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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  What a POS - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By kandyd - February 13 - 5:45 am

  I bought my 2000 VW Jetta GLX automatic trans. about a year ago and have only been able to drive it half the time due to all the repairs it has needed. The alarm would go off every time I opened the door and the AC went out. A trip to the dealership cost $2508 to replace the door lock accuator, the mirror switch, rear trunk plate, and fix AC. Replaced the catalytic converter and O2 sensor at $890. Replaced serpentine belt and belt tensioner at $568. The EPC and check engine light are on and estimated fix is $1187. Expecting a baby and a car seat will not fit in the back comfortably. Time to junk it! I will never buy another VW!! Buyer Beware!!!

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  Good Job VW - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By hall4349 - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Great car! Been A VW fan thru thick/thin and this is one of the best cars ever. Great quality, value and looks. Many aftermarket upgrades!

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  every day I say "god, I love this car!" - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jetta lover - February 12 - 2:00 am

  got this car when my dreadful Neon died after only 60000 miles. This has been a TREMENDOUS improvement; Im fairly certain that from now on all of my future cars will be VWs. Mileage is EXCELLENT! Im amazed my husband and I didnt get any tickets when we first started driving this car since the drive is so smooth... its VERY easy to drive 10-15 mph over the speed limit, and still have it feel like youre doing maybe 5 over. Performance is great; overall quality of vehicle is great. This was one of the best decisions we ever made!

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  Great Car! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jetta 06 - February 10 - 10:06 am

  This is the first German car Ive owned. Ive always driven Hondas, Toyotas and an occassional domestic. Even though I bought the base model, it feels much more expensive and solid than anything I drove from Japan. Im very impressed with the build quality and materials as well as the amount of features that are standard. Not to mention the safety factor. Also, it rides like a little Audi or BMW. I definitely feel like I got my moneys worth from the Jetta!

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  Happy Driver - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By miana - February 10 - 10:00 am

  This Jetta is my second one and I absolutely love driving it. The handling and road feel are excellent and the styling brings positive comments from other people.

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  Goog little ride! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By lovemyjetta - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2001 Jetta and so far so good. The only problem Ive had is that recently the sunroof got stuck...while open. The dealership took it and fixed it right away and even gave me a rental car. I commute about 45 miles everyday to work and I feel very safe in my jetta. I think it is reliable and sturdy.

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  Why buy anything else?? - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By TXwhitewater - February 10 - 1:10 am

  Gobs of fun to drive! 40+ MPG. Holds a bunch of stuff. Very good fit & finish. Too soon to tell much about reliability... Only problem so far, I look down at the speedo, Hell! Im doing 80 again... Really smooth, quiet for a Diesel.

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  total lemon - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By paul206 - February 9 - 9:37 pm

  $8,000. & counting. In the shop as we speak for same problem - replaced cam shaft & lifters twice. Started bellowing black soot & delayed throttle. Had a complete diagnostic before warrenrty expired - "not a problem" until warrenty expired then became downright VERY DANGEROUS. Then after problem was apparantly fixed - cam & lifters = $$$ thousands the turbo would shut off & again VERY DANGEROUS going up inclines on highways. VW (canadas) reply - "NO CAMPAIGN existing" which in VW land means go away - we dont care).

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  Handles well and has a sporty look - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jhen Chambers - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is fun to drive and handles the road well, great car for the money. Would recomend this car for a comute and for a young adult looking for something that is reliable and good looking, and not a gas gussler.

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  Its so much fun to drive.... - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ELLE99 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I was recently in the market and I looked at Merecedes C Class, Volvo s40 2004.5, Acura TSX, Acura RSX, Mazda RX8, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, and Ill be honest I never thought to look at Volkswagen. But, Im really happy I did. I love this car. Its so much fun to drive and for the money you cant beat all the options. The interior cabin is well designed and the car just feels solid. I was concerned the 4 Cyl. wasnt going to be enough power, but it has quite some pick up Ive been shocked. Long story short... If your in the market please look at them I think its a great car for the money and so does everyone who sees it.