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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  Got it right! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mdh - August 3 - 2:00 am

  VW has gotten it right with this one. I pulled into the fuel station yesterday and filled up. 229 miles city dirving took 5.1 gallons of fuel. Oh, by the way that was my first tank. Cant wait to see what it does when it gets broken in. This car drives like it was made to drive. I have owned several diesels and loved the economy but not the lack of power. This one has both economy and power. Love it.

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  Nice for Finances During Gas Craziness. - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By melly82 - August 1 - 10:56 pm

  This is a fun car to drive with good fuel economy during bad fuel times. You have to watch for little things, like the gas and coolant caps, that can cause you some grief if not screwed on properly (Ive learned several calls later to my delearship, "this light came on..."). Overall I would say this is a very good car for the money and I feel safe and cool driving it.

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  German Quality, German Engineering! - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tibor - July 30 - 8:53 am

  I bought this car 3 years ago and since then absolutely no problem at all. I had AUDIs before, so I stayed in the "family". This is my first brand new car and I feel happy, except the dealerships prices. They should give us more break. I study how to fix brakes, and other minor repair jobs so I reduce the costs.

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  Davydee - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Davydee - July 29 - 10:00 am

  Nice size, excellent performance, 25 mpg avg. Great car until coil packs and mass airflow sensor failed at 35,000 miles. Dealer returned car after repair. Car failed again within 175 miles. Car has now been with dealer some 9 days awaiting parts. VW of America support is poor. Buy extended warranty if available.

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  TDI: More Than Just Economy - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By 2dtenor - July 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 5spd TDI for 3 mos. Im averaging 49 mpg. Acceleration is more than adequate for SoCal freeways. The ride and handling are not as refined as my 96 Audi A$ quattro, but they beat anything remotely comparable in price from the US or Japan. Much better feeling of connectedness with the road than domestic or Japanese products. VW has a real sleeper here.

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  Step Backward - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By sportwagentdi - July 28 - 4:58 am

  My wife and I currently own two Jettas (2009 SE and 2010 TDI Sportwagen) and had a 2011 Jetta SE as a loner. While the handling of the new Jetta was superior to the previous sedan, the interior quality was a huge step back from the older models. Everything inside is hard to the touch and very cheap feeling. I really like the exterior styling (wife does not), but the interior is a disappointment compared to VWs of the past. Even my father-in-laws 2004 Golf has a nicer interior feel...strange.

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  Love My Jetta! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Betsy - July 27 - 11:23 pm

  I bought this car used in 2004 with 65,000 miles and it has been a gem. Its fun to drive (manual) and I havent had a bit of trouble with it. It has 128,000 miles on it and is still going strong. I will buy another Jetta next time I need a car but Id like to get a diesel for better gas mileage. My GLS gets 26-29 which is pretty good for such a fantastic engine that just purrs at 80 mph. Cant say enough good about it.

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  Sweet Ride - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By sean9 - July 27 - 10:23 pm

  The Volkswagen Jetta TDI is an all round fantastic car to drive. It delivers amazing preformance for a small 100 HP engine and you have loads of power at highway speeds! Plus the great added space in the back seats and truck make life that much easier compared to older year models of the Jetta.

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  Best Jetta Yet! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Michael B - July 25 - 12:56 pm

  I have had many VWs in the past and the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 is by far the best Jetta yet. I came from a Golf TDI and was weary of going back to a gas enginem but so far it is a great, solid engine. Its gas mileage is comparable to previous models, which is impresive since the 06 Jetta is more powerful and a bigger car. I will reccomend this vehicle to everyone.

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  Its all good - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By sandoz1938 - July 24 - 4:59 pm

  Great little car. I bought it with 166000km and now have 300000km. In the 134000km/5 years of owning it Ive only had to replace the breaks, alternator (I blew the alternator by not replacing the battery when I should have), and the rear wheel bearing. The car now needs a front wheel bearing and muffler but thats not all bad for 166000km of driving. I tow large loads all the time and generally dont take care of the care of the car like I should but it still takes care of me, kow. I do change the oil every 6000km with synthetic (5w40?) and replace the oil filter with every change. I also run premium fuel.