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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  A Nice Used Car at a good price... - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By freddok2 - May 15 - 5:57 am

  I suddenly found myself in the position of needing a another car after my previously-reliable 2006 Subaru Impreza suddenly overheated on me. The Dealer where I had the Subaru taken for service (and from where I had bought it new in 2006) had put me in a white 2013 VW Passat as a loaner for a while, so when it came time to deal and to decide whether to take back my old car or buy a new or certified Pre-Owned car from the dealer, I was pleased when I took on a test drive a blue Certified pre-Owned 2012 Jetta with low mileage. The only thing I didnt like about it was the mostly-plastic dash, but that was a minor tradeoff in return. I bought it and have been happy with it ever since.

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  My favorite car! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jman79 - May 14 - 5:43 pm

  Im actually leasing this car and I plan to buy it when the lease is up. I took over the lease from someone else and I am very pleased with my decision. I always wanted a fast car but never wanted to be too flashy. I feel like this car is perfect for me. Its nice 17" rims, tinted windows, and a spoiler rock my style. But I also wanted a nice interior that I couldnt find in other basic sporty type cars in the same price area. This car really moves and always surprises my friends. The leather interior, heated seats and nice stereo system are straight out of a luxury type car. If you are looking for a car thats fast, has a nice interior and is fun to drive. This is the car for you.

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  Beauty is Skin Deep - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By George Martschenko - May 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a love/hate review. I love the looks, the 17" wheels, the ride and performance. I dont like the lack of seat space when you fold down the back seat and use the car as a wagon. I am 57" and had to move my seat forward to make room for the folded back seat. If you need a wagon as a wagon, I would suggest you try something else. Another issue showed up immediately. The driver seat keeps heating when you think its turned off. I turned on the front seat to heat myself up after buying the car. Once I was warm, I couldnt get the seat to turn off. So much for one day with the car.

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  I Love My Jetta - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jetta Lover - May 11 - 7:03 am

  I purchased the Jetta 2.5 on June 3, 2006. It has everything that I wanted in a new vehicle, including a moonroof, heated leather seats, awesome stereo, 6 CD player, on and on and on. The red exterior and the camel interior are very pretty together. It rides so smoothly and is a fun car to drive. The thing that I love the most is the quick pick up when you are on the very hilly roads of Pittsburgh.

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  Awesome! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jared - May 8 - 7:33 am

  After having a GTI for a while, I decided I needed a bigger car. As fun as the GTI was, it was just getting too small. I looked at the Audi A3 & A4 and the Acura TSX... The 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is like an Audi, for $3,000+ less and is equipped with many of the same features and parts as a comparably equipped A4. It even has the same engine. This car is great to drive, has a good pick-up and is extremely nice inside.

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  First VW - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By First VW - May 7 - 10:16 pm

  Love It! Bought it for my wife, but havent stopped driving it at every opportunity. Fun to drive, fast, comfortable. Only problem is the DSG transmission. Wish I bought the manual. The DSG shifts smoothly but is awkward at a start, and is difficult to start on a hill. Its kind of like driving a manual shift without the benefit of controlling it with a clutch. The dealership says its received many complaints but "thats the way its supposed to work". BUT they extended the DSG warranty ;) Bottom line is that theres a problem, they dont know how to fix it, so they extend the warranty to calm the masses. Poor solution. BUT Would definitely buy it again. Most fun car to drive ever!

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  Great Car - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jattaman - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought my new style Jetta in June of 2002. With only 27000 miles on it at the time, I got a great deal. I have had few problems since buyibg it. The plastic clips holding the window broke causeing the passanger side window to be stuck down for a couple of days, but I cant complain bc the dealership fixed it w/o any charge to me. I had to replace a vacume line after the engine light came on, which was a little expensive if it werent for the extended waranty. The cup holders could use some improvement, but other than these few "problems", this car has been great.

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  What a GREAT car!! - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By RoadKing - May 6 - 2:20 pm

  Went from a 2001 BMW 540i 6 speed to this vehicle with NO REGRETS. Wasnt even looking at this vehicle but my wife saw one, we test drove, and bought one that the dealer had coming in. Very lucky too to get VW rebate, low interest financing, and the $1,300 govt refund. Glad I listened to others and got 6 speed, sunroof, and 17" rims. Added fog lamps and tinted the windows. Car looks great, has typical German Engineering, is a BLAST to drive, and gets great mileage so far (with only 2,500 miles, Im getting 36 daily city/freeway and got 43 highway on a recent trip). Love all the room in back the wagon creates, its been great for hauling two black labs. I highly recommend this car.

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  Can be improved - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Walter - May 5 - 4:23 pm

  Have one ongoing problem, its the road clearance under car, you will bottom out on road dips (not potholes) just thoses waves and dips that you cannot see. This has caused the dust panel behind front bumper to fall off. You will hit this panel entering and leaving driveways etc. There is just not enough clearance under car. I estimate the clearance under my Jetta to be approx. 2 to 3 inches at most. Is this legal? Local mecanic suggested that mybe Volkswagon might have stiffer front springs to lift car a little higher, will check soon. Good fuel economy but you lose a little of what you save from the pumps when you pay high, very high oil changes.

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  Looks/Handles Great - Highly Undreliable - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By NeverBuyVWAgain - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Looks great from the outside, drives like you think a German sports car should, reliability about as good as a Yugo. I have had this into the dealer 10+ times - for O2 sensor (3X)/trunk lid switch/(1 week of purchase w/ O2 sensor #1), Front rotors (3X in 30K miles-75% Highway). All problems required a SECOND visit because the parts are not in stock - brake rotors for a Jetta not in stock!? VW Corporate Customer service was all about excuses - "Sir, they have to ship the replacement parts all the way from Germany!" I cant wait to unload this before something really nasty happens ("Those water droplets you see on the oil filler cap are normal").