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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  Never Buy a VW again - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By crewdawg63 - January 2 - 2:16 pm

  Bought this 5 years ago hoping to get 30 mpg for a long commute to a new job. Had a 1986 Jetta once upon a time that was GREAT, so figured I’d get another one – BIG mistake. Good: Heated seats are warm and cozy in the New England wintertime while waiting for the heater to warm up. It’s small and fits in tiny parking garages well. The 2 rear seat reading lights are awesome for the kiddos – they control their own light and it does not create a distracting glare for me. Lots of airbags. Good city car – don’t care if someone scratches nor dings it anymore. It’s paid for. BAD: Build quality is horrible. Replaced 3 water pumps in the past 3 years-they seem to last just beyond the 12 month warranty, of course. Driving back from a long road trip up the east coast, all 4 brake rotors warped and I just got thru having all 4 brakes replaced (ouch!). The car wash ripped the radio antennae off the top. Dealer wants $1000 to remove/replace the headliner in order to fix. The heater on the driver’s side blows air on my shins, so my toes continue to stay frozen no matter how hot the rest of the inside is. The exhaust just cracked behind the manifold, another $700 bill which had to be fixed in order to pass inspection. Now the automatic transmission and clutch is starting to act up, shifting hard and not dropping in to gear without banging on the shift lever. The auto door locks sometimes don’t lock or unlock the back doors. The key fob doesn’t lock/unlock unless I’m within 3 ft of the car, even after repeated battery replacements. Rust is starting to show on the body, despite my attention to keeping the car clean. I’m going to give this car to my 16 year old son as his project car. If he can keep it running, he has wheels. No matter how I drive and keep the car tuned up, the best I can get out of it is 25 mpg. I’m going to go buy Toyota or Dodge truck. Might as well have a quality built hauler that people will get out of the way of – I’m tired of people pulling out in front of me when they see this POS coming.

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  Strong value for the money - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By John Witherspoon - December 31 - 8:23 am

  I have a Black 2016 Jetta Sport model with a MSRP of $23,300 which includes a unique two tone white/black heated leatherette seats and automatic transmission. The two tone white interior can be found in other cars though at a minimum the MSRP would be 5K or higher. Standard features include a sport suspension, fog lights, front and rear spoiler, unique gray/black 17 inch rims, heated outside mirrors, navigation, rear view camera, 8 way adjustable driver seat and 6 way passenger seat, Apple car play ( or Android Auto) and an above average sounding stereo. It has the highest safety rating of 5 stars. Fuel ratings on the highway are 37 and city is 25. Reliability has been average. Interior volume is on par with a mid size with plenty of leg and headroom for both front and rear passengers and a mid size trunk. The places you touch such as the center armrest, steering wheel, gearshift, armrests on the doors are black leather with white stitching and are soft. The white stitching adds to the more upscale look of the two tone interior. Hard plastic and chrome cover the areas that you do not touch. Simple dash layout that is not as dramatic as others in this class like the Mazda 3. Getting to adjust the manual seats and power outside mirrors take some time time to figure out. The engine is a 1.8 with 175 horsepower and 185 in torque coming on at a low 1800 RPM. This makes the car accelerate to 40 where the majority of the driving is done quicker than the majority of compact vehicles and even cars with over 200 horsepower. 0 to 60 is also good at 7.5. The car feels like it has more power than what is under the hood. BMW has been doing the same thing for many years. You will always have plenty of power and no need to mash the pedal to get up to any speed that is needed. Tires are Pirelli at 17 R45 so they are tall and wide giving good grip for handling and smoothing out the bumps on the road. You will feel the road bumps though nothing to jarring. On smooth pavements the car is smooth and quiet as there is increased insulation and the tires do not resound with noise. Handling is above average with no body roll and the steering has a tighter feel. It is a fun car to drive. With my local VW dealers online discount and the conquest cash for switching my Hyundai Sonata the bottom line was $20,500. Other compact cars like the Civic, Cruze, Corolla and Elantra can offer more features like a sunroof in this price range though you will get a weaker engine and not as much fun driving as this Jetta. You could get a better performance and handling car like a Mazda 3 or Ford Focus though at this price point you would get cloth seats, no navigation and other features the Jetta Sport has included. Most experts agree even with the billions VW will pay over the next few years with the scandal they and their other companies Audi and Porsche are not going to fold. If your car buying budget is 24K or less it would be worth to test drive the VW Jetta Sport and see what your dealer can offer in discounts. I think it has the most value when you look at the unique two tone interior, the features, mid size interior room, good fuel economy and a driving experience that is fun.

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  jetta safety - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tinajetta - December 31 - 2:00 am

  i was involved in a horrific accident wherein my jetta rolled over three times. i had my seatbelt on and walked away from the accident unharmed. i have loved this car from the day i bought it. after i totaled it in this accident, i went a bought another one.

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  sweet ride - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Brian Thompson - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Drove the 1.8T Beetle for the last four years and loved the ride. The Jetta powerplant feels just like it. Plenty of power from the 1.8T and better handling than the Beetle make this a much better ride. The interior styling is beautiful.

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  VRoooooom - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By 2002GLIowner - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive only put on about 1500 miles on my new GLI and so far the only annoyance is putting it away for the night--this thing is FUN to drive. Its engine pulls very well below 3000, and above that I defy anyone to not wind up with a big fat grin on their face. The 6 speed feels great with short, precise, shifts. The ride is sporty-smooth: you feel the road, but without being jarring in the least. The recaro seats are both supportive and comfortable, even after an entire day behind the wheel. The ergos are very impressive, right down to the slope on the armrest which leaves your hand aligned with the shift knob. I think Im in love.

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  Dont Buy this car - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By David - December 28 - 6:43 am

  lets start here, from 2010 to 2011 VW wanted a new market, they wanted to appeal to a lower price market, so they made the interior cheap, I have had an ongoing issue with the interior lights just turning on and wont go off. Once they do finally go off I can push anywhere on the headliner to turn them on, to rectify it I had to pull the upper console away from the headliner. I have put no less than 20 headlamps in the car over the duration owning it. Repair costs are extensive, Check engine light on $1500 fix for exhaust part, 2 weeks later check engine light back on $1000 intake valve, AC hasnt worked in 3 years, recharged every summer, mechanic says it needs a new compressor $500. Timing belt replacement, $1500 because VW uses a nylon impellor for the water pump for OE so while the engine is torn down you need to replace the water pump. Recall for emissions VW dragged their feet for both the fix and the buyback so owners would add more mileage and then volkswagen hits them with mileage penalties. Wife got stranded in West Virginia 600 miles away because a sensor went in the motor causing the turbo to shut down, $300 and 4 hours stuck in West Virginia while it was repaired. This car has been one nightmare after another. Stay away from volkswagen!

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  no jetta - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By nojetta - December 26 - 10:00 am

  There havent beeen any major problems with the car, but small things seems to have all kind of problems. Example 1.problem with power window failure. 2. Signal light relay. 3. Annoying rattle from the door locks. 4. Burns about a quart of oil per 1k miles ect...All kinds og small mechanical problems, just enough to annoy the heck out of you...

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  DSG trans slippage?I - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mark - December 25 - 11:30 pm

  light purchased car april 09,and really like the gas mileage esp. in town. Having problem with the DSG trans. slipping when on an incline. The trans. slips to neutral and the car starts to roll backwards for a few feet and then engages.Talked with dealer today and he said that was because the trans. goes to neutral at a stop. Offered no fix except possible software upgrade. Was wondering if any one else had same problem and what the fix was? Also added on a dimming mirror with homelink. This should be an option on sportwagon.

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  VW has hit a homerun with the new Jetta - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By RDW South Carolina - December 25 - 2:36 pm

  We have driven Mercedes diesel autos for fifteen years. my wife got us interested in the Jetta diesel and we made a good decision to buy the VW. it is a pleasure to drive.

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  V-dub 2008 - best bang for your buck - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By climbonboard - December 25 - 1:00 pm

  This car is the best "bang for your buck" for the money. Beautiful design inside and out. The safest compact car in the U.S.; disadvantage is weight -at 3200 lbs, as heavy as a Toyota Camry. Newly re-designed engine has plenty of passing power on the highway. Engine note is quiet at steady speed and rich sounding under acceleration. Car grips the road better than any car Ive driven in my life (hint: order the OEM Continental Contipro Contact tires on your car). Stereo - good sound - quite decent for factory stereo; has RDS (station and song info) and volume leveling (increases volume at speed). Excellent residual value allows for cheap leases.