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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  FAVORITE CAR - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By yellocharis - October 22 - 7:06 pm

  I bought this car in November 2010, it has only been a few months of ownership but I absolutely LOVE this car! No other car of this year can really compare. The mpg is excellent! It is a small car, but thats how I like it. I do not like big cars, I dont have a family so I dont need one. It has great handling. I love every moment I spend in my car! I hardly ever want to get out of it. It is comfortable and sleek! I have had no problems with my car so far, it has been great to me=) A pleasure, not a problem. I would recommend this car to everyone!

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  Had to sell it - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Cody - October 22 - 2:23 pm

  I just sold my Jetta with only 80,000 miles on it. I had planned on keeping it for a lot longer. It just completly fell apart. It was a great car up until 80,000 miles, and then it just went downhill. Everything broke on this car, EVERYTHING. It just isnt reliable.

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  GLI All the Way - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By batn0 - October 21 - 6:16 am

  If you dont know about the the 2.0T FSI engine, then you need to do your reseach and see what you have been missing out on. Youll pay a few more pennies but the fun it puts back into driving will make all the difference. I havent let the wife drive it yet after she peeled out of the dealership in the test drive vehicle.

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  Value - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By lawman1967 - October 20 - 6:29 pm

  This is a much nicer car than the Edmunds review gives it credit for. Sure, the 2010 had a (much) richer interior, but the 2010 was both smaller and (much) more expensive. I own and drive a 2009 Mercedes Benz C300 Sport, and bought the Jetta S for my daughter. The "wheezy" 2.0 liter does just fine, even with the automatic, and so far is getting 29 MPG in mixed driving. It is not fast by any means, but it is smooth, quiet and refined, with no trouble whatsoever cruising at 80 MPH or above. The car handles well, looks and feels more expensive than it is, and most importantly, is smoother, quieter and more comfortable than just about anything else at its price point.

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  Love My Jetta - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ohstillsoinlove - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 98 Jetta GLS in Dec. of 1997. It is truly a "peoples car" by the best automakers in the world (think Mercedes, BMW, Audi and others available in Europe). Today, I can honestly say this is one of the best cars out there today! After 6+ years and 73000+ miles (and counting), I have not experienced ANY major complications with it. I do the oil changes and tire rotations and that about covers it. Handles magnificently!!! Leaves other compacts in the DUST in its superiority!!! I feel my Jetta is just getting broken in. It is a superb car with outstanding appeal, both inside and out. My next new car will definitely be another Jetta!

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  Very pleased - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mesamie - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jetta. I bought it used with 18,000 miles on it. Yes, I had the problem with the O2 sensor, but it was replaced free of charge. I replaced tires and brakes. Big deal. Performance has been great. I do a lot of traveling and havent had any problems to date. (Let me knock on wood). I hope to replace it next year with a Passat. German cars have always been my favorites. Has 72,000 miles and runs like a top.

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  My best buy ever - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Springbok - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I have owned VWs for the past 20 years. This latest Jetta TDi has been my best buy ever. VW have excelled with this model. Fuel consumption has exceeded VW claim. I get 45-49 mpg around town and 51-52 mpg on the highway.

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  Awesome Car! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Daniel P Gale - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I never imagined myself in a diesel or a Volkeswagen. Boy have I been missing out! This car is awesome. It is extremely comfortable, a joy to drive and has great gas mileage. People should not be afraid to test drive one of these! What more can you ask for in a car getting 45+ per gallon.

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  Love my Jetta - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Love my Jetta - October 17 - 2:40 am

  This is my second Jetta. Even though Consumer Reports gave the Jetta a poor review in 2005 I went ahead and bought the 06. My previous Jetta was a 98. What a great choice that was. I have had it for over two years now and, 24,000 miles later, it has performed perfectly. I still get a thrill out of driving it. City mileage about 24-25 mpg.

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  I love my GLi - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Christi - October 16 - 9:10 pm

  This car has been a joy to drive and a blast to rip around town in. The trunk holds anything I throw at it and the paddle shifters make even the worst traffic enjoyable. I did have a couple of issues at the beginning, but that came from sitting on a lot for almost a year before I got it. And the dealer was wonderful about taking care of them on their tab. It is also a little rocket!! I love having kids in souped up cars try and race me - I leave them at the line every time!