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 to Drive, When not in the Shop! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jon-Paul Herron - September 7 - 8:50 pm

  If it werent for the ridiculous and consistent reliability problems, I would be a VW owner for life. Ive had this car since it was brand new, and beginning within 6 months of buying the car, Ive had to have the car in for work at least once every 2 months. O2 sensors have been replaced 4 times. The Mass Airflow meter has been replaced twice. The middle seatbelt has gotten stuck twice. The floor mat clips broke 3 times. The electrical system has had numerous problems: the turn signal relay has broken, the radio mutes and has to be power cycled, the lights behind the AC controls have broken twice. I would love to love the VW, but the $2k+ per year to fix is unacceptable!

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  05 jetta in the desert - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By joshkellerpa - September 7 - 5:24 pm

  I own an 05 VW jetta GL and a 05 vw bug. I dont know about later years or earlyer. But on my 05 jetta the crank pully has snaped off on its own. We have had to replace the water pump EVERY SUMMER.(hot weather area). I have gotten it replaced at a VW dealership for the majority. Now why did they never recomend to get the metal impeler? Why hasnt this model of water pump been recalled? We have gotten our engine rebuilt 2 times for a grand total of $10,000+. 1 of these engines was rebuilt at a VW dealershit. THEY LEFT SOME KIND OF AIR PUMP ON MY ENGINE. told me to bad thats were it goes. the second time by beatle barn las vegas and they gave me my car back in worse condition then b4 it blew.

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  May the Force be with You - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By sharbi - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle purchased because Volkswagens reputation as producing a dependable car, & several items were standard, i.e. floor mats & power doors. NEVER buy a Volkswagen if it is a new design. My 2000 Jetta has been nothing but a headache - excessive oil consumption, broken pieces of plastic origin unknown, and the oxygen sensor light keeps illuminating. VW America refuses to stand behind its product, and Ganley, Inc is a dishonest operation. Both parties continue to pass the buck. If you are thinking about purchasing a Volkswagen, make sure you have another reliable vehicle to drive while you are waiting for the repairs to be made.

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  Big Mistake - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By neverbuyingavwagain - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I watched the cool commercials. I salivated when I first saw the car in person at the dealership....what a great looking car. I test drove it....wow what great pickup it had. I bought it...BIG MISTAKE. The car in a nutshell is a piece of crap. Bad electrical system, Bad 02 sensors, bad window regulators, the car is so low to the ground everything scrapes,Bad water pump, bad starter, bad battery, the door frames leak water into the cabin when it rains heavy...the list goes on. Yes it looks great. Yes it has pickup...but the reliability and the cost of things breaking and going wrong at this mileage? I smell a lemon. Dont buy it.

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  Great Car - Only minor complaints - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Pat K. - September 7 - 10:00 am

  8 months and almost 10,000 miles. Great acceleration and handling. Cargo capacity is phenomenal. Lame cupholders. The leather is stiff and feels "vinylly." Monsoon sound is great, but I have speaker wire rattles in at least two speakers. I also have a rattle in the dash, giving concern for long-term durability. Rear knee room is also underwhelming, but adequate for adults on short trips. The Jetta Wagon GLS, 1.8T 5A delivers what it promises - exciting driving and the ability to carry a suprisingly large amount of cargo. Pat K.

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  German EngineeringExcellence - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Cory Graner - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Monsoon stereo is great but a speaker was blown the day I picked the car up. Power is awesome with the turbo, but watch out for turbo lag in first gear. Think real hard before cutting someone off. Car is solid. I drive it hard and it does not complain. No squeeks or rattles. Ride is very nice. Overall handling limits are not that high, but driving at the limit is easy, and fun. Good four wheel discs with ABS. Tiptronic is fun, but you have to think ahead and plan gear changes. I have a black/black leather car. Seats are unsupportive in turns and hard to adjust, like all Jettas before it. Overall I love it. I would buy it again in an instant.

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  VW Jetta - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tim Naprawa - September 6 - 11:16 pm

  I drive this car every day and it gets better than rated mileage. On longer trips have gotten up to 49 mpg. The acceleration is good for a compact, the steering is tight, and its fun to drive. would like to see a few more options available.

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  Great Little Car - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jenniferow16 - September 1 - 12:52 pm

  I have owned my Jetta for almost 4 years now. I have almost 70,000 miles, and have had very few problems. My gas milage averages 23 city and 31 hwy. Car is fast, handles well, and is SUPER comfortable. The trunk is very large, I can fit a bike with the seats down. Down Side: maintenance is expensive at least 500.00 every 5,000 miles. I have had a problem with my brakes, which was not discovered in the scheduled maintenance and cost over 600.00 with the extended warranty. My air/vent dial currently does not work and air only blow on high. Who knows how much that will cost. The ipod jack should be in the arm rest and not the glove box. Next car will be a Jetta Wagon TDI, or Audi A4 wagon.

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  Great Value for $$$ - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mio - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Car exceeds expectations. This is my fifth VW, first wagon, and I have never been disappointed with the quality or performance of VWs. Do like the wagon - smaller than an SUV, plenty of back storage area. Rear seat room a little limited, but for my use is fine.

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  tough love - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By frank - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Lets see this is my fourth volkswagen ive owned 3 jettas and one passat. I bought my jetta with 157,000 miles on it. the first week i had it I had to fix the water pump and the radiator fan ($500) after 5,000 miles I fixed the exhaust leak($250) then at 166000 the day before my florida road trip the transmisson blew I got that fixed as well costing ($1900)after that came a muffler repair again costing($175) the last issue comes a week later, again with the water pump timing belt & drive belt costing me ($425) Other than that list in less than a year I still love my volkswagen, its fun to drive speaker sound is great! gas milage i get 200 to the tank eh! vw is costly when it breaks it happens