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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  Frustrated beyond belief - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By frustrated77 - November 9 - 2:21 pm

  Nothing but trouble. Wiring issues, now transmission hard shifts. Problem is extremely common via Google search. VW dealership just says needs new transmission and denies knowing anything about it, though there has even been at least one attempted class action lawsuit. DO NOT BUY!!!

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  1998 Jetta Gt - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jennifer - November 7 - 10:00 am

  This is a great little car that is extremley fun to drive. Nice exterior styling with Gt upgrades- tinted rear lights, spoiler, alloys silver racing dials. Very, Very safe car. Ive been in 2 head on collisions with this car at speeds over 60 km/hr and have walked out of those accidents with a couple bruises. The car goes nice on the highway and the fuel efficiency is fabulous.

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  Dont make this mistake!! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JettaNeverAgain - November 7 - 10:00 am

  This car seems like a great value at first. On paper it has very good stats. It feels good in the test drive, looks good in the showroom.... Dont be fooled! If you buy this piece of junk you will regret it. Trust me. The build quality and reliability are terrible. At 5,000 miles 2nd gear started grinding. The catalytic converter had to be replaced. O2 sensor too. Now the distributor is gone. Add to that full brake replacement at 35,000 miles, and a myriad of other small problems (heated seats, sensors, etc.). Dont be fooled by this cars initial impression. Underneath, its junk. I will never ever buy a Volkswagen again!!!

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  50mpg and Fun-to-Drive - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By flash9 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the VW TDI Wagon at the end of June. As of July 20th it already has 2,250 miles on the car. It has averaged just shy of 50mpg on mostly highway miles. It is fun to be driving a stick shift again, and the low end torque of a diesel in amazing! The car is very nicely equipped for a $20k car.

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  Wouldnt recommend it - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jubilee - November 6 - 6:53 pm

  I bought my 2002 Jetta and the first engine coil failed less than a year later. The other three coils subsequently failed as well. Besides the engine coil failures I have had the window mechanisms replaced more times than I can remember and the driver side window fell all the way in during the winter of 03. I brought the car in to have the last engine coil replaced and my automatic gear shifter has not worked properly since. Two dealerships have been unable to fix the problem. When I turn on the air conditioner, there is a STRONG smell of mildew that is stifeling and the dealer offered to spray a substance in it for $150. I sprayed Febreze antibacterial, but the smell comes back each time it rains,etc.

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  Base Jetta Wagon - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By None - November 6 - 6:56 am

  Who needs an SUV? I work for a band and haul equipment all the time, but wanted something a little smaller for parking downtown. The VW wagon ticked both boxes, and was actually the roomiest wagon in this price range. If you can swing for the diesel, do it, but the base 5-cylinder has quite a bit to recommend it. Throw in standard heated seats and a telescoping wheel and you get a very refined and functional package for not a lot of money. Tall guys fit well, and legroom in the back is decent. Spring for the winter floor mats. Niggles are few. First gear is too short, and gas mileage isnt what it should be for a car this size. Still, Id buy it again.

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  nightmare - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tom - November 3 - 12:46 am

  I have had 6 sensors replaced at the same time, engine light came back on. Now the car went back to the shop and the mechanic said come get it I cant fix it. Now I have to let it warm up before it will go at all it will start and idle but stepping on the gas it dies. I shows differant codes at differant times. This car drives great I have owned it since new, but the things that go wrong no one can fix. What happened to "Its simple, but it gets you there" Everything on this car is complicated and the engineering is goofy (eg the rear seat cupholder)and everything is just differant so no one can work on it.

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  TDI going strong - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Waldini - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive gto a 97 TDI that Ive piled on 175K miles. Ive had a few electrical problems and the alternator was replaced with a rebuilt. But this car gets 50 MPG and has great pickup. The heater is so hot it will burn your face and the a/c will freeze you out. I hope to keep running it for a couple hundered thousand more.

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  not too shabby - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jetta02 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Very stylish and fun to ride. I recently had problems with the transmission though and thats why i had to take points off for reliability.

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  N east jetta tdi sedan Auto trans - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By northeastjettaowner - October 31 - 10:00 am

  So far(2500miles)-so good. averaging about 45 miles per gallon of fuel! Handling is good. Several sqeaks in the interior dash and doors. Overall very good handling and GLS features.