont mind the long time for heat to come out the vents, but after 3-4 miles the interior begins to heat up nicely. Inside layout is very good, but it is a smaller car so not that much room to store things. I like the panoramic roof and the radio system. The computer display is functional and I love to play the game of mpg. Ive wanted a TDI for 10 years and finally talked the wife into it. From a green standpoint of "oil well to wheels" a diesel is more efficient than a hybrid.

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  Third VW, this time TDI! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Thewinechik - November 30 - 5:43 am

  This is my third Volkswagen. My first a 1971 Super Bettle, my second a 1997 Jetta that I drove for 147K and 10 days ago a North See Green 2006 Jetta TDI. I am impressed and happy with all the changes, large and small that this vehicle has undergone. Impressive. It is spacier that my old one, it rides like a jewel and you must watch yourself from not speeding since it feels like you are going slow but you are flying. My stick shift TDI is giving me great mileage too and diesel is cheaper than gas. I could not be happier. The car is eye catcher, in fact wherever I go people want to see it, they peek in or they ask about it. GO the test drive it. I love it, only neg: keeping it clean.