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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  Im in love with my 1st VW and with VW service. - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By perezo72 - September 7 - 4:14 pm

  After a year of researching and testing cars, but avoiding germans, since I always consider them to be out of my budget, I finally decided to give the VW Jetta a try. And oh my gosh! I was so impressed that I bought the car without even do any research on it (I really took a dive on this one) But the reality is, this car feels amazing, I mean, if you drive a Mazda 6, Camry, Honda, Hyudai, Kia, Ford focus, etc... and then drive a Jetta, all you can wonder is, how come this car compete in this class? I love the car! If the reliability is just as good, then this car should be in everybodys garage. Only time will tell. For the time been I have become a VW fan!

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  Canuck Jetta - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Junior - September 5 - 10:00 am

  No problems to date and from what I read above I should consider myself lucky. VR6 is the way to go if you can afford the extra cash for the larger engine.I find the trunk space somewhat limiting, two sets of golf clubs is about all that will fit. The radio is not great, AM reception for sports shows is extremly poor!

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  Should have bought a Chevy - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VW Jetta - September 4 - 12:06 pm

  This is my 2nd attempt at owning a VW. The first one a Fox was less than stellar but I figured a lot of time had gone by so I would give VW another shot. So I traded my Honda Accord for a 08 Jetta 5 cyl. 5 spd. it is a lot more comfortable and the gas econ. is about the same. Now a almost a year into ownership and about 12k on the od. the car has developed an issue its missfired on the 3rd cyl. and ate the coil pack a week later and less than 500 miles it did it again although I wont know if its the same problem until it goes back to the shop. I will be looking into the Lemon Law soon. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR JUNK! I had similar prob. with the first one. Its too bad overall a good car.

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  Fantastic Car at a Reasonable Price! - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Silo - September 4 - 5:16 am

  I just purchased a 2009 SEL and couldnt be happier. The handling and performance of the Jetta blew away the Acura TSX and TL, Accord EX-L, and the Volvo S40. The 5cyl engine provides enough power and the ride is snug without being hard. Get the SEL, though. The fancy electronics aside, the 17 inch wheels do make a difference. It was also a good deal. VW covers most service and maintenance for three years and I got mine for 20k. All in all a fun car to drive.

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  Almost Perfect (but what really is?) - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Bergerman25 - September 4 - 2:56 am

  This is my second Jetta in two months (someone t-boned the first one, and it was just like the commercial). The first was a GLI, which was perfect except for a rough ride-quality due to the sport suspension. My new one is a Package 2 with a much smoother ride. It feels like an Audi A4, but much more affordable. Its almost as fun as the GLI (an 11 on the fun scale), but that point of sacrificed fun is more than made up for in comfort and utility. This is the perfect commuter vehicle for those who still enjoy driving and want something other than a cookie-cutter Japanese sedan.

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  MPG Better than EPA - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Diesel Freak - September 4 - 12:43 am

  If you havent looked at purchasing a diesel because of loud engine noise, black smoke, lack of pick up, or the availability of diesel? THINK AGAIN! All of the above problems have been corrected in the new Jetta! After driving this car youll understand why 80% of all cars are diesel in Germany! this car drives great at high speeds. When I first purchased my Jetta its gas mileage was 37 - 38 mpg. Since 10,000 miles, (currently 22,000mi) my mileage is consistantly 43.5 - 44 MPG! On a trip from San Antonio to Vegas with a full trunk and approximately 750 lbs. of passengers, running at 76 mph, (95% Cruise) she got a WOPPING 52.5 MPG round trip! Who needs a Hybid?

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  I Guess I Got the Good One - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ryflo77 - September 2 - 5:50 pm

  So far, I have not had any major problems with this car unlike others that seemed to have lemons. Ive only had to replace the spark plugs (40k), water pump (60k), and timing belt (60k). However, this is standard maintenance for Volkswagen cars. The interior lighting is amazing in this car. It feels like Im flying an airplane at night! I agree that this car is not built for a tall person b/c there is little room in the back nor the front, but Im only 55", So its perfect for me. The turbo is great in this car. It never hesitates when you punch it. Guess I got the good one.

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  jetta wagon tdi - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By cenflroofing - September 1 - 10:00 am

  great wagon fun to drive diesel engine has more pick up that gas engine

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  Love it! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By stephsuej - August 31 - 11:56 am

  I bought this car used with 60,000 miles on it. I fell in love with it right away! It drives wonderfully, great sound system, and the previous owners added some upgrades. Unfortunately after putting about 500 miles on it the check engine light came on and it kept popping itself out of gear. I took it to the dealer and found I needed a new transmission. They were completely helpful. They towed the car, diagnosed it, and put in a new tranny all for free. I still love this car, its fun to drive and nice to look at.

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  97 Jetta GLS - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tony k - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Have had the car for about 5 month now and I am pleased with it. I have put on it 8K miles and mechanical reliability has been good. The molding from one of the doors came off and the muffler seems to touch the underbody of the car whenever I hit deep wholes on the road, but other than that, I am very pleased with the car. Fuel economy has been good, avg. about 27 mpg.