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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  Fun to drive, excellent fuel efficiency - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VTdi - April 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a car that is fun to drive. It handles well (some understeer) and is quite responsive. The ride could be a bit more firm, but it is comfortable. I have had no maintenance problems with the car as of 30,000 miles on the odometer - routine oil/filter changes and recommended maintenance at 5/10/20/30k miles. I have gotten as much as 55 mpg with several long trips, and I routinely get 45+ mpg going to/from work (20 mile commute). I can get 48-50 mpg if I lay off the throttle, but that is just no fun... This is a great car, and I am considering a Passat TDI for an additional family vehicle. Go with the TDI engine - good stuff!

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  Love My Jetta - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By John Dugan - April 6 - 1:36 am

  Wonderful car. Almost 2,000 miles on it with no problems at all. The car handles and performs well and still delivers relatively good fuel mileage. I have been averaging 27 mph combined city/highway. The car is a great balance of handling, performance and comfort. I find myself looking forward to just getting in the car to drive it. It is great for zipping around in the city and it is also comfortable on the highway. I think Volkswagen really did a nice job with this car.

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  2006 VW Jetta 2.0t - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By cooltownaz - April 4 - 8:00 pm

  From the first moment i took the test drive i fell in love, the only thing i could think is, so much more power than my cavalier. Well i have had it since may 2008 and up until December the car drove great. The first thing i had to get replaced was the battery. February every light on the car went out. They all had to be replaced one by one. March came and the water pump goes out. Not a big deal you know, the dealer did sell me an extended warranty. May, my sunroof starts acting crazy like it wants to close but it stops and opens up. My rear left signal goes out every time i use the lights. In Arizona the heat is extreme, some days it takes about 25 minutes for the Ac compressor to kick on

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  Audi for the People - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ceiz - April 4 - 10:00 am

  Over all, I am more than satisfied with my Jetta. I live in Colorado, so power in little cars is scarce, but my Jetta climbs in the mountains without making a fuss. Yah, I wish I had the 1.8T because of the lack of acceleration (still smokes Civics), but for the money, you get a lot with the GL. Most of the bells and whistles found only as options on other cars are standard and as far as a luxurious feel, Nissan, Toyota, and Honda take a back seat. My only gripe is that my dealership used a cheap clear-bra and its starting to fade and they wont accept responsibility since the company that installed them went bankrupt.

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  Volkswagon needs help! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jhpippi - April 4 - 10:00 am

  As my first new car, I wanted a Jetta. But this car is in the shop too frequently! Electrical sensors(mass air flow, O2, engine coolant) are continuously broken causing the engine light to come on. Passenger door window regulator has failed twice causing the window to fall into the door and break. I had trouble starting the car for months and the car burns a quart of oil every 1000 miles. Now that the warranty is up (lame 2 yr, 24K mi), I just call volkswagon to fix parts that fail within a year of replacing them. I cant imagine a more unreliable car. Several friends have wanted a Jetta, but I cant recommend them with all the problems Ive had.

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  me and my Jetta - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By srwebman - April 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my first brand new car, and I absolutely love it. It was worth the time it was on back order. This car jumps off the line with that yummy turbo whine. The styling and interior lighting get rave reviews from everyone who sees them. It corners tightly, and has plenty of cargo space in a nice small package.

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  VW built to save lives. - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By TAMMY BANE - April 4 - 6:03 am

  My 17 year old daughters (twins) have been driving this car for 1 1/2 years. Friday night my daughter lost control of the vehicle, flipped twice, hit a tree, hit a rock wall and landed on the roof of the car. The exterior of the car is completely totaled. The interior of the car is completely intact. The frame work around the top and sides of the car held it from crumbling around her. My daughter walked away from the accident and has only 9 stitches in her knees (and I believe that is from crawling out of the car.) VW is built tough and will be the car of choice for my children to drive.

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  What a relief! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By wyonative - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2004 Jetta after I was in an auto accident that totaled my other car. My other car was a 2002 Kia Spectra. Talk about night and day! I literally had problems with my Spectra from day one and after my accident, I found out the Spectra did not hold its value at all. I feel confident (and very safe) driving my Jetta. I look forward to my morning commute because I enjoy driving it so much. What a great car!

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  Best Wagon for the Money! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By structoman - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Compared a Subaru Outback Wagon, an Audi A4 Quattro Wagon, a Volvo V70 Wagon, and a VW Jetta Wagon. I eliminated the Subaru because Japanese cars are just to plastic on the interior. I narrowed it down to the Audi, Volvo and VW and compared everything- from quality of components, performance, comfort and space and decided on the VW Jetta. The diesel engine has great torque and sips fuel. It is solidly built, good looking and was $10k less (paid $21k) than the Audi or Volvo. It is identical to the Audi A4 Quattro Avant Wagon, except that it is front-wheel drive and not all-wheel drive.

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  2011 jetta tdi nightmare - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By davey_dcgr - March 31 - 2:34 pm

  here is a list of issues. passenger door does not close right scratches car they told me it was fine but it is obviously not i bought door sills to protect it from more scratches for 200 dollars just for the door to destroy it! its all on that one door so its the car bad wind noise bluetooth has been replaced 3 times and if you are listening to music then get a call the phone disconnects. antenna fixed 1 time. deliverd with paint issues witch had to go to the body shop for and had wrong media system. cheap interior gps has had to be checked twice. engine part was recalled exaust tips were recalled sun roof sometimes wont close have to fiddle with it with warenty 40grand not worth it