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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  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.

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  Well built, and more for your money! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Bowler801 - November 1 - 3:43 pm

  I was car shopping and I was looking at the Acura TSX and the Toyota Camry XLE V6. For the amount that I was going to pay for upgrades to the Camry and the TSX, the new Jetta comes standard with it. This car is simply incredible. It has everything that I was looking for and then some. I am glad I shopped around as much as I did. I would have missed out on a great buy and value.

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  Bad ergonomics - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Small Woman - October 30 - 4:26 pm

  Trying to downsize from a minivan, my husband picked out this car. I did test drive the car, but what can you tell in 15 minutes? It is totally ergonomically incorrect for my size - 5. If I ran the world, all cars would have adjustable pedals, as they are a godsend for short drivers. The telescoping steering wheel is not enough. The gas pedal is very stiff and is causing knee pain. The seating arrangement - you have to recline - also causes me back pain, even though the seats are nice and supportive. I am not looking forward to driving this car in the snow - too much zip and no all wheel drive. All that said, my husband loves the car. He is a normal size and loves racing.

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  This car is the best - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jettamon - October 30 - 10:00 am

  This car has been completely incredible. Ive driven cars from every major maker, including the most premium luxery car companies, and even BMW and Mercedes dont produce cars which match this cars overall quality, in terms of hadnling, interior and exterior aesthetics, and safety. And this car costs roughly half what its competition from those companies cost. Incredible.

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  I really wish I could say I like it - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By marvinmartian - October 26 - 9:20 am

  This is my 4th VW. Its my 2nd TDI. I loved my previous TDI. This one, not so much. I am the 2nd owner having bought it 7/13 with ~17K miles. I have put almost 40K miles on it. It is far more powerful than my previous TDI but fuel economy does not match it either. I have not really had any mechanical issues. Just routine maintenence. I should really like this car but I am just not happy with it. There is a resonance (buzz) in the dash between 1500 & 1800rpm which is where I end up running most of the time. The sunroof shade also rattles. The seats are just not comfortable to me. Im not a slender person but Im not morbidly obese either. The side bolsters on the seats make them too narrow.

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  Never Buy This car or a VW Ever - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By prusso - October 25 - 9:50 pm

  My car is at about 85k and I have had way too many problems with this vehicle. It is by far the worst vehicle I have ever had and I will never buy a VW ever again. I have had to replace the water pump at 62k, the alternator went out, I was just told I needed to replace the catalytic converter, the ect sensor and an addition 2 grand in fixes for a total of 3,200. I had some boots and a cb join that were cracked and leaking that was about 1000 bucks. By far the most unreliable vehicle I have had and hated everything about it. I ripped off the bumper 3 times because it always would catch on the curb because there is no guard on there. Dont buy this car.

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  the worst car I have ever had - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By funkykat - October 24 - 10:00 am

  The first 1.5 years were great but now,I have replaced exhaust 3 times, clutch rod broke, tried to use hazzard lites, didnt work, have replaced both front and rear brakes and rotors, car now does not like to start in wet weather. horn is malfunctioning and had to pull the fuse to stop it. window washer feature comes out in a small stream of fluid. coolant needs to be purchased at the dealer so it is inconvenient and unsafe. it is not the car to have if you dont have one to rely on while it is in the garage. and it will be, all the time. I will never own another VW

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  Electronic hell - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Winnipeg - October 24 - 10:00 am

  The "master computer brain" died and the car refused to start. Part had to be flown in. Then an air flow sensor malfunctioned and required replacing. Now theres another sensor malfuntion that my dealership told me to ignore. I guess theyre designed not to work.

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  VW Quality.... - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tikle Pink - October 24 - 10:00 am

  2001 GSL 4 dr, theres a few things that have issues...(note WITHIN one year) front grill feel off, door handles (rubber) peel, the dash around the stick has a latex coating peels,extior paint bad. Then last month the window fell. Remember,cosmetic is not covered. The engine runs great, has pick up.

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  Lint Trap!!! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Uphappy Car Owner:-( - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I came on this to see if everyone with this car had the same problems and they sure did. My oil is gone literally every 1000 miles...and they tell me thats normal...ya ok. my passenger windown just fell into the side door shattering...that was common so they fixed both windows no problem but still inconvenience...the seats are embarrassing since it looks like i got into a fight with a cat and it won (winter sweaters) lint all over the car and vacuum doesnt pick it up (stuck)...on a positive note it is excellent on gas and no major mechanical problems:-)oh almost forgot within a yr of having the car i need new rotters and pads!