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:

• 

  Nice Car - LOTS OF REPAIRS - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By thecarrie - June 11 - 2:00 am

  Really like the car for past 2 yrs. Lots of features for the price. BUT, several problems. Power windows break down in the door when rolled down (2 of mine did) - VW extended coverage. Several owners & myself had horrible smell for the first few thousand miles - smells like something dead. Temperature gage broke. Brake pedal switch broke 2x, got stuck because car would not go in gear! Check engine light on @ 26K mi, needs new oxygen sensor already. Shifts rough @ 2K RPM. Sometimes goes in rvrse 5-10 feet when in drive. Console chipping off. But other than unreliability, Id like it.

• 

  Never again! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Never Again! - June 10 - 7:10 pm

  Well, where to start...Lets see I leased my Jetta in 2005 and liked the car so I ended up purchasing (although the sunroof had to be rebuilt and the driver window motor had to be replaced) I thought these things were just a fluke. Literally as soon as I purchased the car the check engine light started coming on every couple months, it actually came on twice in one month once!!! I took the car in every time and they fixed it under warranty. Now my factory warranty is up and it came on once again and I took it to the dealership and they stated that it was a secondary air pump, which is NOT covered under the extended warranty that I purchased. What a shocker!! it will cost over $500 to fix.

• 

  My First German Car - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jetta Fan - June 9 - 9:26 pm

  I bought 2.5 Jetta couple of weeks back. Love the car. Its fun to drive. I drove Focus for 5yrs before buying used Jetta. The car had 78k miles, hoping to drive for another 80k. Since I bought it from Ford dealership, the dealer didnt give any warranty on my Jetta. This is a great Winter car. I live in Michigan and this year its snowing really hard. The car got ABS and traction control. It drives great in snow and slippery roads. The car is small, but heavier than Corolla and Accord. Very Solid !

• 

  Class Action Lawsuit - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jeffrey Puterbaugh - June 9 - 8:06 am

  Initially, I loved this car, it was a blast to drive and is very stylish. That was until the problems started. This will read just like so many other reviews. Rear brakes went at 20K, Mass air flow sensor went at 30K, water pump went at 40K, coil pack and assoc. electircal went at 60K. I paid $25K for this piece of junk and expect better from VW. With so many of the same problems occuring with so many of these cars, there definitely should be some accountability on VWs part. These repairs should be covered. I have no choice but to seek out other owners to join me in a class action lawsuit. At this point, I simply cannot afford not to sue. Contact me if interested.

• 

  Great car - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By HenPecked - June 6 - 1:03 pm

  Fun to drive, stylish and beats all other cars in its class easily.

• 

  So far so good - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By calgary owner - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for a year now with no problems. Still burning oil but my 89 did that until there were 40000 kms on it. No problems with windows or rattles.Fun to drive quotient is very high. Dealership I use for service has been excellent. Cold weather performance here in Canada has been very good.

• 

  Great car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By DK2001 - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I have this car with leather package, cold weather package, monsoon package and esp. I would say that with 12,000 miles on my car the seats are still a little stiff. The car handles and corners great and is easy and fun to drive.

• 

  Loving it - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By vwJettaFan - June 4 - 2:20 pm

  Bought it brand new and love the sporty way it handles - nice acceleration and fun to drive. I used to own a Ford Focus wagon and this car is way more luxurious and comfortable. I was in the market for a station wagon and noticed that there are few offered in the US - mostly from European car makers. Did not think I would be able to afford a German car, but this one is affordable! We had one minor issue (something creaked). The part was replaced under warranty. 15,000 miles @23/32 mpg (city/highway) with no issues but that. This car comes with ESP, plenty airbags and anti-slip-regulation. The panoramic sun roof lets in light, but no heat.

• 

  Lot of Bang for the Buck - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Laurayla - June 4 - 1:53 am

  We just traded in our 2008 Jetta SE for the 2008 Wolfie to get the financing deal. We were planning to just swap for another SE, but when we saw the Wolfsburg with its rear spoiler, 17-inch sporty wheels and the turbo for only a little more, we had to drive it and all we could say was WHEEEEE! Lots of power and its quieter than the SE. Effortless acceleration where the SE would buzz like a moped to get up to speed. One thing we did not realize, though, was that it takes premium gas -- ouch! Fun ride, awesome fit/finish and we had no problems with our SE so we expect none here. Styling is decent in and out. Roomy and comfy. Trade did hold pretty well. Excellent value.

• 

  Not a fan - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JKling - June 2 - 7:23 pm

  This car has a few MAJOR flaws. The electrical system is junk. I have had the left rear power window go out several times. The wiring is poor. It is also expensive to have repaired. It drives well and gets reasonable gas milage. If I were to buy another (which I wont) I would get the basic version. Less things to have problems with.