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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  2004 Jetta 1.8 Wagan - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Patricia Flaherty - November 13 - 10:00 am

  I have only had this vehicle for two months but I love it. Very easy to drive,pickup is outstanding. ABS standard breaking is also very good. Cargo space is also outstanding. Overall, I think this car is an outstanding bargin for safety, good cargo space and fun to drive. Not to many family wagons are also fun to drive but the Jetta 1.8 Wagon fits that bill as well for in my case under 20,000

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  Jetta 99.5 - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Club - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Automatic transmisson with very good response. Accelerator (pedal) hard to sense for starting up. Very good and neat interior construction.

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  We love our 2001 GLX VR6 - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By D. Graham - November 7 - 5:30 am

  The car is solid and handles very well. The VR6 has plenty of power but seems to really come on-line at higher speeds and RPMs. The leather interior is of superior quality and the Monsoon stereo really cranks and has many features. The sport package really helps the car handle well even at speeds in excess of 100 mph and the 17" wheels really set off the appearance and stance of the car. This car has been often mistaken for a BMW with good reason and is a cousin of the Audi A-4.

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  Its a Blast! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By BWO - November 5 - 10:50 pm

  Ive had the vehicle for about two weeks and its a blast. Ive owned VWs before, including a Jetta, but the initial quality on this GLI is a major leap beyond the 95 Jetta that I owned. The gas mileage is great, I get ~27 in my suburb/urban commute. It has nice speed/acceleration, great handling, and road feel in spades. It feels magnetically bonded to the road - you become part of the car and the car becomes part of the road - again, its a blast. The interior is nice. I went retro with Plaid Package 1. Mine is black with 17" wheels - the color/wheels configuration doesnt scream "Im a sports/performance car." It "looks" like a classy / tasteful / modest sporty sedan, but its definitely a performer.

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  Great car. Not cheap to Keep - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Roger! - November 5 - 4:40 am

  I purchased this car used with 80,000 miles. I love the handling, comfort, styling, power, and feel of the car. But it’s not cheap to fix. I don’t mind putting in a new clutch and alternator after 140,000, it’s expected. But does EVERYTHING have to cost $800 - $1900+ in labor to fix? You can’t get to anything to fix it. I think I’ve had most problems listed by Jetta owners. Here are mine: • Front end almost rips off at curbs (even low ones) • Glove box falling off • Center console broke • Window falls into door • Coil pack cracked in cold weather • Emission warning (and engine light) never go off • Cooling system leak • Shorted speaker • Gooey plastic interior parts

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  I got a great one!! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Eigermoon - November 4 - 10:33 am

  Like other reviewers, I had a window clip break so that I could not roll up my window. The local VW dealer, from whom I did not buy the car, replaced it immediately as well as the other window which had not broken, they were extremely helpful. I also had the car not start one time shortly after purchasing, but it turned out to be a problem with the key fob, also fixed free of charge. I have read all the bad reviews, but I have been extremely happy with this car. I have driven it tons and I love it. I did also find however that you need to keep an eye on the oil, it does need about a quart every 1k.

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  Great car! Best Ive ever owned, I am 40 - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By RO - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Awesome! Great car. The TDI motor is peppy (when linked to the 5-spd. manual) and gets 45-50 mpg. The driveability is excellent. Sporty. Mine has 70,000 and only minor things have had to be replaced, namely, cup holder assembly, glove box door, and power sunroof track guides. The only other bad thing Ive encountered is that in severely cold weather (-10 to 0 degrees), I had the fuel "gel up" on me and had to be towed. Other than that FANTASTIC!. Best car ever owned, this includes: Ford Taurus, Ford Mustang GT, Plymouth Voyager SE, Subaru Wagon, Cutlass Supreme, AMC Spirit, Audi 5000T and more! Id buy another one tomorrow.

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  Love the farfegnuugen - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By wildcat - November 4 - 9:56 am

  Wasnt sure how I would like a small car like this coming from owning pickup trucks but Ive been driving it for almost 3 years now and it has been the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Incredible with fuel economy(about 42MPG) with my 4 speed automatic and it is solidly built. Havent had any problems except for a clip in the automatic windows that failed but they replaced them under warranty. Love my Jetta!

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  2002 Jetta GLS (5M) - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Xjet - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Despite some negative feedback from a few owners, my vehicle has been very reliable. Power is outstanding on the 1.8 Turbo, with fuel efficiency second to none. Build quality is excellent, inside and out. I am very satisfied with this vehicle and recommend it highly.

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  Handling is not very good. Reliability issues - 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike - November 3 - 11:35 am

  Highway driving does not feel safe. Car is not handling well on speeds over 75 mp/h (I drive fast in the morning to pass traffic). Car feels like floating on the road with steering wheel is not responsive at all. Is this an electric motor drive? Tires are new, pressure is according to the VW recommendations. I used to have 2010 VW Jetta 2.5 and when it wasnt in the shop , it was driving extremely straight on the highway. Unfortunately, I didnt test a car on the highway during my initial test drive. Another problem with 2017 model is its automatic transmission: it is slipping from 1 to 2 and when Im slowing down at the traffic light from 2 to 1. On the highway it does it too but shifting to Sport helps. Anyways, strange suspension and possibly new drivetrain-related problems. Dealer now said that "turbo is not reliable and usually you need to change it at around 100,000 miles... but you just trade this car and well get you a new car!" Knowing how expensive VW service is, it is freaking me out. Someone here has mentioned similar problems. What should I do with a car? Its currently under 15,000 miles. Please advice.