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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  Never Again - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mstu - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Never have I been soooo disappointed with a car. 5 O2 sensors and 2 mass air flow under warrenty. Now the warrenty is gone and I am looking forward to service visits every six months on my dime. Car has burned 1qrt every 1000- 1500 miles since new. No offer of assistance from VW. Made the huge mistake of buying a 2002 Passat for our second car. Same type of problems and same lack of customer service. Should have stuck with my Ford Escorts. Much cheaper and never had any problems with the three I owned.

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  Excellent - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Andrea Lopez - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I was very skeptical about buying a new car. But i know that buying the jetta was one of the best decisions i have made. the jetta not only makes me feel in affordable nice car but a fun car too. I love the jetta it has given me what i wanted. Relaible, fun, comfortable, and sexy.

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  Hondas&Toyotas = More Reliable/Less fun - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By questioning purchase - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Car has been in for repairs 6 times since I bought it new 5 mos ago. There is a disconcerting rubbing/grinding in the steering. All steering parts were replaced and Im battling VW with lemon law violations because the problem still is not fixed (after 4 attempts). The national lemon law representatives for VW overlooked the problem and didnt give me the time of day. Also, the door is rattling loudly despite replacing the window guide, door panel, broken clips, and two other adjustments...VERY frustrating! Disappointing gas mileage. Ive been getting 18-19 mpg city; mid 20s highway w/ 5spd manual 2.0L (A/C NOT in use), flat surface driving.

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  This car rocks! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By 1.8TFan - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my car, It is fun to drive and peppy. Its got plenty of pick up which is pretty handy when getting on a freeway, or when you just want to drive around town. I would absolutely recommend this car to a friend, as a matter of fact my husband bought one shortly after I bought mine.

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  Never Again - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By sold_my_jetta - August 9 - 5:53 am

  I just recently traded in my Jetta after getting sick and tired of having it break down and in the shop every month. I have had so many frustrations with this car; broken cup holders, front bumper coming off, car not shifting out of park, nasty yellow goop (that I was told was a blown head gasket), windows falling into doors, trunk motor going out, replaced oxygen sensor, broken glove box, in-dash cd player not working, radio randomly not working, sunroof breaking... need I go on. I have had this car for 3 years, had 8 recalls and only 52,000 miles (had 15,000 when I purchased). Needless to say, I got rid of it after getting way in over my head. If you own a 99 I suggest you do the same.

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  Not again! - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JLS - August 7 - 4:53 pm

  Although my 1998 Volkswagen Jetta was two years old when I purchased, it had low mileage (it still has low mileage) so I was enthusiastic. I loved the style, the way it handled, and the way it drove. BUT it is a piece of junk. I have had to replace every window control on it, the axels, side trim, throttle body, it quit on the interstate when the coil went out, and on and on. And it is expensive! To have the transmission serviced was $500! I will never purchase another VW of any kind. I still have it because I have too much in it to be able to recoup any expenses but I am going to have to do something with it.. I cant afford to "drive" it!

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  Want to love my Jetta, but... - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Houston - August 6 - 3:56 pm

  I chose the Jetta from a very short list. I actually wanted a Hybrid very much since. However, when I drove the Jetta, I just fell in love with its handling, interior room and massive trunk size [the Sopranos would get trunk-envy here]. Sadly, along the road a long list of annoyances has cause me to rethink my relationship with VW. Here is the list: - Sunroof - sometimes closes improperly, propped up in vent position - Interior plastics - bubble and peel - Trunk release - stopped working and then once fixed still not working - Service guys thought I was crazy for 1] having so many issues and 2] for expecting them to be fixed 1st time. - Service creating more issues during fix

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  Happy new owner. - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jettatdigreen - August 4 - 4:30 pm

  Weve been exceptionally pleased with our Jetta TDI. We got 40 mpg from the second tank of fuel. It has been surprisingly peppy and fun to drive.

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  New Jetta 1.9 TDI auto - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By grmyth - August 3 - 3:03 pm

  Had the car for less than a month. Gas mileage is awesome, lot better than my previous car. Only problem with the new Jettas so far is the rattling of the speakers in the front doors. There is a TBA out, and most dealers know about the problem. After, when the problem is fixed, the sound system sounds awesome.

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  My perfect Jetta - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By doogle4 - August 2 - 8:20 pm

  I traded my 08 SE for the same 12 yesterday. Initially I was impressed. After 100 miles, I have built the perfect Jetta. Not in order, my specs are listed under Favorite Features and Improvements