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 of the few happy Jetta owners - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By MyJettaOK - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Considering trading for new GTI was going to look at those reviews and thought Id check the Jetta reviews first. Wow. Surprised by all the problems. Have the base GL with 5sp. Added alloys wheels and CD player. So far, knock on wood, no problems. Electrical, engine, windows, etc. all fine for last 2 yrs. Car has been just as reliable my last Acura. Been to the dealer only for 2 oil changes and to install CD player. Hope the GTI reviews are better or I may stick with what I have. Cool message board.

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  Has it improved in build Quality??? - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By economan - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I just traded in my 1999 new Jetta TDI for a 2003 model. Generic faults with the earliar models. 1-Glove compartment hinges break. 2-Front and rear cup holders break prematurly. 3-Rear ashtray breaks easily. 4-Mass airflow sensor fails. 5-Black Cloth material losses its color, fades. 6- Interior material hard to clean. 7-Water pumps fail prematurly. 8-Diesel model intake plugs up with tar Due to EGR design. 9- Relay 109 fails every 20,000 miles on Diesel models. 10-Electric windows fall out of guides. 11-Floor mats do not stay in place.

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  Love the Car, Hate the Issues - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ashort - August 26 - 1:04 am

  We purchased our Jetta off the lot, but I think we choose the wrong one. We had issues right out of the gate. Noticed that left side speakers did not work. Took it back and discovered that when the dash was installed at the factory they smashed the wiring harness. Second issue: clicking sound from drivers door trim. That took over 4 months to get it diagnosed and corrected and to get window controller fixed because tech damaged it while fixing the trim. Third issue: Had to have the manual transmission replaced at around 48k. Interior seals failed. I think this Jetta was made right before siesta time (made is Mexico). Tires side walls blew out around 35k

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  Bad VW Service - 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
  By temnek@hotmail.com - August 25 - 1:55 pm

  Budget vehicle to get from A to B. Cheap interior. Ive leased it because this is my first VW. Ive heard from friends that VW service is bad. When you lease a car, most of the services shall be free. Not with VW. Dealer (Kings VW in Gaithersburg MD) tells me that NOT EVERYTHING IS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. And I get "contact VW on the phone" , and " we are not fixing this for free". And I dont visit a dealer anymore. Not changing oil (dealrs fee is $86 + tax). Nope. I am going back to Toyota, when your Toyota dealer has free coffee, juice, and water while I am waiting and the oil changes are $19.99 + tax ( I miss those days). Ive leased 3 Toyotas in the last 10 years. Toyota people are great. I have 9K miles to go and when I go, I never buy or lease another VW.

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  Bad VW Service - 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
  By temnek@hotmail.com - August 25 - 1:55 pm

  Budget vehicle to get from A to B. Cheap interior. Ive leased it because this is my first VW. Ive heard from friends that VW service is bad. When you lease a car, most of the services shall be free. Not with VW. Dealer (Kings VW in Gaithersburg MD) tells me that NOT EVERYTHING IS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. And I get "contact VW on the phone" , and " we are not fixing this for free". And I dont visit a dealer anymore. Not changing oil (dealrs fee is $86 + tax). Nope. I am going back to Toyota, when your Toyota dealer has free coffee, juice, and water while I am waiting and the oil changes are $19.99 + tax ( I miss those days). Ive leased 3 Toyotas in the last 10 years. Toyota people are great. I have 9K miles to go and when I go, I never buy or lease another VW.

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  My VW Jetta - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Gabby424 - August 23 - 2:10 pm

  I love my Jetta GLS!! It is everything the dealership told me, and this by far is the best car I have owned so far! The warranty package is acceptional!

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  This is a crappy car! - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Fed-up - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I will never own another Volkswagen. The timimg belt went on this one at 94,000! I was told by the Dealer to have it checked at 100,000. Then the transmission went at 112,000. Crappy, crappy car. You need special tools to work on it so you can only go to a VW dealer who charges three times as much as a regular mechanic. My friend who lives in Germany told me that Volkswagen wasnt any good. I should have listened.

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  1st class little car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Will G. - August 23 - 12:40 am

  Great car. 59500 trouble free miles. Would like more MPG however anything this fast wont deliver that.

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  a tree retired my Honda Pilot, now a Jetta SE fits - 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Chuck On Cars - August 19 - 7:10 pm

  I combined the Pilot insurance money with selling my Miata and now Im set with a 2017 Jetta SE. Jus the right size and great gas mileage. Sanibel white with a sunroof and heat seats. 6-speed automatic gets me from point A to B in plenty of style.

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  Awesome car - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By fho2008 - August 19 - 10:00 am

  Less than six months and less than 6K on the car but wow. What a fun car. Talk about bang for the buck, I drove a GLI the day before, knew I wasnt getting that, and also drove the 5 cyl. When I go back the next day, all they have, in Jettas, are Wolfs. Wow GLI performance for the SE price! I love the fact that this car costs less than my two year old car did when it was new, and has way more features. This wont be my last VW.