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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  Cute Car - Fun to Drive - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By AB54 - June 3 - 6:33 am

  I just signed the lease on my car last week. So far, it has been great. Its cute and fun to drive. It is my first new car, so I am enjoying the new car smell :) I traded in my Acura 3.2 CL Type S, so I do feel like I am missing a little bit of power. The Jetta seems a bit sluggish. Still, I am really excited about the car. Super sweet!

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  nice car but probably not again - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bnienhau - June 1 - 11:10 pm

  I bought the new 2005 Jetta with the 2006 body style. I bought it new with about 32000 miles and within about 20000 miles I had to to take in for a tranny problem. good thing it was under warranty. I havent had any more problems except for the interior. Raido is peeling and the handles black paint is peeling. The cosmetic issues inside are garbage but all in all a good car if that is not a conern. I have 2 years left on my loan so I hope it lasts cince it now has 100000 miles on it. Will the car last. Any suggestions on making it last are welcome.

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  Maintenance repair shop queen - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Keith - May 31 - 11:51 am

  The car achieves outstanding mileage with the TDI engine with outstanding low end torque. However it is a maintenance nightmare. The Satellite radio failed at 18 months along with the aux port. The TDI engine intercooler had a design fault resulting in bent valve and engine freeze up. Volkswagen replaced the engine under warranty. All four struts, shocks and wheel bearings have failed in the last 24 months. Car is religiously washed and waxed. The paint failed at 70 months on all four wheel wells and the rocker panels with large chunks of paint blistering and peeling off. Volkswagen has only agreed to pay 20% of the repair cost. I buy the best tires rated for ride and noise. Despite that the car rides rough and there is so much wind and road noise that I wear ear plugs during my commute and I will not drive it on long drives.

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  Nicely engineered/poorly built - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Rob - May 30 - 7:33 pm

  Ive had the car around 9 months. Its a great road trip car - with the TDI, Ive gotten nearly 700 miles on a tank of fuel. It corners nicely and mileage has been over 40 mpg on every tank. Gets over 50 on highway. Pleased this car even starts up in below zero weather this past winter. The DSG transmission is very nice - the diesel/trans combo is the best part of this car. Trip computer is nice, too. But the stereo stinks for $25k car, little/no sound from front speakers. Also not a fan of the "leatherette" seating surfaces - drivers seat already showing wear at 9,000 miles (and Im only 150 lbs.) Overall, my 01 wolfsburg was more fun, but equally unreliable. Why do I keep buying VWs?

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  Poor fuel milage - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Bobbie Holland - May 30 - 7:23 pm

  We purchased our VW and are very disappointed in the gas milage. The sales sticker on the vehicle stated that it would get 47 mpg highway and 41 city. We only get 34 mpg highway. We have had it to checked three times and they cant seem to find the problem. It seems there are other people that have similiar problems with this make of VW.

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  Great Car, Great Value - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By LuvTheJetta - May 28 - 12:33 pm

  I researched other cars for about 3 months before I bought the Jetta Wolfsburg Edition. No other car could match the performance, safety, and features with the price of the Jetta. I love the standard options on the Wolfsburg. It is sporty but very comfortable inside. Its fun to drive and Ive been happy with how powerful it is while maintaining decent gas mileage.

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  Great Sporty and Fun to Drive Car - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By websiege - May 28 - 10:40 am

  Had my 2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS Wolfsburg for just over three months now. It is execptionaly agile and quick of the start. Its very fun to drive. I love the turbo engine. I have had no major problems with this car yet. Of course, the engine light came on the day I bought it, I just took it back and replaced sensor and it has been great ever since. I had a Honda Civic before and thought this would use lot more gas but can get 32 mpg highway if I dont push it over 80 mph. This is one of the best cars that Ive owned

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  So Good Gonna Upgrade to a Passat - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Lumberjack - May 28 - 10:00 am

  A V-6 with stick holds 220 km/h like it is on rails. Problem free. Fun to drive. Been thru 3 Chicago Winters with great traction and performance. So good are going to upgrade to either Jetta or Passat Wagon in Sep when new ones come out -- to get better price and trade in.

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  Matts 00 Jetta Review - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By MattB - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I love the car. No major complaints, just a few minor ones. The cupholder is terrible. Its flimsy and rattles all the time, whether its pushed in or extended. It does not expand to fit other sizes of cups. The transmission (auto.) is also a little screwy. Frequently, when slowing down for a stoplight, it will suddenly drop to 1st gear, propelling me forward. A minor annoyance, but sometimes I just dont like the way it shifts. However, the car rides very nicely, is quite comfortable; even though Im six feet tall, I still dont feel terribly cramped. There is not much room for average-sized humans in the back, though.

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  My Lemmon - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jm - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Transmission replaced at 800 miles, paint defect took three trips to the dealer. Sometimes it starts sometimes it doesnt. Customer service extreemly poor. I have owned the car for 2 1/2 months and it has been in the shop 30 days.