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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  Wolfsburg Jettas are better - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By RShepherd - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I have really enjoyed my Jetta Wagon. The build quality is excellent with none of the squeaks and rattles that so often plague Puebla Jettas (all wagons are made in Wolfsburg while all No. American bound sedans are made in Mexico).It rides better than just about any small car (the Ford Focus comes close)and has a tight steering feel and excellent brakes. The interior (especially leather like mine) looks like an Audi and much better than any other subcompact car. The seats are very firm, but comfortable for long-distance travel. If it were stolen today, Id buy another one, but probably one with manual transmission.

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  Good with Warranty - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Griff - June 24 - 3:10 am

  I purchased my Jetta GLS new in 01. I loved the car for the first three years (while it was still covered under its factory warranty). Since then Ive had a turbo hose blow, brake switch go three times, replaced two timing belts, and had to replace several emissions sensors. I love the car, but HATE the repair cost. I cant go in for a repair for less than $250 (average $550). So unless you drive a TON the gas savings doesnt make up for the repair cost. Also, mechanics are few, even at the dealers, so you may have to wait for Bob to come back from vacation to get your car back. The timing belt is a $cow$, it wears out quick and then the car needs several adjustments to get it running right again. Overall this is a good car, I just wish I had gotten the extended waranty. I am looking to replace my car soon due to the high cost of repairs.

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  First 2500 Miles - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bronco$fan - June 22 - 12:06 pm

  Ive driven the car for 2,500 miles now and am very happy with it. 85% of the miles are short in town trips ath are 5 miles or less (hardly enough to get let the engine warm up) and I am averaging 35.2 MPG. I am sure if we drove slower and took longer trips the mileage would be substantially higher. We purchased this because we wanted an efficient car and could not stand the tiny box feel of all the other high mileage cars on the market (IE civic, fit, carolla, yari, etc).

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  04 Jetta is a piece of junk - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By POS - June 20 - 9:03 pm

  This car is a money pit and Volkswagen (both the dealership where the car was purchased or the headquarters) does not stand behind their cars. Ours has a cracked manifold which the mechanic said is due the car being a lemon. He said there is not reason for this to happen on a car with only 60K miles and that has had all maintenance performed since day one. This car has been treated very kindly since day one but still one costly problem after the next and all Volkswagen can say is "sorry". Dont buy this car! Buy a Honda or Toyota instead and save yourself the headaches!

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  Ultimate in practicality and fun - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Rob from JAX - June 20 - 6:00 pm

  The Jetta was everything promised. With 7,000 miles on it, Ive averaged 43 mpg in the city. Its fuel efficient, yet it has get-up-and-go when it needs it. The fuel gauge is more conservative than published in the owners manual. Ive been very satisfied.

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  Six Week Review -- 2016 VW Jetta 1.8T Sport - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Daniel - June 20 - 3:46 am

  We have owned several VW products and multiple Jettas -- traded in the 2006 VW Jetta TDI with 105K miles for a new 2016 VW Jetta 1.8T Sport (diesel for gasoline). Our 2006 was before "DieselGate" so we werent in the running for a VAG payout or buyback...Lets first discuss pricing -- strategically, I worked this "deal" for over a month, wanting to wait until VW publicly announced the $$$ for their DieselGate settlement; we closed the day after their announcement, and there was no one in the dealership...I had purchased from this same dealership before, so we had that going for us as well. To make a long story short, the week on July 4th, the MSRP (about $24.5K) was discounted about $6,500 and we pounced. They gave a decent trade allowance and were able to purchase a brand new Jetta for about $16.2K -- remember that the Jetta 1.8T Sport is loaded except for the Light Package, so we are very pleased. Compared to the 2006 TDI, the 2016 1.8T Sport has a much more smooth ride (sport suspension) along with softer interior plastics...no more leaky sunroof from the 2006 TDI...the audio and communications are extremely updated versus the 2006 TDI (which didnt even come with an aux jack...) Im well aware of the potential issues - replaced the dual mass flywheel on the 2006 TDIs DSG transmission, replaced the refrigerant control value on the 2006 TDI, and ignored the 2006 TDI headliner issue. But the 2016 1.8T has some "maintenance" improvements -- for example, in order for me to change 2006 TDIs headlamp bulbs, I had to remove the entire front bumper/grille in order to access the light assemblies (no room for your hand inside the engine compartment...); now, on the 1.8T, I can easily reach and twist!!! The 2 biggest cons (I really dont care at all) between the 2006 TDI and the 2016 1.8T Sport is (1) trunk clearance, which the 2006 wins with its large opening, and (2) fuel consumption, with the obvious 2006 diesel beating the 2016 1.8T gasser (but the gasser runs on regular unleaded so thats a plus...)

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  Average Car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mshort - June 20 - 3:40 am

  I bought this car 2 years ago. I wish that i would have researched the engine sizes available, the 2.0 is a weak engine and doesnt get very good gas mileage. I wish that I would have gotten the 1.8T. It comes with the same estimated mpg. The build quality is very good. The styling inside and out is the best ive seen. reliability has been pretty good, sometimes gets flooded. Uses a special synthetic oil that is hard to find and expensive. And at 60,000 yo need you timing belt and water pump replaced. Costs around 800, I got lucky and only payed 450.

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  Great First Car - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JettaBabe - June 19 - 2:00 am

  My first car and loving it. I love the 5 speed its smooth duability. Great milage since gas has gone sky rocketing. con: manual roll down windows are time consuming, no consul in the middle

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  28K miles and no problems - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mtimm - June 19 - 2:00 am

  I can drive from DC to florida on one tank, and my back doesnt hurn when I finally fill up in Florida. Its great around town and fantastic on the highway. This car is fun to drive, gets great milage and extremely comfortable. When the need arises, it holds tons of cargo. It is our favorite car we won. In fact we us it for the majority of travels and leave the BMW in the garage.

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  TDI Heaven - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jon Schade - June 17 - 5:53 pm

  This car has been an interstate killer! This car will cruise I-95 all day long at 90mph+ with no strain. 50mpg typical... the faster you go, to a point, the better the fuel economy. I replaced OEM air filter with K&N from day one... slight notice in power. Will buy 2008 Jetta with the new motor for more horse power and torque.