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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  Overall a good buy - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By simms_jr - March 27 - 3:42 am

  A few things that bugs me about the new jettas is the fact they are down grading materials like toyota and honda for example rear drum brakes whats up with that thats what id expect from civic or a corolla not a VW it came standerd all wheel disc breaks up in till now and the premium feel of the dash gone now hard plastic cheper cloth unless you upgrade whats up with that "you get what you pay for."

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  No regrets - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Macsimone - March 27 - 1:40 am

  I was looking for a hatchback.I checked several makes. I really liked the GTI. Then tried the TDI Golf. Fuel economy displaced the GTI fun factor. As I was dealing on a TDI Golf I tried the TDI Sportswagen. It just felt smoother than the Golf, so I bought a TDI JSW with DSG. No paddle shifting like on the GTI and TDI Golf, but the extra room, smoother ride and great handling made up the difference, no regrets. I have a MB AMG E55 and BMW 335 hardtop convert, so I have transport options. The JSW gets the most use. It is one of those cars you hop in and just go and go and go. It is getting 45 mpg using D and S and manually shifting when I want more involvement. Diesel $ still less than premium.

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  My Third Jetta in Twelve Years - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By A.J. Peterson - March 27 - 1:30 am

  So far my experience has been great. I have had no problems with the car as of yet. My wife kicked the exit light cover off but, I snapped it in place and where the dealer installed the lock box the rubber is turned inward form the holder. I will see how the dealer handles this on the first service. This is my third Jetta, the first one was a 97 GL with a 4cyl. 5- speed transmission, crank moonroof and no power steering but, it did have power windows. My second one was a 95 GLX VR6 and it was loaded with again a 5-speed transmission. Now Ive bought a 06 Spice Red Tubrbo 4 with a 6-speed transmission. I had to get used to the extra gear and driving a stick again. I would have gotten the DSG but, my wife will get an EOS in the fall.

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  Why buy anything else ? - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Randy Jackson - March 26 - 12:16 pm

  47 MPG, A real hoot to drive, and gobs of room for stuff. Great build quality, great, fit and finish, and it looks great! Too soon to say anything about the reliability. Monsoon sound system is really nice. Was looking for a base GL, TDI, 5 sp Man. Not one to be found in TX. I think I got the last 5sp. manual in TX. $5,000 off for slight hail damage & hard negoiating. No trades, my own financing. Scion XB was too small, Ford Focus Wagon was just too vanilla, PT Crusier was going to be it, but I drove this Jetta Wagon later that afternoon. NO WAY was I going to buy the PT Crusier after driving the Jetta TDI. Both 5sp Man.... We will be driving this car 10 years from now, still grinning...

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  2001 JETTA DIESEL, - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By BUCKMASTER - March 25 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT CAR NO PROBLEMS YET ,WE HAVE 67000 KM ON OUR JETTA ,NEW BRAKE PADS FRONT @BACK AT 60000 PLUS REGULAR OIL CHANGES EVERY 16000 ,IT IS A GOOD CAR IN WINTER STARTED ON THE COLDEST DAYS BUT IT SHOULD HAVE A BLOCK HEATER /2003 HAVE THEM . FUEL ECONOMY IS VERY GOOD 40.00 FILL UP 950 KM TOWN 1150 HIGH WAY ,EXCELLENT POWER

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  Love and hate this car - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By majorgeek21 - March 25 - 1:48 am

  I bought this car about 15 months ago and unfortunately it was one of the Jettas that was built in Mexico...so far in this year Ive replaced the compressor ($620) the Temp compressor ($220) the compressor again which was under warranty, the timing belt and water pump ($650) and most recently Coolant fan ($260) not to mention the transmission is at the very start of going out. Its fun to drive and Im sure the ones built in Germany are great but the ones built in Mexico have HORRIBLE reliability and now Im trying to get rid of the POS. its eating my money in gas too! It doesnt get as good of gas mileage as it should...If you want one make SURE it was built in Germany!!!

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  This car is a piece of junk - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mikshift - March 23 - 1:26 pm

  Bought by 2000 Volkswagen Jetta GL Sedan pre-owned and "certified" by the dealer, though it is a mystery how it passed certification. Upon purchase the dashboard lights were out and the fuel door switch didnt work, so I couldnt even fill it with gas. The car often stalls while driving. I have had the mass air flow sensor replaced at least five times over the past 2+ years, but the stalling continues. The dealer service is incompetent at best. The last straw came when they wanted to charge me $2,000 to repair some wiring that THEY broke on a previous visit. I said no, and when I picked up the car the antenna was bent out of shape, and they told me it wasnt their fault. Owning this car has been a terrible experience.

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  136,000 Miles in Under Five Years - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Linda Finch - March 23 - 9:50 am

  I love my Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI. Ive made two trips to Portland, OR, 4,500 miles, and averaged over 51 mpg. I use cruise control and set it at about 65 mph. With effort, Ive gotten 44 mpg around town. With a tail wind, Ive gotten 55 mpg on selected trips of 600 miles. Its the only car Ive ever driven that goes over Raton Pass (CO / NM) with cruise control still working when I get to the top of the mountain.

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  Always broken, Expensive to fix - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ashton - March 22 - 11:33 pm

  Granted, this car was used and had 109,000 miles when I bought it, but it has been nothing but trouble. Had to have it after my cousin got one (and I got to drive it)! Both radiator fans broke within 2 weeks, $460. Multiple cylinder misfires. Some crazy coolant system-related engine code (P2182) that never goes away, had to have the thermostat and the thermostat sensor replaced, $400+. Strut mounts and CV boot joint need to be replaced. Transmission slips going into 4th. Finally found a good VW certified mechanic, but parts are expensive! Trying to sell the thing.

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  VW Jetta 2.0T 2009 - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Anthony (NJ) - March 22 - 7:53 am

  I was in the market for either a BMW 3 series or Audi A4. The prices were too much. I found the Jetta 2009 Wolfsburg AM and took it for a test drive and was VERY impressed. Very close to the Audi. Great car bumper to bumper and the dealership (Palisades) was great unlike the BMW and Audi dealerships I went to. This car is very responsive with great handling. It is the Audi A4 without all the glamor and that is ok with me because I saved the extra $13-$15K in my pocket. You will not find a similar sedan in American or Japanese for the price.