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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  I should have waited - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By J*** - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought my wagon 18 mo. ago and wish I wouldve thought twice. The wagon is cute and decent to drive, but it has its share of problems. The Mojave Beige is hard to see in certain light. I replaced child window locking switch due to malfunction. When we were hit on the passenger side at about 50 mph (guy blew through a red light when we had a turn arrow), NOT ONE of the safety features which I bought the car for, engaged. After a dealer check, they show that heated mirrors are functioning only part-time (but of course they wouldnt fix that while it was in the shop!) It has lost way too much in resale value. Over $10K!

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  I love my car!!! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jaime - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I love my car! Its amazingly fun to drive, and people are always amazed at how much storage the car has. I recommend this car to anyone who is even considering buying a compact sedan!

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  I love my car!!! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jaime - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I love my car! Its amazingly fun to drive, and people are always amazed at how much storage the car has. I recommend this car to anyone who is even considering buying a compact sedan!

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  Dont even consider this year! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jessica - November 29 - 8:56 am

  I bought a Jetta as my first car. Parents thought it was great because of the safety features and gas mileage, blah blah blah, and what teenage girl doesnt want a cute little Jetta? Since the very week after buying it, its had nothing but problems. Computer glitches, leaks,AC wont work, malfunctions, and mysteries that the dealership seems incapable to fix. I love my car, but at the same time, I expected it to be a long term, reliable car. And its proving to cost more than I ever anticipated. The engine has been great, its just that every other possible thing that could go wrong, has and will. Dont even consider an 02 Jetta.

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  Great Drive but Not Very Reliable - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By papertiger - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Plus - nice drive, solid feel & performance; Minus - contaminated fuel line; dead battery; electronic related failure (3 times)

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  I love my little Jetta - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ev_rickus - November 28 - 1:56 am

  With all the negative reviews most people have about this year/model, I have been fortunate to not have the same problems. Dad bought this car in 05, and I have been driving it since 11. Bought car around 60k miles - dad had about $3000 of repairs put into it at time of purchase. Then replaced the water pump shortly after I started driving in 2008. Had to replace inner/outer CV axles after hitting a nasty pothole back in 2012 (cost $500, OUCH!) Car just passed 176k miles. Trans is having problems (expected, its all OEM far as I know), no electric issues (surprise there), the center console latch and glove box door broke, cloth liner falling down. Good car, plan to have for a while more

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  Diesel UPDATE - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By sprouty - November 25 - 1:40 am

  I originally reviewed this car on 1/15/05, and I just wanted to give an update. Now at 35,000 miles, the car is still a delight. Now that fuel prices have surged well past $3.00/gallon we enjoy the great mileage all the more (now averaging 43-44 MPG). The car has been 100% reliable and durable - much more so than our 2001 VR6 was. We obviously love the fuel economy, but the TDI engine is also wonderful for low- down torque. You never have to wind this engine to find the power. Its right on tap and very smooth. With 4 snow tires, its great in the winter. Factor in the wagon versatility, great comfort, a fun and spunky driving personality, and the car is a winner all-around. I hope the new ones come as wagons.

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  Excellent Car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By abarcius - November 24 - 5:40 am

  If you are looking for a fun-to-drive, powerful, reliable car and does not mind paying a little extra for these three things the Jetta GLX VR6 is your car. I bought mine in Feb. 2001 and I love it.

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  Sweet Jetta - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Zack - November 21 - 8:51 am

  So much fun. So sporty. Looks like an Audi. Much more affordable. Fun to drive.

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  Needs more HP - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By KRUZNBY - November 19 - 10:00 am

  I had previously owned a 85 Jetta. I loved that car so I thought I would get another Jetta. The interior layout and style is great as well. The major problem I had with this car is the lack of power. Even with a 5 speed, it seemed to take forever to get it moving. Dont even think of shifting at 3K RPMs, wait it out until 4K and you will be a bit happier. The other problems I had in the 2 years I owned it: 2 window motor controllers failed, factory volume knob does not respond properly, and a desperately needed tune up. When it would rain or just plain humid, the car would miss a lot. I had to replace the cap/rotor, plugs and wires ($400).