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:

• 

  New TDI first day - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By wranglerRS - August 27 - 6:13 am

  First day - and finding this Special edition TDI is a really great surprise. After 8 yrs. & 200,000 miles of great Audi A4 1.8T quattro driving, I get all the features and gas mileage with only giving up 4 wheel drive and xenon lights. Really happy with quiet ride, handling and performance computer on the dash. Of course gas mileage at 45-48 mpg on the first day on a 225 mi. trip is a real treat. Looking forward to another great experience with a German car for a really great price. Waiting for the A4 diesels in 2008 is still not firm and of course more $. Really pleased day one.

• 

  What fun! - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Kathyj311 - August 24 - 3:03 pm

  This is my second Jetta & I doubt it will be my last! I have a 6 speed manual turbo & its a blast to drive. My avg cruising hwy speed is 80, its hard to drive the limit. Car turns heads & everyone enjoys driving it. BUT, the low nose is always a problem, be careful with curbs. My main problem right now is rusty brakes, had them turned & rust came right back. The armrest iPod connector died, cost too much too replace so now its connected through glove box. The Nav/radio needs updating but it will do for now. I had a kicker speaker put in the trunk & thats a huge improvement with the sound. Seats take some getting used to but are very comfy. Worth more than what I paid for it 6 months ago-cool

• 

  VW Jetta GLX - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tim53217 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Much more fun than the 4 cylinder models.

• 

  Not Worth the Premium $$$ - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By luvmytsx - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought the 1.8T 5M sedan after reading extensively about the quality of the vehicles build, and its performance and features. I was unilaterally dissatisfied with the quality of this vehicle and it is not worth the "premium" price compared to other compacts. The 2 front doors rattled excessively, the rear right passenger door also rattled and the rear of the car creaked around tight turns. The dealer couldnt fix the problems and referred me to the manufacturer. The manufacturer rep. was unfriendly at best and declared that the car was within specifications although he did not disclose what they were. A letter to VWs president yielded no result.

• 

  1.8T is the poor mans Audi A4 - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Matt Sylte - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy my new Jetta 1.8T GL. The tiptronic makes city driving a lot more exciting; but has no real use for highway driving. The brakes are a little splashy, but maybe Ive been driving too fast and have been using them too much. Overall, I am extremely pleased with the quality and appearance of this car. It has all the looks and features of an Audi A4, without the $35k price tag. I would buy a Jetta again.

• 

  Stressless - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sherbs - August 24 - 3:56 am

  Ive had my 2003 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg for a little over two years, and have enjoyed every minute Ive spent in this car. It gets awesome gas milage in city and highway driving, speed, preformance, its all there. My cars reliability came into question when I discovered 35% of the parts for my car were assembled in Mexico and ~25% in the U.S. But, Im happy to say that nothing other than the breaks, a burned out tape deck (lovin the Monsoon stereo too much) and the occational oil change have put me back at the dealer.

• 

  Looks Good, Works Badly - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By CORNJOB - August 23 - 2:03 pm

  Amazing, all of the problems Ive had with this car are echoed in this list of reviews. I bought the car three months ago and its been returned for service five times already. The last time it wouldnt shift out of 3rd gear. Im trading it in for something more reliable. The oxygen sensor, tranmission problems, mass air sensor replaced twice, non-working rear window defogger, broken cupholders, broken sunroof sliding cover. Im disgusted. This thing is a money pit. Its a beautifully designed, but badly executed vehicle. When it worked, though, it was fun to drive.

• 

  Too many problems to mention - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jasonspen - August 23 - 11:53 am

  The car is really fun to drive and looks great, but build quality is terrible. The A/C went out the first week I bought the car and still doesnt cool properly. Heater smells like its burning something. Door locks rattle (only when locked). Power windows "pinch protection" makes the window reverse and go down when you try and roll it up (and nothing is is the way). Engine cuts out when started cold. Floor mat retentions broke off. Center console latch broke off. If you rub the plastic inside it will rub off too.

• 

  Tdi tremendous - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Roger Heaton - August 22 - 11:56 pm

  What a waste. This car is being recalled. I love driving it. Vw has nothing close to replacing it.

• 

  Could have been a contender. - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Bing - August 21 - 10:36 pm

  I like the way she drives.. I bought the car with 106k miles on it. Salvaged the ailing (automatic)transmission with transmission conditioner. The window regulators are garbage. They break often and run you over $350 a pop to put in. Dont let a substandard shop work on the car. They will cause you more problems. The car has broken motor mounts, they cause a shimmy when accelerating and cause the CV joints to wear quickly. The engine and Transmission still run really strong with 170,000 miles. Just dont think the rest of the car will last. With TLC early in the life of the car I think it would be running and looking great in every facet.