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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  You have to drive it to believe it! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Michael Bauer - March 20 - 5:30 pm

  The title should really read "I LOVE THIS CAR!!!". If you want a fun-to-drive car, then this should definately make your short list. There is just something about good solid German engineering that just screams "drive me". I used to hate driving, but I actually look forward to driving in my Jetta. But, lets be honest...the ride is not BMW-like. I have driven the 3-Series, from the 325 to the 330, and the handling is much better. But, look at the price difference...is it really 10k-12k better? Probably not. Also, there is a certain feeling you get when you drive a VW. Its like your "in". With the BMW, its more of a feeling of superiority. My advice: test drive one, but get the 1.8T or VR6.

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  Nice Car - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ooo - March 20 - 1:36 am

  Driving this car was not only fun but comfortable, you have to love that 2.0T engine, once it gets going you can really feel the turbo kick in! With 200hp Im loving this car, my Dad has a 2006 Passat with the same 200hp 2.0T engine but his was way more expensive, only has a few more features. I never want to get out of the car when Im driving it, since I bought it just a week ago I have yet to notice anything wrong with the car. There is no road noise and a smooth ride, especially on corners going 30 mph ;) the car stays just like you were going straight on a road! The bi-xenon headlights on pkg. #2 help in seeing the road ahead as well.

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  My 4th and so far the best VW - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Erik - March 20 - 1:10 am

  I recently purchased my 05 Jetta I am one of those people who just love VW this is my 4th one I absolutely love it though it is only 7 inches longer and 1 3/4 inches taller and 3 inches wider it feels huge I love the features such as the dual climate control, rear seat vents, new armrest in back seat. Would you believe from 2 cupholders to 6? Wow, satellite radio which I love. This is truly a smooth riding comfortable car. Go VW!

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  Love it - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By btaylor - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I love this car!

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  TDI 185000 still going strong - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By string - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Luv this car. commute 172 miles round trip. Excellent milage >50 mpg. Only routine wear and tear repairs.(Brakes, tires etc....) Extremely reliable

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  This car has been a terrible mistake - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mkastor - March 19 - 10:00 am

  This car has been one continual headache after another. The windows continue to fall off the tracks. We go get them fixed and then the glass falls down inside the door with a loud thud again. During the warm weather, large amounts of grease from the window mechanism leaks down through door and on to the frame where you get in and out of the car--getting on your clothes. We have had many other problems besides this, so I definitely would not recommend anyone to purchase a Volkswagen.

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  200,000 Miles & a Head On Crash! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Florida Mike - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2000 TDI GLS Jetta a little more than 3 years ago. I use it for work and drive, on average, 275 miles/day. I had all the features you could get with the GLS - leather, sunroof, winter package, alloy wheels, etc. The other day I reached 200,000 miles. I never had any unexpected repairs and the car remained in excellent condition until the other day. Unfortunately, the same day I hit 200k a woman crossed the median on the highway and we collided in a 65 MPH crash. While the car was totaled, the cabin remained in tact as did all the glass - with the exception of a cracked windshield and I walked away with only a few minor bruises.

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  Disappointed with the Jetta - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Alli - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I previously owned a Jetta (1985), and thought it was the best car ever. I purchased another in 2001, and have been very disappointed. Although cute and okay to drive, the performance of the car is not as good as my last one. Maybe it is the inferior labor used in making it, but it is not as peppy as I remember.

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  Great fun and reliable - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jen - March 19 - 6:56 am

  Classic VW - fun to drive, great performance, good handling and safe. Always feel fun and in control at same time. Turbo really gets going once you learn to drive it.

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  Wolfsburgs not so great. - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By KLF - March 17 - 3:56 pm

  Ive owned my Wolfsburg for a little over a year now and I wish Id never bought it in the first place. Ive had to take it into the dealership at least 9 times. Four times for the same thing!! My speakers rattle constantly REALLY loud and nobody can seem to fix the problem. I also have a thumping in my trunk coming from who knows what! I could go on and on, but I dont have room. Bottom line: "El producto de Mexico"! Ill never buy a VW again. My advise...buy American.