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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  Most practical vehicle - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Kwalter - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Driving from Detroit, MI to Dalton, GA on one tank of Diesel is quite impressive. This represents a distance of about 635 miles, and I got 49 mpg! It easily keeps up with every other car on the road, is comfortable and fun to drive, and it has plenty of trunk space. Just imagine how much money someone can save by using a VW Jetta Turbo Diesel 5M for going to work?

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  Problematic car. - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Unhappy Jetta owner - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Loved the car at first. After 1 month, it developed a water leak in the driver door. Many visits later the leak is not fixed. Other problems include 3 of 4 windows have had the regulator go out. The lumbar seats broke. The emissions light comes on frequently. The air conditioner has built-up a bad smell. The water coolent light comes on but the guage is normal and coolant level is good. I have never missed the required maintenance and it still has these problems. The car drives great and is appealing to the eye, but these problems are not worth it. I wish I had purchased the extended warranty. Actually, I wish I could go back and never have purchased the car.

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  Nice car! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jrbn11 - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Nice overall package! VW did a great job of putting this car togather! Very fun to drive!

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  Wicked nice car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Germ luv - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for my wife, and we both love it. 115 HP may seem little on paper, but this car has plenty of power. Only problem was when her key eneded up in the wash. Awesome quality German sedan

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  Good Buy - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By orodavid - October 5 - 4:50 pm

  This car is very comfotable, reliable, and fun to drive. It has good interior materials. Its Moonson stereo system is great considering that it is factory installed. I have had a few of problems with the electrical system, but no major problems. I am very satisfied with the purchase and recommend this car to all European cars lovers.

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  my fast baby - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jose - October 5 - 1:26 pm

  When I first got in this car and heard the whistle of the turbo engine.. I was like this is my new baby.. its fast, handles great.. looks cool.. feels like luxury without the expense

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  TDI Sportwagen - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By TDI In NJ - October 2 - 7:26 pm

  I just purchased a 2009 Jetta Sportwagen TDI. I have been looking at the Jetta for a long time and was able to finally able to locate a TDI wagon and my local dealership (someone ordered it and financing fell through!!). I love the TDI. It is quiet, powerful and smooth. It feels more solid and refined than the SE model. The seats are very comfortable. The sound system quality is very good. The fit and finish is excellent. The wagon model is very attractive.

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  I dont trust the engine - 2015 Volkswagen Jetta
  By chuck nyman - October 2 - 1:57 pm

  at 3300 miles on the car my wife was at a stop light. She stepped on gas to leave the stop light, the motor raced to 6,000 rpms and engine roared but the speed stayed the same. This scared the hell out of her, she pulled into a parking lot and turned off the motor and waited a few minutes and drove home. I drove it for 30 minutes trying to replicate the problem. What really bothers me is couldnt get ahold of anyone at Volkswagen to talk about the problem locally or nationally. I dont Volkswagen cares about its customers. They should have someone available to talk to 24 hours a day 7 days a week. I will not buy another Volkswagen again!

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  Do Not Buy This Car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By BigPapiOrtiz - October 1 - 6:46 am

  Ive had my Jetta for 5 years and havent been able to go 5,000 miles without something failing. I love the car dearly, but it is so unreliable that Ive sworn off VW/Audi for life. Struts were replaced at 30K, warning lights fire off even when there is no problem, coolant temperature gauge had to be replaced, coolant leak at 15K. Even after the recall in 02, the ignition coils failed in my car at 52K miles, 2K over the warranty. VW refused to pay for any of it, despite the fact that they sold me the car promising that the coils were not defective. Save the money and get a Civic. I wish I had, but Im stuck with this one for a few more years.

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  It saved my life! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Happy - October 1 - 6:46 am

  Ive been very happy with my Jetta. If it werent for my VW, I would not be writing this. I was driving on the freeway when a pick up in front of me had a blowout, lost control and made did a 180 right in front of me at 75 mph. I hit the brakes and turned right - ABS and the traction control kicked in. It kept the car in perfect control. The 03 Camry I traded in had neither system. I would probably not have made it. How can anyone sell a car without these systems? Thank you VW!