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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  go go go diesel - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By chiefreg1 - May 22 - 10:00 am

  I have put 900 miles on in the first 4 days of ownership. First half of tank of fuel got me 47 mpgs and the second half got me 50.5 mpg. Without being broken in I cant wait. Good speed on highway needed to buy radar detector. It seems to like 75 to 85 mph. Vw dealership was easy to work with but would have been nice to see more then a couple of these great cars.

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  Save your $ - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Harry36 - May 22 - 10:00 am

  This car has cost me more money then anyother car that I have owned or what my family has owned. The 19 miles per gallon is a crock. I fill my tank up at least every five days, and I am on the average driving it only 20 miles a day. Save your mony if you think you like it. Looks dont alwasy mean eveything!

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  Works good for some but not for everyone - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Erica - May 21 - 11:51 pm

  Its very costly to repair and once it breaks down once will break down multiple times in a year. A bought this car when it had 50000 first thing that went out was my transmission, had to replace my radiator, starter cranked, my started melted on to my battery, cooling system, my air conditioner. My advice is get it check first to know whats wrong before you buy it I have spent $6000 in repairs have only had it for 4 years its not a good buy. Bumper is too low also!

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  Love my Peppy VW Jetta - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Joyce Hambright - May 20 - 6:01 pm

  First off when went from a compact to this 4 dr sedan and even though that gave us tons more room, this car is very spacious, My hubby and son are over 6 ft so this works great for them whether they are passenger or driver,Nice feature is the seat rises up for shorter folks which is a plus. Extra large trunk lets us accomodate a months worth of groceries in the spacious trunk. The climate control works well. We just got back from driving 1800 miles in it and we just absolutely love this car. Great gas mileage we spent 125.00 on gas to go 1800 + miles, that is a nice plus along with great handling,acceleration,climate control,Sirius XM radio free for 3 months,and room to spare.Great value for the money spent.

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  soooo disappointed with my Jetta - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jettas suck - May 19 - 2:36 pm

  I have had nothing but problems with this car! Between the car getting stuck in park, BOTH the drivers side and passengers side windows falling off the track in the middle of winter in Chicago, the power steering and transmission leaking, the O2 and mass air flow sensor needing to be replaced, my glove box breaking, my passengers side mirror light breaking, BOTH of my side mirrors rusting, my 6-disc CD changer skipping the CD when its below freezing outside and now needing to replace my tranmission UNDER 80,000 MILES!! I have spent more money and time than you can dream of on repairs for this car. I am getting rid of the car.

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  51 mpg va to ny - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mark - May 19 - 11:36 am

  Once a month I make a 1100 mile round trip from Alexandria Va to the Adirondacks in NY. I mainly stay on interstates at 75 to 80 mph and the car handles like a pro. Cold weather, snow, no problem. The best its done for mpg is 51, worst 49. The only complaint is it takes forever to warm up at 0 degrees F. My tootsies get cold by the time the heat starts blowing on them. All in all, I highly reccomend the car, and love owning it!

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  Great Car - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By roger6855 - May 16 - 12:33 pm

  I have had my Jetta for a year and a half with zero problems. This car is fun to drive, comfortable on long trips, has plenty of power and I get 22-24 mpg in town and 32-35 mpg on the highway. In fact, it seams the faster I drive, the better the gas mileage is.

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  Breaks the mold - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Goodie Shoe - May 15 - 7:40 am

  Its a car that just doesnt fit into the usual molds. Its a roomy car with great gas mileage, thats sporty and fun to drive. After a month, its still a pleasure to drive. Looking forward to when the engine fully breaks in and, as others have reported, better gas mileage.

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  Call it a VW Lemon Instead - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ajm220 - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Ill like my Jetta but heres why Im selling it: Month 3: the rear brake lights blew out (look around at Jettas others are driving, youll notice the same in most). Month 4: O2 sensor blew out. Month 6: O2 sensor I replaced blew out. Month 10: engine wouldn’t start (something about some fuse?). Month 16: left back brake worn out, grinded the rotator Month 23: front right signal and left front head lamp blew out at the same time -- Folks, the repairmen gave me the parts that blew out and they were BURNED TO A CRISP Month 24: I’m selling the car

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  my VW (Wolfburg) - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Expanderman - May 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my third VW I have owned. These cars are well built and fun to drive. They dont use cheap material to build any components of these cars. I am currently driving the 1.8T engine manual transmission. I recomend it!.