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 Quality Car @ A Good Price - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jpc - January 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Jetta (91 Jetta - 11 years 200k miles) and the evolution of the vehicle has been impressive. Excellent quality and attention to detail throughout. The 2.0 is not a racehorse but delivers excellent economy and exceptional reliability. If you want speed get the 1.8. The handling, braking, and overall driver experience are a pleasure to experience. Only mystery has been 2 occurrences of Check Engine Light and recall for power windows. Very Pleased overall.

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  Leslie Long TDi Review - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Leslie Long - January 31 - 10:00 am

  My experience with this vehicle has been one of my worst experiences ever. The day I drove it off the lot, I knew I had made a mistake. The car had a booster problem which caused the brakes to apply when you perhaps did not want your brakes to apply. Finally, Volkswagen was forced to repurchase the car because of the "Lemon Law".

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  Jetta - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ramon ruiz - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Vw have been the best to me. I have an old bug and now a bew jetta. The jetta has gotten me a lot of looks. And i just love it.

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  "Check Engine Light" 3 agonizing words - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By AC & SC - January 27 - 9:06 pm

  This Jetta has been in the repair shop 8 times in 12 months for recurrent electrical/computer problems.. either the service people were incompetent or this car is a real lemon. All of the VW service people I spoke to tacitly admitted that the Jetta has its share of problems. One even encouraged me to trade it in for a Honda. Also, this is one model that you are continuously jerked back and forth with the automatic upshifting and downshifting. Ill never buy a VW again.

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  Excellent car for the money - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JK - January 27 - 7:33 am

  Ive had this car for about 6 months after having an Infiniti G35x. Considering this car was almost half the price of a new G, its shockingly nice. I love the look with the 17" wheels. The stereo is just OK but coming from the G its hard to compete. The ride is smooth and the engine is outstanding. After 6 months of using 89 octane, Im averaging 28 MPG in mixed driving which is GREAT. Much more than I expected. Ive had tanks where Ive had 60% highway driving and gotten 30 MPG on the entire tank. They are selling this car very short with the EPA ratings.

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  Mostly Reliable - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JHozer - January 24 - 4:46 am

  Bought this Jetta new in 2003. It has been a reliable commuter except for the usual VW problems. Replaced the plastic water pump at 75,000 miles. Also, the computer is very sensitive. Check engine light pops up occasionally. Changed mass air flow sensor twice, O2 sensor, coolant temp sensor three times. On the bright side, the Jetta is a smooth ride with a very comfortable interior. Love the heated leather seats! Still getting 32mpg on the highway after 6 years.

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  Sportwagen SE - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tom - January 22 - 6:33 pm

  I have driven this car for about 6,000 miles since purchase. Recorded each fill-up since purchase & getting an honest 25 mpg city & 31 mpg highway with the automatic transmission. My Sportwagen is very versatile with comfortable seating & ride. Handling is excellent with little or no sway in sharp turns or nose diving upon hard braking. White paint subject to temporary stains with some brands of gasoline. Stains do fade away

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  Jetta GLI - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jason - January 20 - 11:00 pm

  This is a great looking car sits low to the ground, so you have to be careful. It needs a short shifter and there is not much leg room in the back. The wheel well liners rip easy though. Overall, this has been a great car so far.

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  Quality design over other sedans - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By RyanZ - January 20 - 7:46 pm

  This inline 5 cylinder out performs all other sedans I test drove. Its just a fun car to drive even though it doesnt get the greatest gas mileage. The interior layout and speaker system is another great advantage over other makes out there. This car looks more sporty that the rest of the pack as well.

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  More Fun than an Accord - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike F. - January 20 - 12:50 pm

  I was *this close* to buying a Honda Accord. I didnt even look at a Jetta at first because of disastrous reliability - then I found out starting in 2007 things had turned around nicely. I drove the Jetta and dropped the Accord. On the "fun" scale, it just blows the Japanese and American cars away, imo. I also test drove the Audi A4, basically the same car for a lot less money. I noticed very little difference in the pickup and handling. Surprising amount of room - about the same as the old Passat. I have 4 kids, ranging from 9 to 15 and can fit all of us quite comfortably. One annoying thing - my power window switch acts up in the cold. Besides that - I love the car. Recommended!