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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  Good choice - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By vw4ever - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I have this Jetta for only 2 weeks but this is the better choice that I buy. this car have a super luxury interior and a sport look in the exterior, the moonson sound is awesome, it have 6 spekers wooo...

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  I love this car!!! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tsmith7499 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  So I have only had it for 48 hours, but this car is a must have! The build quality is excellent. It is a car that is easy on the pocket, but not embarassing to own. Everyone I know who has a Jetta (or owned one in the past) feels this same way. The instrument panel is easy to se and see. The storage space is incredible. Nice power for a 4-cylinder.

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  Little Red Racer - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ccrider - August 18 - 7:36 pm

  I traded in a Dodge Dakota for my Jetta and havent had a single regret. I was a little worried about not being able to sit up high anymore, but that fear went away quickly. It felt like I was driving a race car - it is so much fun! The ride is smooth and the car responds to everything with ease. The controls are all within reach and when you drive at night, theres an awesome contrast between the red and blue intererior dash lights. Its fun to see the looks you get while driving around in this car. The XM radio is a nice plus as well.

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  Nice Car, Poor Gas Mileage - Get the TDI - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Paul - August 18 - 4:13 pm

  Bought my new silver Jetta in July. Was really looking for a TDI but they didnt have any and I decided to settle on this one. It has the leather, 6 CD changer, XM radio, heated seats, and adjustable seats which is all very nice considering I live in Nebraska. I used to have a Passat. The styling and feel are very much the same and quite pleasing. The car feels high quality and as a manual its fun to drive. My only complaint is the gas mileage. Ive checked it now for two months and Im consistantly getting 20 miles/gal, which is very disappointing for a small car. Thats pure town driving. Ive driven the TDI. If you want the mileage get a TDI. You wont sacrifice any perfomance.

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  Not Worth It - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By justajettaowner - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Jetta b/c it looked good, and it offered many amenities for the price. Thats all the VW has to offer. Reliability is absolutely awful. Bad window regulators, bad oxygen sensors, bad battery, front bumper always scrapping, coolant pipe leaks, bad oil consumption, etc. etc. I bought this car for what it offered considering the low price...and after only 2 yrs,Ive already put thousands of dollars into repairs, non of which were driver related...all due to faulty, poor parts.

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  Expensive piece of junk - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By carnut45 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I have had troubles with this car from day one. In the 2.5 years I have owned this car, I have had to replace the gas tank, the CD Changer TWICE, the radio, A/C compressor TWICE, power window motor, the entire electrical system, the air-flow sensor, and one of the tail lights. There are rattles in the dash, creaking in the doors, and a thump that comes from the drivers seat which the dealer says they cant find. ONE WORD: LEMON! Needless to say, I will NEVER buy another VW!

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  I bought a second Jetta hoping it would be a better vehicle - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By phreakymike - August 17 - 8:39 am

  I was under the assumption that these jettas were more reliable than a regular JDM car that had high KM. Problem with this thinking is, you dont think about the wear and tear on all the other parts OTHER than the Diesel engine. Ive owned two TDI Jettas for approx 2 years each, both had P0401 Check Engine code for EGR Valve. This was incredibly annoying. Ive also had the famous clicking dash from my turn signal, the car interior creaks and clicks, drove me absolutely insane. Incredible frusturating. 12 year perforation warranty is great, I received a new fender and trunk before I sold my jetta, These hold their value very well.. but I dont want to buy anymore of these TDIs

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  Happy with 1.8T Manual - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By G Ormerod - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 2000 1.8T Jetta (manual) for four years now and it has been a good experience. I have seen the bad ratings and heard the talk about it being a problem car - but there are no complaints here. Other than a few wrinkles ironed out under warranty during the first year, the car has been fine. The car now has over 60,000 miles and still rides and handles nicely. The excelleration is still there, too!

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  Brake Issues - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VIP - August 13 - 10:40 pm

  Had to replace pads and rotor only at 15K miles. Dealer said that this is normal. I just think 15K is still not that much miles to worry about your brakes. My other cars usually get up to about 30K to 35K miles. The repair is also very costly. $419. This is my first time to own a VW and probably my last too. The car drives great though but maintaining it would be quite expensive.

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  Love the Mileage - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By C-Bird - August 13 - 5:50 pm

  I love this car. I am routinely getting 44 mpg in all-around driving, and have exceeded 50 mpg twice on highway driving. The manual transmission version is a must... when I test-drove the automatic it was a slug. I had a problem with the drivers side seat heater, which subsequently became a recall. One of the instrument panel lights doesnt work. Aside from that, the Jetta has been flawless. At 550-620 miles per tank, you can pass gas stations a whole lot!