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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  Excellent Car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ewthomp - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Wow, what a fun car to drive. I have had this beauty for 4 months now and have put 4500 miles on it. I love every bit about it. I have never owned a VW till now, and I dont think I will ever change.

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  My First and Last VW - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By fougera - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Has 20k miles. For the people who are writing great reviews for this car, I would love to hear how you feel about your car after a year. Since day one, nothing but problems. Speedometer gauge stopped working after 3 days. Fixed and broke again the next day. They took another 10 days to fix it. New Jetta in the shop first 15 days of the first month I owned it. Other problems: Stereo broke and had to be replaced, instrument panel had to be replaced, center counsel broke, problems with breaks, and doors rattle..turned out a cable that was loose inside the door. I should not have this many problems with a new car.

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  she sucks! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By 8675309 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  at 3000 miles and my windshield wipers stopped working on the middles of the highway. i was almost killed. i want my honda back!!

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  It is fun car, love it! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ben - July 31 - 6:00 am

  I love my 2003 VW Jetta, to me it is best car for town driving, (for long distance cruising I use my Mercedes 2004 E320 which is the best in this category) Jetta is interesting to drive and FUN to drive and safest in its class, grate interior and exterior, very solid and stable on the road, I would recommend this car for everybody.

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  VW Jetta GLS TDI sedan, diesel - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By MCH Macy - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Had a few problems with the Diesel engine control system. Fixed by dealer, just out of warranty. VW would not help out on the $ 578.00 bill !!

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  Honda man for years, VW has won me over - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By benarcher - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Who knew such a little car had so much heart? This is my first new car, and I cant get enough of driving it. Hondas are a thing of the past for me.

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  Really like my TDI Jetta Wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By new VW owner - July 31 - 2:00 am

  TDI Jetta Wagon GLS in an automatic. Automatic is peppy - it can take warming up as you drive when outside temps. are cold (~10 deg. F) before getting to its best performance. Good torque to get started & it seems to get better as the engine is broken in (only 2000 mi. so far). Driving a little more conservatively (safely, that is) to see just how much over 40 MPG I can get - a bonus. Good std. features on the GLS (incl. the moonroof!) - got the Monsoon sound system since thats what the dealer had and the TDI Jetta Wagon is hard to find. Sounds great! Like the lit dashboard at night & "secret" storage near spare tires a plus.

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  Great Car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Blair Kellner - July 31 - 12:00 am

  This car has more power than any 4 cylinder engine I have ever driven. The braking system is very responsive. The gas mileage is excellent for all the power you get. Over 30 miles to the gallon on the highway, but gas mileage goes down in the city especially when you use the turbo frequently.

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  Fun to drive, questionable problems - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bigd79 - July 30 - 12:00 pm

  I have had my VW for the past year and a half and too many things that shouldnt break have broken. At 23,000 mi. the steering knuckle broke and had to be replaced. At 20,000 mi. the A/C blower fan broke and had to be replaced. Both happened inside the warranty. the front window regulator just broke at 29,000 and was replaced courtesy of yours truly for $311!! I love driving the car and how it looks, but these are 60,000 mi. parts at least. They should not be breaking yet!

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  I love my tdi - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By diesel3276 - July 29 - 10:16 am

  I love my jetta tdi very reliable and never had any Major problems besides the plastic cover on the bottom of the jetta. The only other thing is the timing belt I havent had it fixed yet because it is 900.00 and nothing can happen to the car if I dont get a new one. The gas mileage is amazing I probably fill it up every three months in gets about 45-50 mpg. And it the most fun to drive car I have ever had in my life I cant wait till I get the new jetta tdi