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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  Great Car for your MONEY - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Installs + Plus - July 22 - 2:00 am

  this car is like a wolf in sheeps clothing.Lets just put it this way I surprise alot of drivers when they have to take a better look at the trunk emblem and see that its a VR6.I purchased this vehicle with the 17" upgraded sports package and also modified the suspension by replacing with neuspeed. When I first bought the car I loved it but it was to high. It looks like a SUV until I changed the suspension (night and day difference.) Overall the car is great. I truly recomend this car if you want something practicality and understating. I personally love the 330ci bought I want to sleep at night. ENJOY YOUR VW THEY ARE GETTING MUCH BETTER THEN THEY USED TO BE!

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  Sharpest Looking Compact on the Street - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By golfrisk - July 22 - 2:00 am

  When I was considering by my first VW, I was a little concerned about their reliability track record. Im now happy to report my 2002 (2.0 L) Jetta has run almost flawlessly for its first 30,000 miles! It is an absolutely fun car to manuever throuogh heavy Atlanta traffic.

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  Dont Buy It - 2014 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mrturner - July 20 - 9:39 pm

  Since Edmunds site crashed and lost my last review this will be brief.

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  Love the car - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jake61 - July 20 - 1:53 am

  First volkswagen. Wanted high mileage without the hybrid junk. What we got was a very powerful car that sips diesel so cleanly you cannot tell its a diesel by sound or smell. Amazing car that is so fun to drive, comfortable, and handles like a european sports car should. You can drive all day on longer trips without fatigue or discomfort. I cant think of a single thing Id change and so far at 7000 miles not one issue-better than the Honda it replaced.

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  Fun, small wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By eapj - July 18 - 10:50 pm

  So far, so good with my 03 1.8T manual wagon. I have had other VWs and wanted a small but sporty wagon and I picked this one up certified pre-owned in September 2006 with 34k miles on it. I have had to replace wear and tear items (brakes, etc.) but I have get to have a mechanical problem with it. Sure, it has quirks (sunroof sometimes opens by itself; cupholders are useless but I dont use them anyway; sometimes te rear hatch doesnt like to open). To me, these are minor annoyances that dont impact my love of the car. I plan to run it into the ground since there arent any fun, small wagons on the market I like (new Jetta too large). So far, so good at 82k miles.

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  Classy Sedan at an Economical Price - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Kent - July 18 - 2:40 am

  The Value Edition Jetta is a very safe, attractive, solid performer. With exception of the 15" hub-capped wheels, the standard features (including safety features) are comparable to more expensive sedans. The performance of the 2.5L engine is not spectacular, but certainly adequate for everyday commutes. The torque of the engine is its most rewarding attribute. The handling is quite impressive, even on winding roads (with a wheel and tire upgrade). The brakes are quick to respond and the ESP option provides extra security during unfavorable road conditions. The cabin is very roomy and is comparable to the pre-2006 Passat, and the trunk space seems to be never ending.

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  Utilitarian with fun - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By TDI fan - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I have driven a TDI for 4 years now and still enjoy driving it. I live in Colorado so snow tires are neccesary in the winter but she is still fun to drive 4 years later. It could use a few more horses but for 50mpg it is hard to beat. Make sure you get the additive for the winter because fuel line freeze up will happen with the diesel.

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  Fun and Reliable - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Orlando Hidalgo - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I did some research before buying this car. Ive heard about Volkswagen having problems with Quality issues and reliablity in the past years, but after having read up on the car and speaking to other Volkswagen Jetta owners, I was ready to take a test drive. Needless to say, I bought the car and have no regrets to this day. In my oppinion its a "poor mans" BMW.(lol) You get a lot of performance for the money, and the German craftsmanship is evident in this GLI model.Keep up the good work VW!

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  Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By C-Bird - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This is a spectacular car, but definitely get the standard transmission with the diesel. The automatic is much too slow.

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  Overall, great car! - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By LVMYJTA - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Im sorry others have had so much frustration with their Jettas. I had a bunch of things go wrong in the first 6 months, but they were all fixed under warranty, so I dont really mind. Nothing has broken twice and nothing has broken out of warranty (36,000 miles in the first year). This dealer and service department are top-notch. I drive an hour for service -- even for oil changes! They are as cheap as Jiffy-lube, and they know its a VW, not a "Volvo" like JL tried to tell me.