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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  Jetta window problems - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VW previous owner - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Window regulators on power windows fail causing the window(s) to fall into the door. VW has not issued a recall on these parts even though they are aware of the problem. From what I have read, consumers have been reporting this failure on Jettas for several years. Replacing the window regulators can be a costly repair. My passenger window failed twice within 10 months. Regulator kits were on national backorder. The car window was unsecured for over a week. Experienced very poor service.

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  Love my VW - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Freeway Willy - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive now had my 2001 Jetta Wolfsburg 1.8t for a year. I really cant say enough good about this car. Quality has been great. The best part of this car, though, is its performance. It is a blast to drive. It is quick, nimble, graceful and smooth as silk. Save your money. Try the Jetta turbo for just as much fun as an Audi or BMW.

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  Jetta = Fun - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By sonkota4 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This is the fourth VW Jetta that I have owned but the first for the new body style. I Love it! This is a fun car to drive.

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  Great Car, Would recommend - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Neil - May 23 - 5:46 pm

  The ratings I base on any car thats as fuel efficient as this one. Much more fun to drive than a hybrid, yet gets nearly the same mileage. Spacious, back seat fits adults, seats comfortable on a 1400 mile, three day trip. Be wary of the hype that the car will get over 50 mpg. Trying real hard I can get 45 - 46. Around town Ive been getting much better than Id guessed, 38 - 40. I have the manual and keep the car at 1500 rpms unless going uphill. Never needs to be at more than 2000 rpms unless in top gear, passing or entering a freeway. Averaging 70 mph you will be lucky to exceed 41 mpg. Its in the constant 50s and 60s that 46+mpg is possible.

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  Verry Happy With VW - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Hal - May 22 - 8:46 am

  The 2006 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0T is a very nice car. Prior to the VW, I owned two Honda Accords in a row. The VW offers same high quality, good fit and finish and comfortable seats as the Accord, but with a much more powerful engine (vs. Accords 4-cylinder) and better handling and braking compared to the Accord. I have owned other cars with turbos and was concerned about lag, but the Jetta has a good power band for passing, getting up hills, etc. I have really enjoyed the car from the test drive. It is more fun and less vanilla than other sedans in this category. I definitely will recommend it to friends and family considering other comparable sedans.

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  Get yourself a Wolfsburg - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ndmike88 - May 21 - 7:33 pm

  Have only had our Jetta Wolfsburg 2 weeks and so far it has been a blast to drive. Interior and exterior quality are the best I have ever seen in a new vehicle. (And I have been driving over 40 years. First VW). Several people at work asked me when I bought a BMW. When I tell them its a VW Jetta they cant believe it. Great car for a nice price.

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  Ask how much to change the oil. - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By keiller - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive found only two oil brands that are certified for use in the new diesel. My dealer charges $70/oil change. They will sell a quart for $10/qt. Otherwise you may need to find Motul oil on line to order. Thats what I plan to do. The dealership seems confused about the oil situation. I dont want to take my car fo them for care.

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  1 week in - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jack - May 21 - 12:56 am

  1 week into owning this car and I couldnt be happier. Im shocked at the power this car has. My last car was a GTI VR6, granted it had over 120k but this TDI has just as much pick up. I have full confidence powering into traffic from a stop. This is a simple, elegant and very well designed car that inherits many technical, structural and visual cues from Audi.

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  Great Car - Questionable Quality - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By WolfsburgBuyer - May 15 - 11:50 pm

  This car drives great, interior design is outstanding. Loved it until I discovered that the A/C was draining into the cabin floor. 3rd trip to the dealer might get it fixed. Had a couple of other fit/finish issues with the build quality.

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  If You Start Me Up... - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By diallo13 - May 15 - 10:00 am

  The 1.8T Turbo is awesome! This is my first new car (previous two were used), so I spent months pondering between the Jetta, a Mazda 3, or a Honda Accord. I feel confident in my decision. No complaints!