2006 Volkswagen Jetta Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.49/5 Average
529 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Two new trim levels join the Jetta lineup for 2006: the upscale 2.0T and the sporty GLI. Both feature a 200-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and both can be equipped with VW's trick DSG direct shift gearbox. All Jettas besides the Value Edition now feature standard alloy wheels, and torso-protecting rear-seat side airbags are newly optional.

Pros:
Cons:

User Reviews:

Showing 241 through 250 of 529.00
  • Fun and Practical - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I bought my 2006 Jetta Value Edition as a 2.5 base with manual transmission, no options. After testing Honda, Toyota, and Mazda, VW is the most fun to drive and has the best build quality. Designed for America and built in Mexico, it still maintains its German character and keeps the driver--and driving--at the top of the priority list. There is enough torque to surprise anyone at stoplights and you can push from 70 to 90+ in 5th gear by just giving it a little gas. Downshift to 4th and hold on - all on regular 87 octane and 27 mpg. The interior is simple, functional, and the controls are well-engineered and intuitive. Pax room is generous and its visibility great (for parking). The steering very accurate. At 13,000 miles, I have had no problems.

  • camshaft needs replacing at only 200k! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
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    I am not impressed with having my cam shaft replaced at only 200k. To top off the cost of repair vw is charging double for the major replacement parts over OEM. I purchased the shaft for 480 (vw was 985) and the follow (lifters) for 180 (vw was 464). Add the extra taxes I dont have to pay on money saved and I saved a 1000 dollars just by making a few calls on the parts. 16 hours labour at 115 per and they still HAVE to gouge me on the parts. Just doesnt seem fair after spending an additional 10k to purchase a diesel so i wouldnt have to worry about major expenses so soon. I must say in vw defence that after all these years they have kept the treat women like they dont have a clue spirit!

  • GLI = FUN - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
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    I picked up my GLI last week after seriously considering the Accord Coupe V6 6MT and the Altima SER 6-speed. The GLI blows both cars away when it comes to the "fun to drive" factor. Yes, it has its typical VW "quirks", a minor rattle in the dash that will get fixed at its 5,000 mile service, and the stereo system is not terrific, but you dont buy a GLI to listen to music. Punch the acclerator in 3rd gear, listen to the amazing 2.0T spool up and say goodbye to almost anyone in your way. Watch out for the flashing lights though...

  • DSG is for me - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
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    I bought the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI primarily because of the DSG transmission. This is our second car and my wife really does not want to deal with a manual trans. On the surface the DSG was a good compromise. However in reality there is no compromise. It is faster than a manual, gets better gas mileage and just as much fun (assuming your left leg doesnt mind acting as a support rather than operating the clutch). This transmission is what every transmission should be...a wonderful automatic with full and instantaneous control. The engine is wonderful too. The combination is fantasic. I bought the GLI because you could not get this combo from Audi in a sedan. The rest of the car is excellent as well.

  • TDI Jetta, family, work equal fun - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
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    When my 91 Olds 98 decided to go to greener fields after 233,000 miles, it forced me to consider another vehicle. I drove the Honda Civic and attempted to drive a new Toyota Hybrid, none were available, thankfully. We have had the new TDI for 10 days now, I must say it has been a pleasure to drive. It drives well at high speeds. Around town the most difficult part of driving is keeping within the speed limit. Its styling is mostly European, it has excellent build quality, and a cool diesel sound (the Harley of cars?). Over my first 1,000 miles, I averaged 36.26 mpg. I only wish this car came in hatchback.

  • just dont go to the "stealership" - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Ive seen alot of reviews here knocking the mk5 jetta, this is the 4th VW Ive had so far (Ive had a 1987 jetta, a 1999.5 jetta, this vehicle, and I also have a 2008 GTI as well) Ive never had major problems with any of these cars. compared to the mk2 and mk4 Ive owned the mk5 is a deff step up from VWs previous powertrains and designs. when I do need service however, I know better than to go to the stealership when I have a phonebook with several german car speciality repair shops. Always go to them first. they can usually get any parts you need (besides keys, key fobs, and programming keys) and they can usually get parts that are better than stock.

  • disappointed - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    In June, 2014 I took my 2006 VW TDI with 112K mi to the dealer for a timing belt change. I also needed a fuel filter change. Did I ever get a shock - not just sticker shock! When the service guy first called me it was to tell me my fuel filter was BLACK and that meant my injectors were shot. He also said that with this model, this year car, that there was a 50/50 chance that the cam shaft and lifting arms would need to be replaced. He explained that VW had designed these poorly with dissimilar metals and that they fail. Sure enough - a bill to the tune of $4k. So I sent 2 letters to the VW Customer Care center - Ive never heard I apologize so many times in my life! Run far and fast

  • Headliner - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Im surprised no one else has mentioned, at least not that Ive seen, the headliner falling down. My car, granted has 65,000 miles on it, but the headliner started falling down already. Of course its out of warranty and they wanted to charge me a thousand dollars to fix it. Needless to say I was/am not happy about that. No cars headliner should fall down after 4 years. I know people with cars older than 10 years and their headliners are still in tact. Otherwise the car is pretty decent. I dont think Id be another Volkswagen. I had the same problem with the finish coming off my buttons, luckily that was covered under warranty at the time.

  • Very Pleased - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Im really pleased with my purchase. Going from a Jeep to the VW was a big move, but I like that it is a little car that drives like a big one. The fuel economy is great especially now that diesel is cheaper than gas. This car handles curves like theyre not even there. Shift into Sport mode and it feels like youre in the European Countryside. The exterior design needs some work I think. Also, Im not thrilled with the chrome grill, but whats the outside got to do with it, really?

  • Dump this car after 100k - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I bought a 2006 Jetta TDI that had endless problems right off of the lot. A week after buying it, the car would choke and lose all power. I took it in, they said they fixed it, and it happened again, and around and around we went. Finally i told the dealer i wanted a new car for free and they could take the lemon. It took the BBB to finally get me a new car. It was great until we hit 130k on the odo. Once we crossed this mark we spent $1,200 fixing a hissing sound, $900 trying to fix some engine light problem (which didnt fix it, go figure). Two months later the turbo went out ($3000). Did not fix turbo, not worth it, dumped the car. Last one i will buy

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