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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  my jetta - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By cait - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my jetta. It might be a little mor expensive than some cars out there but it is well worth it. I havent had any trouble with it at all. One really neat thing about it is i can put my key in my door to lock it and it will close my windows and sunroof for me. It has the most comfortable car seats i have ever sat in.

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  toms review - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tom yost - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Very broard power band, feels like you are driving a small v-8 engine. Handling is excellent,very tight and road noise free interior. VW has thought of everything on this one and built the quality with it. Shifting is velvet smooth and clunk free on the 5 speed the transmission complements the turbo very well. Love the car.

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  Great Car!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jake Eigenheer - March 20 - 5:00 pm

  I have owned Chevys, Pontiac, Buick, Lincoln and I think that my Jetta is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. Overall performance, handling, and gas mileage beats all my other vehicles. This car can hold up to my abuse and that says a lot, Im not the easiest on cars. The best factory radio.

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  The Anti-Hybrid - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By kamharper - March 20 - 3:03 pm

  As a mini van mom I wanted something that got me away from the sterotype! I looked at Volvos, Toyotas, and others. My husband and I just happened to stop in the Volkswagen dealership and I fell in love. I initally looked at a 2005 Passat and our salesman introduced us to the Jetta TDI. It was love at first sight. My dealership was the best. There wasnt a hard sell! We felt taken care of no matter what question we had. They also researched so I could have the car I wanted not just what was on the lot. The car performs wonderfully! I really love the feel of the drive and how it really fits my familys lifestyle.

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  Great Value - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By scotishtdi - March 19 - 9:10 pm

  As this is my 4th VW, I thought I knew of all the features this car offered but several time with the past 2 weeks of ownership Ive found new features that my Rabbit did not have. Performance, comfort, features and free maint for 36K miles cannot be beat.

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  great car. - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By asdfsdfsd - March 17 - 2:00 am

  i dont know what you people are doing wrong but my 2000 jetta has been great. I have around 120k miles and have had no major problems... I just took care of it and didnt drive it to hard. looking forward to gettin a 1.8t next =)

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  where is US automotive industry - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tttt - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought the first TDI diesel wagon in our state. Now have 25K miles on it and averaging 47.5 mpg. Ours was totally assembled in Germany and have had no mechanical and electrical failures. Note I was told by EPA that they have NOT tested the latest VW diesels for pollution specs and their website uses model year 2000 for their information which is totally out of date and erroneous. Second, why wont US manufacturers or EPA look at the extensive diesel availability in Europe including pollution controls? Suggest checking carefully as to the origin of the car. Mexican versions appear to have many problems.

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  The Perfect Buggy - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By So-cool - March 13 - 7:50 pm

  This is one of the coolest cars I have ever owned. I sold an Infiniti G35 Coupe to buy this car and have been totally impressd with the experience. The DSG transmission is incredible. I love this car.

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  Happy So Far - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By himoses - March 13 - 8:00 am

  Our 2000 Ford Focus bit the dust and my wife and I were looking to replace it. We were between this, the Altima, Fusion, Accord, Sonata and Elantra Touring. This car offers a lot of options on the base model and good acceleration for its class. While not quite a "pocket rocket" as I would have liked, it definitely is a fun car to drive. The Mazda 3 was sportier but this just feels like a nicer car. This is a very comfortable car and is just big enough for my wife and I. I felt the midsize cars were just too large for city driving. The Jetta is an excellent city cruiser. It performs quite well in the snow. The Jetta has a lot of character. I just hope it holds up as well as my Focus.

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  Unique and $ Pocket Friendly - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dezel - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I like this car, it attracts attn cause its a diesel and people are suprised. I put in some extra features and it almost looks like a Lexus IS300. With the proper care you have a car that will lasts you 300k miles easily.