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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  Fun car needing some minor fine tuning - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By KMesmer - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Jetta for 7 months (8K mi) now & have not had any of the problems that some of the other reviews except the squeaks/rattles coming from the dash, & door panels. However, where I drive has awful road conditions -- especially late winter and spring. Before this Jetta I had driven new Nissans which also seemed to have a lot of cabin noise, so Im not sure if its the cars or driving conds. This car is the funnest I have driven. The ride & handling of the car are top- notch. The Monsoon system is on par with the Bose systems installed in other luxury class cars, and the overall design is superb, with some real aesthetic panache

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  Caveat Emptor/Buyer Beware - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By No More VW - March 5 - 11:53 am

  This car is cute and the body feels "durable." However, the engine was purposefully designed to ONLY be repaired by VW dealership, as most smaller repair shops never have the specific parts in stock, and always find it difficult to get the parts from VW. The "check engine" light continuously lighted up (usually for no reason, causing me unnecessary trips to VW). The "mass air flow sensor" failed at least 8 times. The radiator had to be replaced ($680). The water pump and related fans had to be replaced ($800+). Spark plugs "misfired" and had to be replaced ($950). Engine hoses and pipes burst because they melted ($450). I could go on and on.

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  DIESEL - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Big Vee - March 5 - 8:27 am

  Well um reading alot of negative things on here about the 06 jetta tdi I purchased mines with 170,000 um the 2nd owner it now has 263,0000 its just getting the camshaft Replacement billet cam along with timing belt kit only thing Ive done was replace timing belt at 200k and axles thats it if people do the regular maintenance the car will last change ur oil 10k and ur air & fuel filters every 15k ur trans 50k ur good but people are triflin an get on here complaining another thing its a German car which means its highway built not for stop and go city driving that what Japanese cars are for

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  Dont buy VW - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Liz - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I will never again buy a German VW. poor quality. If you like to replace parts a lot, this is thw car for you.

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  Two years later, no problems - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By rOo - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Here I am, 72,000 miles later, and my maintenance has been light bulbs, oil changes and new tires. This thing is still on the original brake pads. When they do finally decide to wear, Im getting the exact same brand. I have had absolutely no troubles. Ive been bad--Ive yet to take the car for its scheduled maintenance. So far, it hasnt punished me for my neglect. One bad thing--the car burns oil. Lots of it. Im putting in a quart or more every 2,500 miles. I chalk that up to my lead foot on the turnpike, but its the only car Ive ever had that issue with. Still, its a great car and it looks fantastic.

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  I also love my car and hate the dealer - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Heidi - March 1 - 4:16 am

  This was the first car I purchased on my own. I did the research and I felt strong negotiating with the dealer. I have been loyal to the dealer, until I found another mechanic who offered a second opinion on a pricey repair. He taught me about how I was getting ripped off. The new mechanic educated me, showing me the parts and how they worked. He treated me like I actually had a brain. The dealer always presents problems - every time I went in for routine maintenance - as if it always was urgent and threatened my safety. I have stopped going to the dealer. Had I been treated as if I had a brain I might still be going there.

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  Problems Already - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Problems - February 28 - 10:30 pm

  I bought my 2005 Jetta used with around 30K miles on it and have had it just over a year. I love the looks of it and have enjoyed having the vehicle until now. My vehicle had 42K miles on it when I started hearing a rattling noise. Come to find out, I had to have most of my engine replaced! When I went to pick it up, I drove about 1 block from the dealership when my car started jerking and wouldnÂ’t always accelerate when the gas was applied. I immediately drove it right back to the dealership and now Im needing a whole new transmission! Thank God all this is covered under warranty but I dont think its right that a car with so few miles should be having so many major problems!

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  Great Car - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By are - February 27 - 6:26 pm

  Solid ride. Great handling. Comfortable seats. Huge trunk. Head and shoulders above the 2005 TDI Jetta that I had. TDI rocks with all that low end torque. It drives fantastic quiet and secure (10 airbags). The DSG automatic transmission feels like a CVT, seemless. Drives comparable to a new Mercedes c300 (My father owns one)

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  Somewhat disappointed - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By MJM - February 26 - 9:43 pm

  Bought the car for my daughters. They hated it it. 1st VW Ive owned in 25 yrs. I expected more from the company. Just drove it 700 miles home and was surprised at how well it rode and drove at its age and mileage. *However* nothing else impressed me. The trunk is huge but that does not make up for the poor electrical design. Had to replace a taillight 4 times in 6 months. I know others who had the same problem I couldnt find a cupholder? Is that what that thing is called? The fuse box is in the most ridiculous place possible. You just cant get to it. Surprised that there is no gas cap cover interior lock. To me, the car is no big deal

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  Best vehicle purchase EVER!! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By cdstraw - February 26 - 3:50 am

  Absolutely fabulous vehicle. Purchased as New Jettas were hitting showroom and dealer wanted to clear out old inventory. Within 3 months dealer wanted to purchase TDI back and give me and exceptional trade on New Jetta. No Way! Average city driving 46-48 mpg, Interstate at 65 mph cruise, 60 mpg!