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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  Greatest value - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Cameron James - September 7 - 5:20 pm

  Everybody wants to spend their money wisely, as do I. If youre in the market for a new or used vehicle, this is the way to go. A must see car, if you have not before. So many standard features, so little price. Check it out, and compare to other choices. You will not be disappointed.

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  Just what I Wanted - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By RobertEther - September 7 - 12:06 pm

  Reliable, luxury features, great gas mileage (as good or better than advertised), good space for cargo ...all the things I wanted when I shopped for a car.

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  Marvelous Machine - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By yorams - September 5 - 2:00 am

  This car is a dream!!!! Its a 1.8 Turbo with 5 speed Tiptronic tranny. The 1.8 Turbo feels like a V-6. The only options I got were leather seats and ESP (Electronic Stabilization Program)

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  Love the Mileage - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Bubba Johnson - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Fantastic mileage with the diesel engine!!! Best in class. Problems: 1. The coolant sensor died @ 35000 miles & that is not covered by the warranty. 2. Clear coat on the hood is poor and is easily eaten away by dead bugs. 3. Passenger side door lock actuator does not always open all the way. Have been waiting for a replacement for 6 months.

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  Inferior Interior - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Kahn - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Its like driving a huge "lint brush"!!! Anything article of clothing worn sticks to the seats & the doors! I have complained repeatedly to VW Customer Care, to no avail! VW offered to send me a "Kit" to help deal with the problem (Kit=(1) lint brush and a rag)...go figure! I asked if they had received complaints?...the operator stated, "No." I asked, "Why does VW conveniently have a kit available to deal with a problem they say does not exist!??" The answer received was so ridiculous, I cant even remember what the response was!!! Not only is it annoying to have to continuously clean this car, but its embarrassing to have to explain why the interior looks like CRAP!!!!

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  Love it - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By satoshi - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I got my black Jetta 1.8T GLS last Friday. It is so much fun to drive and it looks so beautiful. Got the sport luxury package: 17" alloys, sport suspension, and a power sunroof. These cars are built in Mexico, and I dont really trust Mexican quality control. It worries me. The Jetta 1.8T GLS is definitely more bang for the buck than a BMW or Lexus. Its not as nice as those other cars, but Ill be paying off the Jetta in 2 years instead of 5 years for the IS 300. I dont like that the acceleration curve is not very smooth. You have to be careful with all that torque or you are risking whiplash. I also wish it got better gas mileage. (only 22/29)

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  2010 VW Jetta Wolfsburg Manual - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Home Theater Guy - September 2 - 2:00 am

  This isnt our first VW Jetta. Although, we did test drive quite a lot of cars before purchasing this one. Amongst the cars we did not purchase Audi A4, BMW 325, Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Mercedes C Series. A lot of these cars had nice features, some more than others. None put it all together with a manual, a great engine and a fair price tag like VW had. We are very proud owners of these vehicle. So much so, that we purchased the 100k mile warranty. Its a keeper.

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  Great little car! - 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
  By thedriver93 - September 2 - 1:25 am

  I traded my Corolla in for the top of the line Jetta SEL and I never looked back. Great product from VW! It had leatherette seats, heated, AMAZING Fender sound system, comfortable ride, NAV system was easy to use. MPG was lower than I expected, I was averaging 28 MPG 70% highway.

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  Im sold on diesel. - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By parkeld - August 30 - 2:00 am

  The diesel model of the Jetta gets about double the mileage of its gasoline counterpart, and performs better! 45mpg in mixed driving after 4 years. Great with hills, passing, and cold mountain conditions. ABS works well in snow. Rugged interior components.

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  Happily Ever After... - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By BellaVw - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I Have found my 2001 Jetta GLS TDI to be an absolute joy to drive. Granted, I treat it with care and get the recommended service as suggested in the manual. It has never failed me not even in cold midwestern winters. The 49-50 miles per gallon was a strong reason for choosing the TDI. I had previously heard of the old dreaded "deisel dogs", but the turbo 1.9L diesel engine delivers a peppy and sufficient acceleration. Im constantly receiving compliments on its appearance and ride. Its without a doubt, the best car I have ever had the pleasure of owning! Give it a try.