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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  good car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jim in Mass - August 23 - 10:00 am

  have only had it 6 weeks and am very satisfied. The dealer was great. The car is likeable and fun to drive. The car feels like more expensive cars that ive owned. The car is quiet on the highway and comfortable to drive for hours at a time.

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  My 2001 Volkswagen Jetta - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By walter - August 23 - 3:46 am

  Since I bought this car, I have had a lot of fun driving it. It is very good on gas as opposed to the 2.0L model. It has lots of power and great handling. I wouldnt trade it for anything else....well maybe a 2002 model because its got more power.

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  A Winner! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jay - August 20 - 10:33 am

  With around 2,000 miles on our three-week old Jetta 5-speed TDI with Package Two were getting, since day one, 48 mpg. Compared to the 78 diesel Rabbit and 81 diesel Jetta we owned years ago the new Jetta is so much more refined, comfortable, quiet and near-luxury with no penalty in gas mileage. Its powerful and I can pass on two lane roads with no drama. I have had zero issues and the dealer prep was perfect and complete. Theres "value-added" in this car i.e. touch the passing signal and it blinks three times without having to hold the stalk. The center armrest adjusts for height and length. Little things that add up for a satisfying experience. I broke it in as per the Fred TDI website instructions, by the way.

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  The truth about the 1.8t Jetta - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sillybilly - August 19 - 4:36 pm

  Want to know about the 1.8t Jetta? This engine had a faulty design from the start. It basically just tries to pull too much power from a 4 cylinder, which is very hard on the engine. The engine has "hot spots," which can cause oil viscosity and break down, and lead to major problems without warning. I put 4, yes 4 oil pumps in this car, with no warranty help from Volkswagen. If you do not get all your service done at a dealer (an overpriced dealer) dont ever expect to be covered by any warranty. Ive spent over $3,000 on this car that has 75k miles on it. Volkswagen doesnt want anyone to know about their design flaw. Of course in their 1.8t Passats they have offered an extended warranties.

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  Im now a believer! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Popster - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car as a hedge against another gas crisis.I drove it sparingly but my wife was a Jetta convert after driving it for a month.I poured my 64 frame into this little diesel and now I rarely drive my other cars.This is the little diesel that could! It is a small car with a big ride and heart.I am currently shopping the Toureg but find the $65000 list too steep..VW has made me a believer.I would rate the Jetta TDI as one of the best cars I have ever owned.A tiny ,tiny bit noisy at idle but with quality like this and45-50 mpg who cares?....popster

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  3rd times a charm - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By njjetta - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I got off to a rough start with this car...I hit a deer the day after I bought it and had it in the shop for a week. Basically, I love my car. This is my 3rd Jetta. My first was a 1996 and basically a lemon...my 97 was reliable and my 04 is by far my favorite. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants to have fun while they drive, and feel safe and secure.

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  So far, so good - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JSN - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Love my car. Had it over two years now, and no major problems beyond mass airflow sensor which was replaced under warranty. Looks new, fun to drive and I get many compliments on it. Still under 16K miles though and kept in a garage. Road noise is a bit on the loud side.

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  3 years 35,000 mi - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jessica - August 15 - 11:26 am

  This is a very fun car to drive - we bought prior to birth of 1st child and expected to have it for 10 yrs. Now expecting 2nd child we realize two car seats will not fit the very shallow back seat. I have not experienced many of the mechanical/interior issues as other posters.

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  Diggin it, would buy again! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Roy Robey - August 13 - 12:10 pm

  The first trip in my Jetta GLI was from Chicago to LA. I averaged 29.4 mpg including pulling the grapevine both ways. This car has awesome acceleration. Its ride is slightly bumpy but it is a sport suspension. It corners like it already knows the way. The biggest complaint from my point of view is that my wife seems to take it to work whenever I am not paying attention! You gotta love it. The paddle shifters are easy to get used to and the shift times are out of this world. I love my VW!

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  What A Pioneer - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Steve B. - August 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is phenomanal. Not only have I had none of the problems that other reviewers have had (Im soory that theyve had those problems by the way, they are missing out) but it is the most fun to drive car around. Nothing has acted up, nothing has failed, and nothing has been replaced. This car is a definate buy.