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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  Definitely worth every penny - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dee - April 29 - 3:00 pm

  This car definitely has a very solid feel to it, especially when compared to other brands. We found the rear legroom to be plenty for people under 6. The downside is the 2.5L feels boring, heavy and slow, plus its mileage isnt that great in the city. Wish they wouldve kept the 2.0T, but they wanted better reliability, so 2.5L it is. Interior is typical VW quality, although its a little drab especially if you have the black interior. The quality of the V-Tex is very good, but it makes the front seats are a little too firm. Trunk is huge huge huge. Lots of features not found in other cars of its class, such as heated seats, heated mirrors, etc. Havent had any reliability issues so far..

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  Love my GLI - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike - April 29 - 4:46 am

  This is a great car. A little pricey maybe, but you get what you pay for. VW is now competing with the Acura TSX and Volvo S40.

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  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Timothy Evans - April 26 - 12:53 am

  This car was one of the worst purchases i have ever done. It worked for maybe 2k miles just fine then after that weekly now i have to fix something with this car and the value of this car is so low that even fixing the smallest thing on it could cost you more then the car is even worth. its not worth it do not buy this car because the number one thing that will i guarantee go out is the transmission just take a second to look around because i can promise you even if you bought this car brand new it still would go bad in a snap.

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  So far darn good - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Thomas T - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought my car in July this year and I have nothing but praise for it. It looks cool,handles beautifully,has all those wonderful extras that you dont expect in the so called "entry level" model and then theres the German workmanship that you just cannot fault. A class act as far as Im concerned.

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  Solid Car, Fun to Drive - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VW DRIVER - April 25 - 9:56 am

  Paid less than the TMV price on Edmunds.com. The car is *solid*, puts a grin on your face on corners and turns. No problems with anything so far. Quiet, sturdy, quality all around you. The built-in premium CD player sounds great. I just splurged on model-specific rubber floor mats from VWs Driver gear web site as well as the cup holder insert for the center arm-rest. Now I have nothing to complain about regarding that mis-placed cup holder above the CD player.

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  97 Jetta Jazz - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By EB - April 18 - 6:40 pm

  I absolutely loved this car when I got it new. I drove it with 115,000 miles with no problems. Then the 1st transmission died (manual). At 146,000 miles the second one died and I am ready to retire it. I still love the car but its not so much fun without the 2, 3 and 5th gears!

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  A Perfect Sedan For Most Consumers At A Very Good Price - 2014 Volkswagen Jetta
  By roadtester1 - April 17 - 11:46 pm

  To start with, and in full disclosure I rated my new 2014 Jetta S with the 6-speed automatic with many 5 stars as I feel the professional test drivers who put out review videos and write professional reviews for a living are not really representing the average American on what they are truly looking for in a car. Who really wants or needs a 300 horsepower four door sedan that does 0-60 in five seconds. Look to a Corvette for that. Who really wants and needs soft leather on the dash and full interior. Look to a Lexus for that. Volkswagen should not be overlooked for several reasons including build quality, safety, handling, and tons of interior room to name a few. Did I mention value.

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  A small performance sedan value - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sheep - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Excellent performance when chipped. Also increases gas mileage if you use the greatly enhanced torque to your advantage. The styling is very Euro: conservative yet fresh. Everything works in the car well. Controls well placed. Driving position is excellent. Transmission is very smooth and very precise if upgrade the shifter, which I did. I bought the car with the intention of making it into a hardcore sporty sedan with a minimum investment and it has delivered in spades! Fit and finish is superb for a car in this class; the interior will shame any Asian or American car in this category.

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  VW new motto: Suckers Wanted - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By rmarcassoli - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Had the car for a little over one, and already it has been in the shop four time for repair work. Electrical problems, window problems, total brake & rotor replacement at 19K, and sensor problems. Carseat fabric is the most horrible material known to humans. Make sure you get the upgraded stereo so you will not have to listen to all the sqeaks the car makes. Basically all the same headaches that everyone else on the site has been having. Spoken to many people who have the same feeling..as time goes on the car has more and more problems. Totally regret buying this car, high price and low quality.

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  New 200hp Jetta GLX - Bad News - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Casasf - April 17 - 2:00 am

  My 2002 Jetta V6 GLX with the 200hp engine has been nothing but trouble. The car is a month old, & already its been in the shop 8 days. 1st, the engine control module went. My svc mgr let slip that 500 other Jettas had the same problem. 2nd, the drivers side door didnt fit. It had to be reinstalled. 3rd, the car blew its coolant all over the garage floor. The svc dept found "nothing wrong". 4th, the car does not idle well. It races then dies. The svc dept has been unable to find the problem. The svc mgr is so fed up he is ready to call in an official VW rep, thus handing this problem car off on someone else. It is my opinion that this car is a lemon. Buyers beware.