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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  Best Budget Fun Car - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Hareesh - March 30 - 4:16 pm

  The Acura TSX and Subaru Legacy GT were the other cars that I considered. The TSX had really nice features on the inside but I was dissapointed with the performance and ride quality. It was very refined but lacked the fun factor. The Legacy GT was great, it was really fast and handled very well. I didnt like the gear shifting of the GT as it was not precise and felt rubbery. Also, I was concerned about the low gas mileage of the GT. Then we went to VW dealership and test drove the Jetta GLI, wow! Right then I knew this was the car for me. The GLI brings a smile to my face every time I drive to work in the morning. It has brought the fun factor back into the daily commute. The new GLI also has less turbo lag compared older VWs.

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  not like the 2002 - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By northern - March 28 - 3:50 pm

  We test drove a 2009 Jetta TDI wagon to compare it to our 2002 TDI wagon. Our 2002 gets mileage almost 10 mpg higher than the 2009. Fit and finish are about the same. With diesel now lower priced than gas here in our state, and teh difference in mileage, we will keep running our 2002 for a long time to come. After VW screwed up and lowered the mileage, find yourself a 2002 or 2003 TDI diesel if you can and buy that instead. They command a huge price premium in our area being they are so much better than the 2009 models.

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  My new love - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jaybee - March 28 - 2:00 am

  This is one great car; how can you argue with 45-50 mpg? It is comfortable, fun to drive and gets me where I want to go with no problems. The dash lights at night are a nice little bonus. The only problem is with the cup holder; it does block some of the audio controls, but on the other hand if the AC is on it keeps your drinks cold. The seats move enough to keep both the shortest and tallest drivers happy. I love the car but would not go to the same dealer again; he charged me about 5K more than he should have.

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  My new love - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JayBee - March 28 - 2:00 am

  This is one great car; how can you argue with 45-50 mpg? It is comfortable, fun to drive and gets me where I want to go with no problems. The dash lights at night are a nice little bonus. The only problem is with the cup holder; it does block some of the audio controls, but on the other hand if the AC is on it keeps your drinks cold. The seats move enough to keep both the shortest and tallest drivers happy. I love the car but would not go to the same dealer again; he charged me about 5K more than he should have.

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  Terrible Car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Max Allen - March 28 - 2:00 am

  It’s loud. It vibrates. The dash rattles, The windows squeak. There is no back seat. No usable cup holder. According to dealer, it’s all within mfg. Specs. My worst driving experience ever. Stay away from VW.

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  A contradiction - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Barry - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with the Jetta 1.8T when I first drove it. After owning one for several months now, I am no longer in love. While the Jetta performs well and is still fun to drive, the quality of the car is just awful. There are creaks and rattles galore. The front rotors needed to be re-machined after 1000 miles. The stereo was wired incorrectly and one of the speakers was blown. One of the air conditioner vents fell off. After driving a problem-free Nissan, this just makes me mad. Dont be fooled by the test drive: this is not a high quality car. Search some discussion boards and VW enthusiast sites and youll see what I mean.

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  Worst Car Ever - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By All Max - March 28 - 2:00 am

  The VW Jetta TDI gets great mileage, but that is where the greatness ends. On the highway the ride is tolerable but around town it sounds and feels like I’m driving a “Big-Rig”.It gets louder the more I drive it. Not only is the motor loud, but when I’m stopped I can feel my entire body vibrate. At speeds from 0-40 there are rattles in the dash and all the windows squeak constantly. The dealer says this is all within the manufacturer’s specifications. Essentially no back seat. Cup holder location is ridiculous. Unless you live for 40-mpg stay away from this poorly engineered, poorly constructed automobile.

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  car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By billythekid1234 - March 28 - 2:00 am

  the best car in the world if I had one car for the rest of my life this would be it.

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  my review - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By billwaring - March 28 - 2:00 am

  the jetta is the best car

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  Jettas run over 200,000K If treated well - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By carguyexpert - March 26 - 11:44 am

  I have owned 2 Jettas 1999 and a 1995. One Got into an accident and had a little over 175,000 miles and the other is still running till this day at 206,000. Jettas are great reliable cars. If somone has a complaint about jettas they either got the very few bad ones out of the bunch or the previous owner just mistreated it before it came to you. My aunt has one that is over 250,000 miles and running. If these cars are well maintained they run like champs for a very very long time.