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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  Bang for Your Buck - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By James Nullmeyer - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive had no problems with my Jetta. It is a pleasure to drive as well as fun. Kudos to VW.

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  Dont get a VW - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ilya - June 17 - 3:20 pm

  Fun to drive even with the low HP, particularly mine with a stick, but such a hassle as far as reliability. Bought it new and had problems from almost day 1, you name Ive fixed it.

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  Should have completed more research! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sneel - June 15 - 1:43 pm

  Very disappointed in this purchase. Thought that it would be more reliable. Someone warned us that a Jetta was like a Christmas tree--- always a light on and we should have listened! From Day 1, we had problems. The brakes and roters never were quite right, the armrest broke, center piece of wheel came off never to be found again, transmission problems, trunk problems, remote on the keychain only worked when it wanted to, .....you name it! Definitely went with American made for our next purchase!

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  Ow, my back... - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bkelly - June 15 - 12:03 am

  2010 Jetta TDI, silver. Car is well- built, handles like nothing else Ive ever driven. Diesel performance is very good - although you have to get used to it. MPG is fantastic - >40 all the time, even in city driving. So, Im selling it. Reason - I find the drivers seat amazingly uncomfortable. At 511", 205 lbs I dont fit into it, the surface is hard, and the seatback specifically resonates with the vibrations in both the engine and rear suspension - all the way up to the headrest. Ive driven trucks and buses for almost 30 years, Ive never been so uncomfortable. I dont know what I was thinking on the test drive. Shame on me...

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  2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Rich - June 13 - 2:16 am

  Great car, a lot of fun to drive, great handling, 50+ MPG average, very quiet diesel, good power, good looking. Love It !

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  AutoBahn quality - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Johnny - June 12 - 7:46 pm

  Very satisfied and wild on the car. Almost like sports luxury when you drive it. Needs a bit more performance but has alot of potential and style.

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  Love my little vw! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Rach - June 12 - 10:16 am

  I just bought this car a couple months ago. My Mustang was totaled and I had to find something fast. I had a 85 Jetta in the early 90s and loved it, and my Moms 76 Rabbit was passed down to me in the late 80s as a teenager so I love Volkswagons. This Jetta handles grades like a champ. I had four people and luggage in it and it climbed a mountain that cars usually overheat on with no problems, never even had to downshift into 4th gear. For the few of you I read about the noises from the front end. Well, mine had that also. Check the bolts in your sway bars. My bolt was hanging half out and there was thudding in the front end from that. Inside cup holder is also broken.

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  Fun but always broken - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By khq0660 - June 12 - 2:23 am

  This car was lots of fun to drive and I had an extended warranty, or else I would have ditched it. It always had body parts breaking. The electrical system was always having shorts (one time it went crazy and my trunk kept popping open while driving, blinkers worked only sometimes, doors locked on their own, etc). Endless mechanical parts were replaced. I hated the feeling I got when a new warning lit up on the dash. Just before the warranty expired I had to be towed. All of this happened before it even reached 91,000 miles. If I hadnt owned a Fiat 27 years ago, which showed me how truly bad a car can be, I would have been tempted to give my Jetta an even lower reliability score than I did

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  Solid Car with Few Headaches - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By GeorgePDog - June 12 - 2:00 am

  This is all the car I expected and more. I wanted a compact sedan that would still be fun to drive. With a 28- mile commute, my Nissan truck was eating me alive on gas costs. I love this car. The car corners great. I have had the car to 110 mph and still accelerating before my good sense kicked in and caused me to let off the gas pedal. The best thing is that I can drive 75-80 mph to work and still get 30 mpg, and the car does not drag up hills even at that speed. Issues: ignition switch had to be replaced and the front driver and passenger windows stick quite a bit.

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  Beautiful car, VW service stinks! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mnsrun - June 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Jetta and I love the styling and the handling, however, I have had the same no brainer issues as everyone else, windows falling, lights burning out, stupid things breaking, crappy customer service! Have complained about smelly AC since car had 5000 miles on it and VW couldnt diagnose until car out of warranty! HMMMM