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 again!! - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Gallinator - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Too much wrong offsets everything that is good about this car. I am on my ***14th*** window regulator! I live in Phoenix and the OOZE on the door sills is present 6+ months out of the year. The front end undercarriage is damaged (low clearance, a common Jetta problem). I finally bought a DieHard battery after the first two supplied by VW died in the first year. Performance, once excellent, now sucks wind - 0-60 in about 14 seconds. Fuel economy has dropped below 35mpg city 40mpg hwy. VW customer service is a joke - they are rude and do not care. I am glad I do not own this vehicle!! Built in Mexico - and it shows!

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  Fun, Not Perfect - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By NotABimmer - July 6 - 10:00 am

  My 01 Wolfie has also experienced problems with squeeks and rattles pretty much from day one. Dealer tried, couldnt fixem. Oddly enough, they have slowly gone away now. With 15000 hard miles the car seems to be getting better. Engine runs strong,tranny nice and tight, suspension still tight, but not harsh. The remote trunk release failed at 10000, but the dealer fixed it under warranty. No other problems to report. Basically, a really fun car, but still has the "econo-box" feel. It is not an expensive car, and it should not be expected to make you feel like it is. It doesnt. Only thing in common with my BMW is white paint.

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  Doesnt get any better - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Skny - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely incredible car. when the turbo kicks in I am in heaven!!! Little more leg room would be nice but no kids so no prob.

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  Thank God for the aftermarket - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JettaJ - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I put on alot of mileage on the car per year and I need it to be fun to drive/reliable. I am actually considering getting the new GLI because : - 2 front rotors changed - Front wheel bearing replaced - O2 sensor replaced - The Remote dies after a mounth - Rattles and noises - Speaker changed - The 2 year warranty (2001) By switching my 2001 for a newer version I would regain a full warranty, a new car with hopefully less problems... I still have time to think about it...

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  Still Enjoy BUT - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By aemgli - July 6 - 2:51 am

  This is the nicest car I have owned. It is quick while getting good gas mileage. I said good not great 27city and 29hwy. That is about the best I have been able to get but for the power the engine has it is good. The DSG 6 speed trans is great . You can drive it in Normal , Sport , or Manual. Be warned to get that trans serviced is about $300 . The handling of the car is great. It will take turns and stops like you would not believe . I dont know how it all works but this car feels like it stops better then most small cars out there . This is were I am running into problems. I have been to the dealer about 10 times for problems in the 4 months that I have had the car for eng probs. 26000mi

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  Great Car! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Randy - July 4 - 7:43 pm

  I test drove numerous other compact to midsize sedans. The Jetta outperformed all but the Passat in my opinion. For the price and the added features, I chose the Jetta. The handling and performance are incredible. The only downside is a slower acceleration off the start. Once it gets going though, be sure to check the speedometer because it does not feel like you are going that fast. I also found the added room in the interior to be very accomadating. I am 66" and I am very comfortable in the car with lots of head and leg room. The added features are great a well. The trunk is huge, the stereo system is awesome.

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  Premium Jetta - FUN to Drive - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By eubor - July 4 - 1:13 am

  The car has been nothing but sensational, smooth, quiet, quick, powerful and very comfortable (even though firmer suspension). The interior quality is amazing, including soft touch materials, premium cloth and overall presentation. The car has a nice balance between fuel economy and sport. You really feel like your in a BMW, very tight. If you want a premium car, with near-luxury appointments - this is the car, believe me. I have had only two minor issues including a passenger-side seat heater stop working and a rear taillight bulb (brake light) went out. I love this car, love its beige and black interior combination that is unbelievable rich looking. Highly recommended.

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  Great car - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Leroy Zeke - July 2 - 1:30 am

  I am really happy with the fuel economy and features of this car. It is fun to drive but still gets very respectable mpg. I still have power when I need it. We also have a Honda Civic Hybrid, and the VW is getting better mileage, and is much more fun to drive.

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  Didnt suck too bad - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VWJustOK - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I enjoyed my Jetta over the two years I drove it - however I had a few problems. The window mechanism broke as I was driving down the highway, brakepads wore out quickly, car was generally very noisy, ect. However, it was fun to drive.

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  poor manufacturing quality - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jis - July 1 - 10:00 am

  My dashboard was put in crooked at the factory, something I did not notice for several months. I had all the usual problems with the oxygen and mass airflow sensors, replaced 3 or 4 times (I forget which), cupholders, green ooze in the doors, poor key, 2 second delay when getting into gear on the automatic transmission. etc. Also an "endearing" noise in the front dash that occurs each year at through the cold weather season. Probably some metal parts contracting and vibrating in the cold. I contacted the president of VW in Germany, got a letter back from Germany saying that some one in the US would come out and look at my car. No one ever showed.