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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  do not recommend - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By pedro arias - July 25 - 3:20 pm

  i have had problems more with the dealers than the car itself, when you take this car for repair they always charge you 500.00 in whatever the repair is, the treatment is very poor, at any dealer, too many cars with problems so when you go for repair they either re-schedule you or you have to wait , the car itself is made for like to brake at the 5 year mark, i had to replace twice the alluminum oil pan, then too much oil cumsumption in the engine, shocks, temp sensor, water pump,timing belt, window just went down inside the door a common problem with this car, now is the transmission, it shifts very hard at times, 3 times at the dealer, they cannot repair it, guess what my warranty is over

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  Worst car ever! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By fratto1963 - July 24 - 8:03 am

  I owned this car for a total of 4 months with nothing but problems from day one! I had the super-duper bumper to bumper extended warranty that still didnt fix any of the problems that the dealership said it had. It spent more time in the dealership being repaired than it did in my driveway. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR! Volkswagen really messed up with this car.

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  Excellent car for the money - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By axc4466 - July 24 - 7:43 am

  I have had the 2008 Jetta S for 4.5 months and put 5,500 miles on it. It is absolutely the best car on the market for the price paid. The interior feels luxurious. The drive is excellent - smooth and confident. Lots of power, legroom, headroom, ample trunk space. I have a base model, but I do not feel a need for anything that is not there. A true engineering marvel for this price.

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  Great overall car, maintenance is key to go 200k+ miles - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By vwguy84 - July 23 - 1:08 am

  I owned 2 VWs on the past, a 02 Jetta Wolfsburg, and 03 Gti , both 1.8t 5spds. I recently got rid of my newer truck to go back to No payments, and found a 1997 Jetta Gt black with black leather w/140k miles this past January. This car has been awesome, ive taken great care of her, since it was a 1 owner and interior is immaculate with no rips and paint looks new. mechanically car seems very sound, especially on the freeway, its very smooth. Ive had a few hiccups with car, such as gas gauge not always working or power door locks not working on driver side, but its expected with a older car. I plan to do a full overhaul and tune up to car in next 6 months, glad i finally own MK3 JETTA.

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  Utterly reliable - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By scorcher - July 22 - 10:00 am

  My third Jetta is a bitt heavier & slower-handling than the last 2 (only a bit). Theres a little more "looseness" in the front end. But its cost me NOTHING to run - no mechanical problems EVER.

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  Fun Car with a lot of speed - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By KJN - July 20 - 6:03 pm

  I bought my 2002 VW Jetta VR6 GLX in late 2005 right before the new models started to hit the dealerships. I knew I was paying more for a VW and this model has all the extras that reflected the price. The Pick-up for a small sedan without aftermarket enhancements has to be one of the best. The fuel economy is not great, but it is a V6 so that is expected. I have done minimal maintenance and the car is still running great. I wish there was Mp3 capability with the car, but I guess since it is a 2002 that was not an option. It would be great if they made the Jetta in an AWD model!

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  A wonderful car - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ylingf - July 19 - 11:13 pm

  I test drove the Lexus IS 250, Toyota Camry V6, Honda Accord V6, Mazda3, Chevy Impala SS, Subaru Legacy 2.5GT, Acura TL, Infiniti G35 and a few others, only to fall in love with the Jetta within 5 minutes of the test drive. The Jetta 2.0T represents a wonderful combination of ride, handling, power, and fuel economy. The build quality/material are on par with many luxury vehicles. The interior is tastefully designed with great ergonomics. The engine has very good pickup, especially in 3rd and 4th gear, and it feels like it is gaining more power after the 1st and second oil change. The powerful brakes saved my day a few time already.

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  Not so great - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Gretchen - July 17 - 8:36 pm

  This car was great for the first 2 years of ownership. Throughout the third year, I have had nothing but problems: 2 oil leaks, 1 coolent leak, brakes had to be replaced, and I have had to have the ignition rebuilt twice. Luckily it is still under warranty but this car has turned into more of a hassle than an enjoyment.

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  I love my Jetta! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By happy jetta owner - July 17 - 2:30 am

  I love this little car! I bought it from a private individual on Craigs List. Paid $5,700, but then it needed about $1,400 of repairs! But I think it just needed some TLC, and now I absolutely love the car. I like the design, and how smooth it handles in city driving as well as on the freeway. Pretty, sporty, LOVE the sunroof. Easy to park and bop around town!

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  Beautiful machine! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By BRM10984 - July 16 - 7:30 am

  Great German engineering! Great ride and solid feel, good with Tiptronic. Only problem is a bad door seal, no big deal. With leather and spt. luxury, its a dream! Wonderful acceleration. This car stands alone- the Civics and Altimas cant touch it.