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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  ONE GREAT CAR!! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By terryscott621 - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Have had the car a little over a year and love it. I commute 100 miles round trip everyday, have 38,000 on the odometer and my car is doing great. Couldnt wait to start modding my car with aftermarket parts. With my additions the car is even more enjoyable. Stiffer suspension, quicker acceleration, and some interior mods make this a fun car to drive. Have had no mechanical problems accept for factory recalls.

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  Third TDI - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Bert - December 7 - 12:00 am

  This is my third VW TDI. First one was traded at 7 years 210,000+ miles, second one at 7 years 200,000 miles. No major breaks or downtime. I am not too diligent on maintenance so these have held up well with basic oil changes at 15,000+ miles. Bought 2010 TDI wagon in July 2009. Great ride as usual. My wife wont give my car back.She left me with Windstar van which we will probably replace with TDI Touareg.Are we lucky not have maintenance problems? probably but very satisfied with VW reliability and mileage over 15 years.Great car to drive on long business trips. We now supply TDI wagons to our salesmen.We make up higher initial cost with better fuel mileage.I get 38 MPG mixed and over 40 hwy

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  poor review - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By boo 4 jettas - December 5 - 10:00 am

  The volkswagen jetta i purchased has given me problems after 2 months. several others who own a jetta has complaints as well. customer service as well as the service dealers are never helpful. my car is always in the shop. one major thing goes wrong every few months. they can never establish what is exactly wrong with the car. i will never purchase a volkswagen again.

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  Good commercials, bad car! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By SaminNJ - December 5 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems with my 2002 Jetta 1.8T. It looks very good, is fun to drive(when it goes into drive!) But has so many problems in the first two months, that I would strongly urge anyone considering buying one to really reconsider. I can not put my car into drive directly, have to go into 3rd or 4th gear and then sometimes it will go into drive is the largest of the problems.

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  very satisfied - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By meli - December 2 - 10:00 am

  this has been the most enjoyable, reliabe car Ive ever owned in 59 yrs. I have never been stranded and I have loved every minute of driving it.

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  i dont know what i would do without it - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By lorene - December 2 - 10:00 am

  I have my Jetta TDI for 4 years, drive everyday to work, 34 miles one way. never left me sit. Even took it on a trip of over 2,000 miles. It did great, no problem finding fuel.

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  This car rocks!! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By alibaba - December 2 - 10:00 am

  It has all the features, appointments and performance of a BMW 3 series for about half the price. And it is so much fun to drive!!

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  power on mountains - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Donald Dauenheimer - December 2 - 10:00 am

  I live Denver Colorado and I still like drive mountain roads that turbodiesal with automatic transmission that A/T have not change shift when steep hills and still lot enough power, it is lot help by turbodiesal, In past I was thought lack of power by show static number of power on paper before to buy car, VW dealer laugh me and give me key to drive test, love it to bought it.

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  The Car! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Bluekate18 - December 2 - 10:00 am

  I have just recently purchased a silver one and I am loving it. It is a big change from an 86 Chevy Blazer. Leather seats really add class to the car. I am very comfortable driving it. The fact that there are so many air- bags and other safety features gives me a peace of mind when driving it out in this crazy world. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone, no matter your age, because it is an overall wonderful car.

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  My Jettta - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By LadyDior72 - December 2 - 10:00 am

  My jetta is a fun drive! The most reliable car I have ever had! Its cute, I love the blue interior lights, and I can even take it off-roading!