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:

• 

  Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By scotty78 - December 21 - 4:23 am

  This car is so much fun and great on gas. I drive 1 hour to work and 1 hour back and can get through Friday before filling it up. It is so much fun to drive!

• 

  35k Miles - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jettaowner5 - December 20 - 9:14 am

  I bought this car a month ago with 34k miles. First of all, the exterior design of this car is a beauty. The 2012 Jetta is no where near as nice as this one. In addition, the newer models have backtracked in quality to make Jettas more competitive with Japanese and Korean sedans (another reason why I went with this 2009 Jetta) This 2009 interior is great. It is top notch quality with seat heaters, auxiliary input and soft touch dashboard. I feel like Im riding a luxury car (which I think it is). Bought it for 14k. I love this car!

• 

  better fuel economy - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By better fuel economy - December 20 - 6:50 am

  I had a 06 tdi and it got flooded. So what do you buy now. I drive 75,000 miles a year. I am 6 ft 1 in so the room in the front seat is excellent. The car handle beautiful. The leather heated seats are very comfortable on long drives. The hand control for electronic instrument display are nice. Also recommended oil changes are only every 10,000 miles. Be careful the oil is high but you can get it on eBay. I also liked the 1000 dollars owner loyalty money. Trunk is big. Lots of room in this car. Thought I might buy a used tdi but they were more than a paid for it brand new with 30,000 miles. I will trade it for a brand new tdi when they come out in august.

• 

  Comparable to Pre-2006 Passat - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By rufustopheles - December 19 - 1:23 am

  I bought a 2006 Jetta Value Edition 5M to replace a 1999 Passat 1.8T. So far, I think the Jetta is comparable to Pre-2006 Passats based on size, handling, safety and mileage. The fit and finish differ between the two models but I have to say the Jettas interior is very nice. It has lots of storage space, no rattles, and no wind noise. I was concerned about the loss of Fahrvergnugen going from a Passat to a Jetta but Im happy with the 5-cyl. engine. It has roughly the same horsepower as the Passat -- and it handles great, classic VW ride. The Jetta is also quieter and more comfortable than I thought it would be (I just did a 3 hour road trip). The stereo is good quality too. I love the Value Edition! It is very nice, I have no regrets.

• 

  Diesel is the way to go - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By military - December 18 - 1:20 am

  5000 miles and this is the best car I have ever owned. I drive 100 miles round trip everyday. 41-43 mpg. Average speed 75mph. I cannot figure out why anyone would buy a hybrid. Clean diesel tech. is the way to go. GM, Ford, Dodge/Chrysler need to catch up. I would have bought American if they could match the quality and performance, but they cannot.

• 

  JETTA TDI is the best car i have ever owned. - 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
  By rp4042 - December 16 - 8:39 am

  I bought my jetta tdi on July 30 2013 and have loved it ever since. i have 27904 miles on it and have not had a single problem with it. i consistently get over 50mpg driving to work in the morning. the return trip home is stop and go about half the way and I average 40-42mpg.to obtain the best mpg try to keep rpm at 2000 rpm or less. when i have the car loaded with hundreds of lbs of gear and an additional person and driving 75-80 mph i still get between 45-47mpg. with the extra cost of diesel over gas i still saved $1500.00 over what it cost to run my old 2 liter gas trade in for 20,000 miles.

• 

  Great Intention, Average Execution - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Gee - December 16 - 5:50 am

  Ive had this car for 6 1/2 years (120,000 miles). Its stylish, well designed, has good fuel efficiency (2.0 engine), is comfortable, and fun to drive. However, compared to modern cars, the build quality and reliability are only average (below average if compared to a Japanese car). Rather than list everything that has gone wrong, Ill say this: averaged over the most of the cars life, Ive had $1,000 of repairs per year. It would be closer to $1,500 if I didnt do most of the diagnostics and labor myself. All of my problems have been mechanical, so the body and interior of the car look GREAT. If you can get one used for a few grand, and dont mind putting $1,000 a year in the car, its a buy!

• 

  Very reliable, great mileage - 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
  By rrocks - December 15 - 10:05 am

  After 10 months and 9500 miles, all is excellent...upper 40s on the hwy, 29-30 in horrible suburban driving conditions where I live (a lot of stop and start). Absolutely no problems. I think its a great, fun car for the money. A bit slow on the start, but it picks up speed quickly. Im sold on diesel. The only thing I dont like is the odometer display. My wife claims she doesnt care about cars but I can tell she loves it.

• 

  The best car I have ever had - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mohavi - December 13 - 10:00 am

  P E R F E C T, what can I say...Great on gas, fun to drive, I bought it used with 89k miles, changed the oil, spent total 100 dollars on it, and just kept it maintained by changing the oil, tune ups, tire rotation, and basic maintainance. I never had a problem with it. TRUST YOUR VOLKSWAGEN DEALER. Before you buy your new volkswagen, take it to a dealer, invest that 40 dollars to have it checked, they can tell you exactly what needs to be done and what kind of condition it is in. This is the best car I ever had, when I am ready for a newer car, I will buy a newer Jetta. Love it

• 

  fun - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By shiner - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This car is very fast and a lot of fun. I too had the coil problem, but my dealer fixed it quickly and gave me a rental in the mean time. Since then it has run flawlessly. Second gear is a bit funny. If you dont hit it just right it can bog a bit. Otherwise, Im looking forward, and fully expecting, to taking it to 300k miles.