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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  VW WILL RUIN YOUR LIFE - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By fred - March 30 - 11:00 am

  I beg anyone reading this to please DO NOT ever buy a VW. This car has caused me so much stress. I will go as far as to say it has ruined my life. Buy this car if you want to cough up about $300- $600 every 3 months for repairs. NOTHING is cheap to fix. I have had this car for 5 years & have spent well over $5000 in repairs. You name it, Ive replaced it. Its in the shop AGAIN. I am done with this car. I dont care if I lose money I am going to buy a Toyota or Honda this week. I never thought a car could be such a nightmare. VW customer care was a joke so dont even bother trying to contact them about any problems you may have. They may be cute & fun but they are not reliable at all.

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  Amazing Car - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By CPB - March 30 - 2:33 am

  I have driven performance Audis since 1996 (S6 avant, S4, and a chipped allroad). This car compares favorably to all of them. The fit and finish is right up there with Audi at half the price. The gas mileage is awesome. This car handles well and has great performance once off the line. If you need more power, chip it for $500 and increase the HP to 133. I drove the Prius, it wasnt fun to drive and the mileage was not as good (see Autoweeks comparison). The Jetta TDI is comfortable, refined, fun to drive, looks good, is a bargan at $22,000 and gets 40+ MPG when you drive it normally. This is a great car on its own merits and you can feel good about helping the environment by driving it.

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  very poor, DO NOT BUY ONE OF THESE - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By gixxersixr - March 26 - 2:00 am

  i have had nothing but problems with this vehicle, the window regulator will go out, along w/all general electronics on this car. if you are even thinking about buying one of these, email me and i will dissuade you. BUY A TOYOTA OR HONDA!!

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  jetta 1.8t - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By csprakyfly - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I got the jetta 1.8t because of my love of turbocharged engines. If you love performance, this car does a good job. The real performance comes when you get a aftermarket chip for the car, makes it a totally different car. The only thing that has happened to me was some of the stitching for thr front seat that holds the back in started to come undone and puffed out. A quick stop by the VW dealership quickly fixed this and they even got me a rental car. Good job, VW! :-)

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  My Jetta Experiance - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By alysa - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had 2 Jettas now! I turned my first Jetta in after one year because it was in the shop so often. Always for something different, so I could not classify it as a lemon. My new Jetta (2003) has already been in the shop for faulty airbags. I find that scary, seeing how I drove the car for a full year before they realized the problem. I will never again purchase a VW. I will only recommend this car to people without children. The cars are cute but VW has some serious quirks to work out in their vehicles!

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  I love my Jetta! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By webwevr - March 25 - 7:38 am

  I have had my Jetta going on 6 years now. Have just over 60k on it. Regular maintenance has always been done (i.e. oil changes, tire rotations). I just replaced the battery a few weeks ago. My gas mileage has always been great with age. Most fuel efficient automobile Ive ever owned. I previously drove mostly Fords (Escape, Windstar, F250).

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  My experience - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Norma Rubin - March 25 - 7:10 am

  I have 87,000 miles on my 2001 Jetta VR6 wagon. So far I have had the mass air flow sensor replaced, which VW refunded part of the money. And the coil also was replaced, but what really flip me out was that the rear brakes had to be completely replaced at 25,000 miles that cost $1000. I love the way the car performs, but not so crazy with the fuel economy; highway 22 to 25 mpg city 15 to 18. What I dont see other owners talk about is the stereo, I think it is the best car stereo a car manufacturer has installed in a car in its class. I also notice that with this five year old car that the imitation wood trim is cracking and it will need to be replaced

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  Jetta 1.4T TSI - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jared - March 23 - 8:22 am

  I upgraded from a parent-lent Ford Taurus to a Jetta, my first car purchase. I absolutely love it compared to my old clunker. The ride is so smooth, the engine loves to purr, the acceleration is excellent... Theres so many good things to say. I use the Jetta to commute and it handles confidently on the highway for its compact size. It doesnt get blown around by wind and it keeps its smooth composure. The combination of fun and fuel economy (I average 43 on the highway) this car delivers is basically a steal. Theres nothing like German quality!

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  This car saved my life....really - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Amanda - March 22 - 6:33 am

  I can not say enough about my Jetta. I bought my Jetta only 4 months ago and last Friday night someone ran a stop sign going 60 mph and I was traveling 65 mph...and I slammed into him. I am a single mother of 3 children, all three of my children were in that car. We all walked away with bruises from the seat belts that is it! Today the insurance comp. told me my car is totaled. It was amazing how the VW absorbed the hit. The highway patrol told me I made a smart choice in cars. Needless to say I will be getting a new Jetta as soon as all this insurance stuff is over. Can not say enough!

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  German Car with Some Problems - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mambrumiami - March 21 - 11:00 pm

  Overall, a good performing car but...... It seems to have a lot of mechanical/electrical problems. Have had for 65K miles and have enjoyed it. At the beginning, the interior got some sort of "cancer" whereas the membrane on the interior plastic would "peel off" leaving a nasty residue. VW knows all about this and claims the new cars dont have it. Otherwise, the same as I hear from other users. Windows fall down and dont go back up. "Check Engine" light on for no reason, and weird electrical problems. After car is off Extended Warranty, I plan to dump like a hot potato since repairs would be EXPENSIVE.