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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  Great Jetta! - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Silazius - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Very fun to drive. VR6 is a great performer. Fit and finish inside is very good. Exterior fit and finish is excellent. Have had some problems with the fuel oxygen sensor, esp. when there is heavy rain. Also had to have the ignition switch replaced!? This is one of the last old style body types before they "Passatized" the Jetta. Ugh!

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  Great German Car - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jettaguy - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Be Nicer!! Any car made in Mexico is gonna have some bugs. Ive had some minor issues, nothing my mechanic and I couldnt help. After 55k miles, and regular maintenence I couldnt be happier. I drive hard, and fast, I punish my engine and brakes. Theyve never let me down. * a note for those of you who are always in the shop... make sure that the mechanic you use is REALLY qualified to tackle what you throw at them. NEVER go to a mechanic that also services American cars too, German cars require more finesse and expert tuning. Dont trust anyone but a German Dealership to do your work on a German Car.

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  Going, Going, Gone!!!!!!!!!!!! TDI - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jrainey - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Titles explain everything in some cases. I have had nothing but problems with this car from day one. I purchased it with great intentions of saving on yearly fuel costs. The money I saved in fuel I have certainly made up replacing window regulators, o2 sensors, wiring harn, ect. Not to mention the number of hours trying to find someone to fix it. Five dealers in UT, none that can fit you into their busy schedual. That must say something about haw many are being serviced.

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  Excellent compact car - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jbk70 - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car after driving Hondas for 10 years. Its been a great experience so far -- can schlepp a lot considering its compact size! Couldnt be happier would recommend to anyone.

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  Awesome buy - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By C.O. - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Ive had it for over a week now and I am very impressed. I went for the basic GL 5-speed, but you get so much with it. Power windows, power locks, security system, etc. I also got the Monsoon sound system that was already installed. Comparible cars couldnt compete. I had a Jeep Cherokee and swore I would never buy anything but an SUV again, that is until my wife talked me into to test driving the Jetta. I was hooked and I love it. It rides so smooth, so be careful. You can be doing 80 to 85 and not even realize it!

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  Not your typical diesel - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mccrazy - October 25 - 4:43 am

  Coming from a Legacy GT I was worried that the power wouldnt be there. However mated with the 6 speed manual it is plenty of zip and performs just fine in the mountains near Denver. The 1 regret is the gearing on the vehicle for higher speed driving. For customers that need to avg. 80 mph you wont get the typical 42 mpg I have been calculating. The best mpg - avg speed hovers around 60 - 63 mph which correlates to 50 mpg. Overall I am happy so far, 6,600 miles in the fuel costs are excellent and always try to get 600 miles to the tank. Pricing makes it hard to say no and the gov. incentives are nice. The only problem I foresee is taking it in for service, Ive heard horror stories.

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  Great car! - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Stephanie - October 25 - 2:04 am

  Very smooth and zippy while maintaining excellent control with minimal interior noise.

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  DSG is for me - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By 421ho - October 24 - 2:40 am

  I bought the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI primarily because of the DSG transmission. This is our second car and my wife really does not want to deal with a manual trans. On the surface the DSG was a good compromise. However in reality there is no compromise. It is faster than a manual, gets better gas mileage and just as much fun (assuming your left leg doesnt mind acting as a support rather than operating the clutch). This transmission is what every transmission should be...a wonderful automatic with full and instantaneous control. The engine is wonderful too. The combination is fantasic. I bought the GLI because you could not get this combo from Audi in a sedan. The rest of the car is excellent as well.

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  A Dream Come True! - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Louis D - October 23 - 6:21 am

  Purchasing the Jetta SEL has been like a dream come true! Ive always wanted a fuel efficient car to drive as an alternative to my 15 RAM Ltd. From the minute I got inside I knew it was just the car for me! The drivers seat is very comfortable and roomy. The trunk is large and gives the car a bigger feel. The car has great acceleration to!

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  Do your research - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jmr - October 23 - 1:53 am

  This jetta has been my dream car for forever, until I purchased it. A month after I bought it would no longer run due to transmission problems. I took it back to the dealer and demanded they fix it, which they did. In the past year I have replaced 2 mass air flow sensors, the main computer for the car, countless other sensors and recently the fuel pump. If you are interested in a VW you better do some research to make sure its a good fit for you. Jettas are cute and fun to drive, but if you get a bad one its going to be a money pit. Also, they are expensive to maintain, my oil changes cost around $70. Make sure you are prepared for all the comes with being a VW owner before you get one!