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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  Great Car for the Money! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Moe - August 19 - 7:16 am

  I had test driven the Lexus IS 250, BMW 325i, Acura TL, and Infiniti G35 - the Volkswagen Jetta GLI offers everything those cars offer (minus some obvious horspower with certain models) at a great price. I was very impressed with the quality, power and standard features that this car offered - at a fraction of the cost of what the other cars sell for. Even though the cars I test drove are not thought of as in the same category as this car, for the money it can clearly stand beside those other cars - and make you a believer in this car like it did with me. You should at least test drive one, you will not be dissapointed!

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  Jetta - Descent, but Expensive - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By MJ in IL - August 18 - 10:20 pm

  The Volkswagen Jetta is a descent little car, it is not very powerful, but sporty enough. I have had massive A/C problems ahough and it uses and leaks oil to the tune of a quart about every month and a half until we added Valvoline Max life...helped a lot. Also, this car has crazy engineering with the circuit breaker design. It drives OK and definitely is fuel efficient. Just hope you dont have to get it worked on.

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  Dont do it - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Boardwalk - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Our car has only 27,000 miles on it and it has been in the shop constantly. I hope you dont have the misfortune of owning a Jetta

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  Stop now - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Richardson TX - August 18 - 10:00 am

  This car is brand new and in and out of the shop. A real lemon. Buy anything but a Volkswagen.

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  Horrible quality - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By formervwowner - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car because it looked good and included a lot of features for the price. It turned out to be the biggest piece of junk Ive ever owned. These are some of my problems: the passenger window just dropped in the door while on the freeway, I demanded they fix it for free even though its out of warranty, they did (always find service bulletins on the web as proof), the mass air flow sensor went out, the CD changer went out, yellow goo comes out of the door panel on down the side of the car (I later learned its adhesive), the electric fan in the engine went out and caused the a/c expansion valve to go out. Im selling the car and will NEVER own another VW again.

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  I love my Jetta! - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By vasileesa - August 16 - 6:20 am

  I have had my Jetta for 2 days now and I just love it. It is super sleek and fun to drive! It has nice pick up to it and I cant wait to try out the manual option. Supposed to be my car but hubby hasnt let me drive it ever since I brought it home! I am hoping to not have any issues with the Leatherette but read only good reviews from others who have experience with it.

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  Wolfsburg Edition - Best Value - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By SleepyDoc - August 15 - 11:40 am

  The Jetta Wolfsburg is similar to the 2.5 trim, but adds a sunroof, convincing faux leather seats, rear center armrest, alloy wheels, and floor mats in addition to the cold weather package. It is available in black, white, silver, and gray. Its understated exterior styling belies the quality of the interior. Its even more impressive at night. Soft touch materials are used extensively, and even if you find hard plastic, it has a solid, quality feel. The exception being the paper-like shift boot. The ride is firm yet very compliant, excellent road manners. Its acceleration is acceptable from stop, but highway passing is effortless to a flaw - watching for flashing lights is compromised by rear visibility.

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  Jetta GLI, Performance Compromise - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike - August 15 - 9:40 am

  My Jetta GLI is the most enjoyable car Ive ever driven and on my last road trip I averaged 34 MPG too.

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  My first Volkswagen - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sharon - August 14 - 6:13 am

  I have never owned a VW before, but wanted better gas mileage. Upon a lot of research, I purchased the TDI. I drive 11 miles to work and mileage keeps increasing. I have 1100 miles on car now and it gets an average of 40 mpg. I havent been on any long trips yet, but look forward to increasing mileage. It states 600 miles per tank. My previous car got 22 mpg and 240 a tank for the same trip! It has a lot of pep, room and lots of extras. I look forward to having it for a long time and driving it on long trips.

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  Problems Too Many To List - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By 8haggis - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car after driving a Civic for years. What a disappointment. After 3.5 years, the brake and rear lights are constantly failing. The drivers mirror has a developed a brown tinge. Had O2 sensor fail twice, light behind heater control has failed twice. Also I had the glove box hinge break due to the cold Canadian winter. I do like all of the amenities and the drive. I traded it in and am gettting the Golf GLS TDI on Wednesday. I hope I have better luck. By reading the reviews, it seems that the owners are happy.