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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  Hope you live close to the dealer - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By NancyM - July 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had to take my Jetta to the dealership 3 times in the last 8 months to get the windows fixed. The lift mechanisms keep breaking. So unless you live within 10 miles of the dealership, and even then it is a pain, the problems override the fun in driving.

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  EXCELLENT car, but not without a few caveats. - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By kmck - July 22 - 12:27 pm

  I bought this car after much deliberation and test driving numerous other models. This car is, by far, the best car for the money, and overall I love it. I have only a couple issues. 1) the car is pretty underpowered when the A/C is running. I like zippy, and would expect a little more zip, but its still pretty good overall. 2) THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM. Dear Jesus. Its not terrible, per say, but it needs some bug fixing STAT. Sometimes trying to find a specific address is a pain. Oh, and the iPod connector supplied in the glove box is a little iffy at times. It lags when switching songs, every so often it will glitch and not play, but overall these are very small issues.

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  Jetta GL - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Deviouswun - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Cat converter went @ 65000. Electrical problems with power windows. Steering loud during turns. No major engine, or transmission problems.

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  This Car Delivers - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By GLI Guy - July 20 - 7:50 am

  I had been looking for a new car for awhile. I really wanted another VW (my 98 Beetle had been flawless), but they had no new offerings that appealed to me. Once I saw the Jetta GLI I was interested, but a test drive sealed the deal. The car is excellent, delivering performance and comfort in a relatively affordable package. It is an Audi with a VW price. In the 1+ year I have had it I have had only two issues, both dealing with the XM stereo. My friends comment about my "fancy" VW all the time and people comment on how sexy the car is. Ive never heard a VW called sexy. Its fuel economy has been good, I average 26 mpg between city and highway driving. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  2004 VW Jetta 2.0 - 5 Speed Manual - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By roman_empire - July 20 - 4:49 am

  I bout my Jetta in 2007 as a project with front end damage. When I was considering this car I was told that they have many problems and I should not bother. I went and bought it any ways. It had 59,xxx miles on it when it came to me. Today, April 20, 2013, it has 130,xxx miles. In general it is a very reliable car. Through out the history I have had to replace the water pump 2 time and a third time when the timing belt was changed. I have been changing the oil about every 3,000 miles. I traveled to Eastern WA about 4 times from Seattle. One trip I took to California a little over 1,500 miles round trip. I usually get about 28 miles/per gallon with about even mix of city+freeway commuting.

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  I like my Wolfsburg Sedan! - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By anya - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I have been very happy with the reliability of my car. Excellent paint & tires all the way to the handling, and performance. Will definitely buy VW again.

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  2015 Jetta 1.8 T auto trans rocket. - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Roger Ramjet - July 18 - 5:07 am

  This motor really was a blast to drive thru the mountains to Reno and back. Plenty of power even at high elevation. On the ride home I traveled 205 miles in 2 hours 40 min and used about 5 gallons of gas. This car has amazing performance with gas mileage approaching a hybrid. I may buy one.

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  Dont Buy a VW - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ihatevw - July 17 - 5:23 pm

  From the radio & power window buttons peeling off to the worst designed tire jack Ive seen, these cars are garbage. Volkswagen may make some sporty cars, but beyond the looks they are a big piece of crap. If youre looking for a reliable car keep looking but if youd like to drive a hunk of junk buy a VW. Never again will I waste money on a German car.

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  Great ride - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By joe - July 15 - 4:26 pm

  Great car, fun to drive, great fuel economy.

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  20001 Jetta Wagon - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tim Hastings - July 12 - 2:00 am

  I am very pleased with to car overall. The car has a smooth comfortable ride and is very dependable. The only thing I don,t like about the car is the fact that when we put our babys car seat in the back, you have to put the front seat up close to the steering wheel to fit it in.