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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  WOW - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Scorpio052 - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Two words: Holy Crap (in a good way) Engine and handling are amazing. Interior design is beautiful. Radio controls on steering wheel offsets cup holders. Worried about more room in back, get a Passat or tell rear passengers to walk and miss out on an unreal ride. Get sports Lux package with manual and you will not be sorry. not by a long shot.

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  love my dub - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By johnny - April 11 - 3:43 am

  I have had the car for 25,000 trouble free miles now and have enjoyed all the car has done for me. Installed drop in k&n filter in place of factory filter and this helps car to breath better and gives car better tip in throttle response, especially when a/c is in operation. Replaced rear pads at 23,000 miles which should be covered under warranty but is not. VW needs to cover this issue under warranty. As long as you take your vw to dealer to be serviced, and drive it in low rpm range when cold you should not have problems with this car, as I have had no problems with my previous jettas. Also volkswagens arent supposed to stand and warm up, drive off immediately after starting!

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  Great Car! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Love My Jetta - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I have had the car for a few months and I adore it. Fun to drive, easy on gas, nice interior and love the Monsoon sound system. So, far I havent had any major issues with the car as other Jetta owners in this forum have experienced. So far so good!

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  Jetta GLS 1.8t - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By George S - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Car is all-around solid. Great interior design with blue and red instrumentation, comfortable seats, simple layout. Performs well, especially fond of acceleration. A sedan, yes, but dont count on fitting large people in the back seat unless the driver and front passenger are each 53". Tiptronic is cool but slow.

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  Great little car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By blizziejack - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Have had the car for 6 months and love it. Extremely fun little car to drive especially with the sport package. Have had it in the shop for 2 minor issues that were warranty related and were taken car of very promptly.

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  So far so good :) - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By klockworks - April 6 - 2:06 pm

  I got this car not that long ago for school and its pretty fun to drive so far Ive had no problems with it, the clutch is smooth and so are the gears on it. Its a really good buy i would recommend this car if its your first time buying a car or want a smooth car thats good on gas!

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  Great Car - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jonathan Edge - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Only probloem ive had is with the dealership and some reliability issues. Other then that this is the best car ive ever driven! I havent test drove that BMW yet but it beats out anything in its price range. The quality of materials and build quality stand up against anything out thier. Plus the innovative feature and the creature comforts that no one knows about or notices untill you own the car are fantastick.

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  Jetta review - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By john launius - April 5 - 6:33 am

  I bought the car for the fuel economy, but I am very pleased with all aspects. I have not yet had even one small problem and the comfort is excellent considering I am 63" and over 220. Its fuel mileage consistently over 40 mpg. The satellite radio is a nice feature that I recommend as are the leatherette seats. The diesel has a ton more power than the one I use to drive back in college (83 model). Its exterior styling gets a ton of looks, and if your undecided on gas or diesel, its a no brainer - go diesel; everywhere I go the car gets noticed and the first question out of everyone is whether the car is a TDI. In summary, I promise youll be happy with this vehicle.

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  Better Than Any Hybrid - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Matt - April 3 - 7:23 pm

  This car is unbelievable......I now have 29,000 miles on it and I have not had one trip to the dealer for anything except normal service.

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  6 Months with 10 Jetta TDI - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tdidriver1 - April 3 - 7:15 am

  First, the good: the car is very fun to drive, the interior compares with much higher priced cars and the fuel economy is good. The, bad: two "campaigns" within 6 months, oil leak, sway bar (common problem Ive read) and lower control arm bushings (common problem Ive read) all replaced. Now, its leaking diesel after 18,500 miles and just about six months. There is a problem with some of the high pressure fuel pumps failing. Hopefully, this is not a precursor of the failure for me. I loved the car at first, but service at the dealers is poor and VW customer service is less than helpful. Be forewarned about the high pressure fuel pump failure and poor service from dealers