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:
Showing 3411 through 3420 of 4,495.00-
Dont buy a Volkswagen - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
By briang - May 22 - 1:30 amIve had my Volkswagen Jetta a year now and it is the worst vehicle that I have ever owned. I am constantly at the shop spending money and Volkswagen does not help with the repairs at all, even though they should. I will never buy a car from Volkswagen again. My advice is buy from another manufacturer. Everything from the stereo, the moonroof, the center counsel, the cup holders, the starter, the windows, ingition coil, the break lights, and the transmission breaks. And thats not all. Dont buy a Volkswagen... You will regret it 10 fold. You would be better off with the Accord. Dont say I didnt warn you.
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Forget about HYBRID, 41 miles per gallon avg. - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
By Jetta lover - May 20 - 1:33 pmThe Jetta TDI is sooo much fun to drive. I am enjoing every minute on the road. Plus, I get 500 miles per tank, you cant beat that!
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big man - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
By j million - May 20 - 7:10 amfront seat are not made for people over 602" i am bigger and just fit
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reliability? - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
By VW user - May 18 - 2:00 amThis word doesnt exist in VW dictionary, before buying one of these talk to the VW mechanic - take him out to lunch. This vehicle is nothing but problems: windows,C02 sensors, gas fuel leaking, rattling, squeling, check engine light lives its own life on/off,
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jetta - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
By punkstar220 - May 18 - 2:00 amThe Jetta is the best car out there. I love every thing about it the speed, body style, interior, the quality and preformance, and the price. If you are looking for a great car at a good price the JETTA is the best of the BEST.
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Fun & economical - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
By Dennis Lancaster - May 18 - 2:00 amBought it for business mostly freeway driving to max MPG. Getting 46 to 53 MPG with plenty of power. Except for a little puff of blue smoke on cold start up cannot tell it is a diesel. Running great so far. Really neat little car for one person. Not really enough room for passengers. Terrible back seats for passengers but easy to lay down for storage of lugguge. Blue instrument panel lighting takes a little getting use to but looks cool. Been in snow and ice for two weeks now. Manual trans really helps. Have 4000 miles on it now and would buy it again.
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Handles well while being struck by cows - 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
By Clark - May 17 - 11:43 pmIf you drive near free range cattle this car handles exceptionally well while being struck by a cow. The sound system is just ok though.
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2002 Jetta GLI - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By rmay483 - May 17 - 10:00 amIve got about 3200 miles on my 2002 GLI. The new VR6/6-speed combo is almost perfect. I was going to buy the GLS 1.8T until I tried the new 24v VR6, and I was hooked. By FAR the best VW manual ever offered. Build quality, ergonomics, and comfort are generally excellent. Nearly everyone that has commented on the car thinks its much more expensive than it really is. The only thing Id change is the soft suspension.
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Nice change... - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
By Laurie - May 16 - 4:46 pmI previously owned a 03 VW Passat W8 with 4Motion. It was luxurious, but a gas guzzler. The Jetta TDI was perfect. After tons of research between the Jetta and Honda Civic, I finally came to a decision that was mostly based on interior design. I got my Jetta fully loaded and couldnt be any happier. The steering wheel wobbles a little, but its nothing scary. I highly recommend this car to everyone caught in limbo. It has pep and personality (not to mention it gets 44 mpg)! I am almost 100% satisfied with my purchase. I only wish that both front seats were dual powered and that they were a little more comfortable. Other than that, Im happy to be a second time VW owner.
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Quirky at first, but great! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By Redhead - May 15 - 6:53 pmI am a first time Jetta owner. I bought the 4dr wagon, and my husband owns a GTI. We love our VWs. We had some minor electrical problems at first, but the dealer fixed them in a timely fashion. Great ride, safe, and lots of room!
