Overview & Reviews

Fully redesigned last model year, the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta features only minor changes. The SEL and TDI trim levels now offer a Fender audio system, while last year's Sport package for the SEL has been discontinued.

• Fuel-efficient diesel model.
• Well-equipped
• Spacious interior and trunk
• Smart electronics interface

• Lackluster interior materials
• Sluggish throttle with automatic
• Numb steering
• Wheezy base engine.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 69.00

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  Wheres the love the the new Jetta - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By vagcom13 - January 22 - 9:00 pm

  The funny thing about the new Jetta is that almost all automotive reviews knock it while almost every consumer review praises it. I bought a 2012 Jetta two weeks ago for my Fiance and so far we love the car. The styling is great, the engine is more then sufficent for daily driving, and for the price I really dont think this car can be beat. So much nicer then a Civic/corrolla/alantra and actually probably just as roomy and superior to the camery/accord/sonata. The asian counterparts are simply not as fun to drive!!! Yes the interior is a mild downgrade from the last Jetta, but its still superior to the competition. I wish the journalist would show a little love towards this solid car.

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  Way OVER engineered - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tbsx - January 7 - 6:42 pm

  I don’t understand the great reviews considering so many characteristic problems… you’ll see. Should the engine stall while in motion the key must cycle fully off to restart the auto. This LOCKS the steering while in motion. With clutch depressed the engine wont rev above 2500 rpms. I have to pop the clutch several times when on a hill or stall engine. The traction control system engaged breaks on left side of car (I never touched the breaks) sending the car sideways. Lights come on when I don’t want; they go off when I don’t. Doors lock, unlock automatic.

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  Fast and Fun - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By stacygee - December 19 - 10:29 am

  I bought this Jetta TDI in late 2011, it is so fun and fast!!! Great sound system, sporty looking. I threw some black wheels on there and feel like im driving a sports car. I was in a horrible wreck in October 2011 and the car held up pretty well, I actually drove it home and the other drive has to be towed and her car was totaled. Safe, reliable, well built and fun to drive! I get about 35-40 MPG too!

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  FIRST VW PROVES COMFORTABLE, QUIET, QUICK - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By openwheeler - May 17 - 5:04 am

  Picked it up 5/31 and this Candy White with Corn silk/Black accent interior has proven to be a handsome, comfortable second family car. Critics of the interior materials were too harsh. The leatherette is more attractive and comfortable than we expected. Just returned from a round trip to PGH. My 6 foot plus son did not find the rear seats tiring or cramped. Very smooth ride and honestly quieter than our Accord on the road. The engine is a bit "throaty" but the slight rumble doesnt sound weak or cheap. Solid feel. In S mode you get all the kick you need for passing fun. Low end torque takes a bit of getting used too but that comes quickly. Confident handling. Touch screen radio is cool.

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  Respectable Gas Sipper - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jbkutah - December 3 - 5:26 am

  I wanted something with excellent gas mileage for business reimbursement, but respectable enough for my wife to want to ride in on date night. So far, this car is fitting the bill great. Much roomier and respectable than a Corolla, Focus, or the like. Traded the hubcaps for some 5 spoke oem wheels. Mileage is 33-35mpg in mixed driving. True, the 2.0 is not a fast car nor a luxury ride, but I dont race around in it during my commute or during business outings. Manual tranny helps give it a little pep and/or work the gas mileage numbers. Decent ride comfort and I feel safe in the car. Im expecting decent reliability cause of the tried and true engine and lack of bells and whistles.

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  Better than a Civic, Corolla or Elantra? - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By GPR - November 30 - 1:54 pm

  Ive owned several Hondas and Toyotas and I was in the market for a used sedan. My certified 2012 Jetta was cheaper than the Civics, Corollas, and Elantras in my area at the time. Im very happy with my purchase. The car is sporty and fun to drive with a nice sprinkling of technology and heated seats. My only complaints are that my A/C stopped blowing cold air and my trunk light didnt work. Both were fixed under warranty. It would be nicer if the arm rest between the front seats was higher and longer. I believe thats the case with newer models.

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  Fun and efficient diesel, questionable reliability - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By austin28 - August 12 - 3:56 pm

  I have just finished putting a 1000k miles on my 2012 Jetta TDI. I have averaged 39MPG in moderate city driving. I highly recommend the diesel to anyone who is looking for added driving fun, longevity, and a higher resale value. The leather steering wheel, heated seats, and touchscreen audio system make this car seem luxurious. Despite negative reviews on the cars interior, I suspect it will please almost everyone who experiences it. Unfortunately, within the first week of ownership, I had 2 different problems with exterior body work. 1. The gas door would not shut. 2. The trunk squeaks loudly when you open or close it. The dealership noted both problems would be fixed under warranty.

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  Nice car for not a lot of $.... - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By cavwguy - August 2 - 12:12 am

  Owned this vehicle for about 3-yrs. & 45K miles (bought it new). Overall impressed with quality, comfort, value and performance. I stayed away from the TDI because of diesel fuel pricing and the intercooler issues (well documented here). Very happy w/my decision. While this vehicle is not a "sports-car", it does have that "German car feel" to it. Even w/the mileage, it is still pretty tight feeling drives smoothly. I also get around 28mpg (combined driving), about 1/2 and 1/2. Free maintenance service was nice for the 1st 36K miles.

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  Go test drive one yourself! - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By carloco1 - July 28 - 5:31 pm

  Yes, the 2.0 is under power, I wouldnt buy this car with the automatic. But with the manual transmission works fine. You can get this car to 70 or 80 mph with no problem. Actually, its pretty quiet at 75 mph. In order to pass other vehicles in the highway I have to put the car in 4th or 3rd gear. The Jetta is very roomy, I am six feet tall I can put the seat all the way back and my teenage sons fit in the back seats with out touching the back of my seat. I like this car better than my old 2001 BMW 325I. I am very with this car purchase, I just hope this car turns out to be reliable. I found out all the new Jetta come equipped with four wheel disk brake even thu the reviews say otherwise!

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  A little German car feeling - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Manuel L. - February 6 - 2:20 am

  I purchased this 2012 as a CPO with 30k miles on it and have 57k now after one year of primarily interstate driving. So far I have only had oil changes every 10k miles and a broken drive belt replaced under warranty. The car required a set of new tires at 52k and brakes are still like new. The interior has a cheap feeling for a German car but thats OK for the price of a Korean car. Leatherette is very durable and comfortable. I chose the 2.5 engine with 6 speed auto transmission because this combination appears to be very reliable. I dont see why people buy the TDI with diesel being more expensive than gas in the United States. In Europe it is the other way around. I wish I had a Jetta with a hatch but actually the sedan is very roomy inside out. Can highly recommend this car so far and plan to drive it up to 100k or until problems appear. MPG is not as good as all the 4 cylinders around but it does feel more like a 6 cylinder.