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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  Sporty, reliable, but slow - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By blackjettak2 - April 24 - 12:06 am

  This is a a fun car but when the shocks wear out, as mine have it drives like a waterbed when you push it hard, it is fast off the line but it is overall a slow car this one really needs a turbo....:) The protective door moldings do tend to come loose, and my car is have some issues with door pulls that turn white in the sun... other then that, super reliable, easy to work on, and a head turner even when in factory state, and most of all those heated sport seats in our cold canadian winter..:)

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  Wolfsburg VW 1.8 Turbo - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Surfinstro - April 19 - 2:00 am

  This car is a joy to drive. It handles perfectly with no drawbacks at all.

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  VWs are lemons--just junk - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tim - April 18 - 10:30 pm

  This car was a nightmare from Day One. Transmission problems have been the biggest single issue, and still having problems after spending thousands to fix. But many other problems too numerous to list, from replacing power steering pump and alternator to paint defects and low-profile plastic bumpers that pull off after barely touching a curb. This car only had 45K on it when tranny and alternator went out and we started having one mechanical breakdown after another. Seventy-five percent of my "ownership experience" has been watching this car bake in the sun broken down again in my driveway. Do not -- even if it sounds like the deal of a lifetime -- buy a VW!!!

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  Enigmatic Performance - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By germancaraholic - April 18 - 2:10 pm

  The car is a rock. Tight bodyworks. Firm but complacent chassis and suspension tuning. It wants to charge forward, not just run. It gobbles up highway asphalt effortlessly. It has made a number of trips between Chicago, IL and Greensboro, NC - it inspires confidence at any speed through any terrain including the Blue Ridge Mountains, while returning gas mileage in the 30MPG range at average speeds of 75-80MPH. Overall, a wonderful drivers experience everytime you spark the 5- cyl to life! The car seems to improve with age. Gas mileage was initially very mediocre (18-25MPG), but has improved dramatically (22-30MPG). Seats were rock hard, but are now comfortable on long trips.

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  Mexico assembly-German built any better? - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Greg - April 17 - 4:53 pm

  This Jetta Sportwagen is my first (and likely last VW). The engineering is wonderful with so many well thought out features. However, the build quality is just not acceptable. Thus far Ive experienced a couple of horribly annoying rattles, a bolt that holds the door on fell out, the drivers seat became wobbly, and the $60 cargo net accessory is now useless as the clips that hold it to the anchor points popped off. The dealer fixed one rattle (which has now returned) but clearly didnt wish to investigate the other. I actually dread calling to make a service appointment because its always a frustrating experience. Its a pity because aside from the harsh ride the car is great fun to drive.

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  Cute, Peppy Car - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Derek Sutherland - April 17 - 4:30 pm

  The new Jettas engine is more peppy than the previous one, but could always use more power. With the transmission in "sport" mode, or in Tiptronic, the power was fine. Interior design is genius, and the outside is attractive, especially in black with that chrome grill.

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  2005 and One-half Is Superb! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dan - April 17 - 5:06 am

  This car is an absolute joy to drive! It has that solid, self-assured feel of German automotive engineering that exudes quality and performance. The only reason that I didnt give it all "10s" across the board is that there are cars out there with better performance, design, and comfort...but they cost more than twice as much! Interior features, fit and finish is outstanding. Ride and cornering are excellent. Get-up-and-go...it has plenty! The multi-function display, digital climate control, and the premium sound system with XM radio all contribute to a great driving experience. I will be a loyal VW customer after this.

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  Spewing thick blast exhaust smoke - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By PR - April 14 - 8:26 pm

  Started before warranty but thought it was typical of diesels. Past warranty real problem of excessive smoke while accelerating and what felt like clutch slipping so that the car would almost not move, very dangerous when departing from stopped position & left turning. Nobody knows anything but it will be thousands to TRY & fix. Very disappointed.

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  Nice Car Cheap Parts - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By pdiddy8274 - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the car used with 50k on it with 1000 3 windows didnt work nor did the sunroof. the molding outside is falling off the car and the wipers do their own thing besides the $1500 in perforance parts i added to make the car actualy move it is not a suggested car.

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  Great car until out of warranty - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By COcarman - April 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is great and very fun to drive. I have always felt that I was driving a more expensive car on the inside and having taken this car up the mountains along the front range, it can pass with the best of them. That said, it is now out of warranty and very stupid and expensive things are breaking such as the front spoiler ($150), passenger side mirror housing ($250), Glove box door($130)etc...you get the idea. Overall, I would recommend this car to anyone looking for an entry level German sedan that doesnt want to break the bank. With the new 4 year, 50k mile warranty, you probably wont have the problems I have had.