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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  2004 VW GLI from thirsty85@hotmail.com - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By thirsty85 - September 13 - 10:00 am

  LOVE this car. Look forward to getting in & driving every day. It handles unbelievably & has a ton of pep. Would recommend highly to friends and have! One of my friends just bought the GLS and she couldnt be happier. Minuteman in Bedford, MA were exceptional to work with!

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  Cool Car-Mechanically unreliable - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By SM - September 11 - 10:50 pm

  Driving the Jetta was fun, but I found that it was the mechanical issues that bugged me. I bought this car with 36k miles on it. I had no problems for 5k-10k miles then everything went. I had to replace the sway bars, because they rusted, I had to get new front brakes and that cost $615 bucks =0( It also wont start when its 0 degrees or lower. I took it in 4 times and the dealership had no idea what was wrong. My battery was checked and was fine, everything was fine they told me. But it wasnt. I jumped ship and got a Scion TC. I love it and it starts in frigid temps. I loved this car, but hated the fact that it was mechanically garbage!

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  Great Car! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jeff - September 11 - 8:23 am

  This has been a great car. I have over 180,000 miles on it and it still runs like new. I cant believe the gas mileage - 45 MPG and I dont have a light foot. This car is fun to drive it handles well. The only thing that I have done to it is put diesel in and change the oil. I love the torque curve you get with a diesel plenty of power especially on hills. The 5-speed is all so great!

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  TDI Sportwagen--WOW - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VS - September 9 - 5:53 am

  3 months old now with 4400 miles. Very good mileage--34/35 city and 40+ on highway. TDI engine has great torque and good acceleration. Automatic is superb--shifts great and extremely smooth. Use the huge sunroof all the time. Tight handling and attractive interior. Sound system is very good. Lots of room--cargo space almost as big many SUVs and wagons. Solid build and tight tolerances on body work. Styling is pretty good too. Very impressed as cars for last 12 years have been Audi A6s, A8, S8. This wagon is a great car and very good value.

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  Great Gas Mileage - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Bart - September 7 - 1:36 am

  No doubt the 2006 Volkswagen TDI will get over 40 miles per gallon on the highway even at speeds over 75. We have noticed that in town driving you have to be careful. Its so fun to drive you want to push the turbo. The worst mileage we had was 31 in the city but average just city no highway we get 35. Im tall and this Jetta is so much more comfortable than our 1998 Jetta. If you buy a 2006 model make sure you opt for the rubber mats. We went to Florida and having those were important the the truck has a mat also.

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  Havent Gotten a Complaint Yet :) - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sir Rob the Great - September 6 - 2:53 am

  Ive only had this car for about 5 months now, but I have only good things to say about it. I insisted on the "virtually" fully-loaded silver one and am glad I did. The turbo stalls the pick-up just for a moment, then the little "jet" wants to leave the road when it gets going. Fun to drive, especially with the tiptronic control. The only thing Im missing is the temperature indicator on the driver panel, but have we REALLY gotten so lazy we cant just stick our head out the window to tell?

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  6 months on and still have build quality issues - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bobgoblin - September 3 - 4:27 am

  If youre not driving on a newly paved road the ride is appalling thanks to the old-timey torsion beam rear axel. Mine was even worse thanks to VW not installing the rear shocks properly. VW claimed thats just how the car road and refused to even look at it. I had to take it to my body shop guy who found the problem. The windsheild cracked at 500 miles when I hit a pothole & I had to get my lawyer involved to fix that since VW initially refused. Constant stalling problem which took VW a month to track down: stuck fuel pressure release valve. Is a 6-speed transmission that came with a 5-speed gearshift: it took a month to convince someone at VW why that was incorrect. etc.

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  The Best Jetta EVER! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jason - August 31 - 5:36 am

  This car is absolutely the best Jetta ever built. This is my 2nd Jetta owned and it wont be my last. The gas milage is great. 27 in the city and 33 on the highway. The new body style also gives the car the room it needs in the back seat. Plus, probably the best feature, this car just got named the safest car on the road right now. It aced the side impact crash tests! Overall the car fits me and my family perfectly!

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  VW not very customer oriented - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dotts - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Overall, my vehicle is excellent. Good engine, great fuel economy (~46 mpg), well-designed. However, on three separate occasions, my window fell into the door and would not go up. This was covered under warranty, but nevertheless, was inconvenient. I called VW customer care to complain, feeling that they owed me an explanation and some special compensation. They were not willing to give me even a cupholder, despite my inconvenience. Buyers beware! VW doesnt stand behind their product!

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  My badass vr6 Volkswagen Jetta - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ben - August 28 - 1:30 am

  I love my Jetta vr6 2.8 liter its fast Im going to be adding a turbo to it the only thing about it is that I do not like about the car was replacing parts that expensive hard to find for the vr6 otherwise the car is great to drive looks nice on the road with all the fences stuff that I put on it hard to find the right suspension system to lower my car now I gotta replace the clutch after 182000 miles on the car but the cars been great to me never had major problems so now is time to give her stage 1 racing clutch and a full air suspension ride behandle bility and replace my 17 inch low profile rims and tires for 18 inch low profile rims and tires my wife hates the car because I love my car more than I love her Thank You Volkswagen I wish you made another vr6 in the newer model with the sunroof I would buy it in a heartbeat but now I will not give up this car no matter what even for new one even if you gave it to me for free I still would not trade it in for seems to me every time I go by the dealership somebodys always offering money to buy my vr6 they said its hard to find and very rare in this condition special all the things Ive added to the car to make sure dress up beautiful and fast its hard to give up something that you built by hand