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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  I am screwed - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By judeboscure96 - December 10 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2002 1.8t. While I have no complaints with the handling of the car I am concerned about its reliability. I have had to have a linkage replaced on the tiptronic transmission. My monsoon stere system kept shutting itself off or wouldnt go on at all. The finish on the drivers door handle has all but peeled off. The cup holder is a mess and whats with no cupholders in the back seat at all? The A/C is anemic. My first VW and my last.

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  PLEASE READ THESE REVIEWS! THEY ARE TRUE!! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By trust_issues02 - December 9 - 3:49 am

  I bought my 2002 VW Jetta in 2004 used 40,000 miles. From day one nothing but problems. Engines coils, water pump ( like 3 times), oil pan, hoses, transmission. The list can go on and on.. I put myself in debt trying to fix this car. So EXPENSIVE to fix. I felt the trans was slipping shortly after my purchase. I kept taking it to the dealer before my warranty went out they couldnt feel what I felt while driving.. A year later after the warranty went out so did the transmission. I paid $2,600 to fix it and it still wasnt fixed the correct way!!!! Every time the car went to the shop my bill averaged $500-800. DONT BUY A VW PLEASE. Youll regret it!!! Also no mechanic knows how to fix them!

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  Good but needs refinement - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Shree - December 8 - 7:06 am

  I have a 01 Jetta Wolfsburg for the past 6 months. Has been generally good. During this period cruise control died. Sound system good when it works. Looks like there is a bug in the software. Occassionally CD player stops working when car is started. Have to change to tape mode and come back to CD player to enable sound. cupholder design flaw. Cannot load an in-dash CD with the cupholder in use. Also I found that pick up was unusually bad at low RPM. It feels like engine might stall when accelerating from a stop. Ride quality very good and there is also a fun to drive factor with this car. Also has a lot of features not standard in other small sedans. This might justify the higher price.

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  2004 jetta - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dave2009 - December 7 - 11:16 pm

  In one month and 5,000 km Im very happy. Getting 30 mpg on my 120 km daily commute. Had one engine issue, a coil failed but was repaired under dealer warranty. At times the turbo can be jerky in city traffic but the power does make the car. Tried the normal 2.0 L and it was a dog.

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  Lemon - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By cart - December 6 - 2:46 am

  From the first 100 miles when the fuel pump kicked out WHILE I was driving on the highway, to the clear coat popping off the front bumper within the first year, to a computer malfunction that shut down the car (and the consequent week it took for them to get the warrantied part back into it), this car was the worst Ive ever had. Held tight and got a great trade-in and bought a new Elantra. About the only saving grace of this bitter lemon.

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  Good Decision - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Corky Fulton - December 5 - 7:13 am

  Id done a bit of research here at Edmunds.com and decided that a Jetta diesel was the economy car for me. Ive owned Infiniti Q45s and Mercedes E-Class cars in the past. I wanted something that would get me great milage with reliability. I bought the automatic with package 1 (my wife must have heated seats) Ive had the car for 4 weeks and have averaged 38 to 40 mpg on 4 tanks of fuel, doing combo highway/city driving. The car is fun to drive and really feels tight. I love the 6 speed auto transmission. It feels much quicker than it really is because of the torque. My only complaint is that its a bit noisy on certain road surfaces at speed. The fit is good with everything feeling tight.

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  Love it!! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ray Smith - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Perhaps Im in the minority here; but, I just love this car. Its a hoot to drive, safe as can be and has great asthetic lines. The VR6 is one peppy little engine with plenty of torque. Its mated to a 5speed manual in my case. Some times wish I had the automatic while stuck in the DC beltway traffic. There are also lots of nice little things you can do to personalize the car. I.e. Its big in the tuner world.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Alianza97 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in January of 2001, brand new! It has the sport suspension, monsoon sound system, 5 speed, 16 inch BBS rims, recaro seats, and sunroof! IT handles like a DREAM! Its fast, fun, and very reliable! My only problem with it was the windows, but apparently ALL VWs had that problem, and it was fixed! Service was ok at the dealer i bought it at, but EXCELLENT at The Imported Car Store in Melbourne! NO mechanical problems or electrical problems! nothing what so ever! i have 26k miles on it now! and it still runs strong! the gas mileage is good and i would highly reccommend one for anyone looking for a car of this type! it is FAST

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  WONDERFUL CAR - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ginger - December 4 - 5:16 pm

  I Love my VW Jetta- for some reason mine has not had any problems! The car has over a 100,000 miles now and is still running like a champ! Great car, affordable, and very cute!

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  I am wowd - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mattwitz1 - December 4 - 2:43 pm

  A "career move" put me in the market for a commuter car. My 02 SS Camaro is not fuel efficient (Dont worry, I still have it) I had come to terms with purchasing a New Honda Fit. The deal did not go smooth, so I started to look at other options. I stumbled across an 08 Wolfsburg w 5k, priced at $16.5k on the internet. The next morning, I headed to the dealership and fell in love with it after the first drive. Loved all of the Wolfsburg add ons, especially the 2.0 Turbo! I never thought I would love driving a Jetta, but I do! I find it more fun to drive than my Camaro. To add to that, I have been averaging 30 MPG hwy as well. My only issue is an annoying rattle from the dash moulding.