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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  Poor Quality/Bad Deal - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Scott - January 31 - 3:43 am

  This could be a great car if it did not require some much time in the repair shop. This time it broke down, because a tumbler in the ignition switch failed. Therefore requiring a seven to ten day stay in the repair shop. They advised me that the part would have to come from Germany. Before purchasing any of the VW products sit in the service department and listen to the customer! Please! I implore you!

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  Diesels are GREAT - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Bob - January 29 - 8:56 am

  Manual trans is fun. I feel like I am in control just like years ago with the standard transmission. The pick up is good working the gears.

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  Noises and Rattles - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Stan - January 29 - 8:23 am

  I have had my VW Jetta for three months. It makes a horrible noise when starting (after sitting several hours), dealer says its normal :(... (secondary air pump?). Have also had several dash rattles and speaker noise. Dealer ordered repair kit for speakers, but there is no fix possible for engine noise (sounds like a diesel when first starts). I am a first and probably a last timw VW owner.

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  2004 Jetta - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mikec888 - January 27 - 11:22 am

  We bought the Jetta with 25,000 miles and it has 65,000 now. The only repair was that we replaced the thermostat, otherwise it runs and drives great. Gas mileage is around 24 mpg mixed driving. The build quality is really good and the interior has a lot of room for a compact car. However, the transmission is acting up. It shifts hard and slips on occasion, which at only 65,000 miles is surprising.

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  BEWARE!!!!!!!! - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VWS*CKS - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This is the absolute worse car I’ve even owned. I’ve dubbed it “Christine”. Let’s see there in the O2 sensor issue. the green-ooze that drips out of door onto frame, the horrible gas mileage the tail light that needs to be replaced ever month, the moon roof comes off the tracks, the gas tank door won’t latch anymore,leaking off oil, the safety belt latch keeps breaking. Customer Service of VW, they SUCK and are RUDE. Not to mention when my Jetta broke down in the middle of a Midwest Winter two hours from my house, they didn’t send someone right away and than they lost my car. Yup, didn’t know which dealership the car had been taken too, this ordeal lasted over a week.

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  Jetta TDI - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Vincent - January 25 - 6:06 pm

  Ive had my Jetta TDI for a year now and have to say that Ive been pleasantly surprised with it. Its gas mileage is great, as expected. I get around 42 mpg around town and just completed a 2,000 mile trek where I got nearly 52 mpg! It is surprisingly fun to drive (and quiet) for a diesel. I love it!

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  06 VW Jetta TDI - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By J. Baker - January 25 - 3:40 am

  The Jetta is very fun car to drive. The turbo diesel engine has plenty of get-up-and-go power and plenty of passing power. The Jetta is very comfortable on the road and has a sports car feel to it. It comes with lots of options that standard that make the ride very comfortable. It has heated seats both passenger and driver. I haveo regrets about purchasing this car. It is a fine automobile.

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  Love it - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ohio - January 24 - 12:46 am

  I have owned my Jetta GLX for thirteen years. It is fun to drive, goes like a soldier through snow, and has minimal rust for its age. I had a head gasket problem which necessitated an engine replacement (or so my mechanic said), but that is the ONLY repair I have had other than scheduled maintenance. Interior is top quality, still looking fine today, the trunk space is great, and I have had no problems with exterior body trim. I am still running the original muffler, though the fore intake pipe on the first unit is broken and the car is a bit noisy. Thank goodness for cage straps which make it able to delay the replacement a bit longer. Overall, I am very satisfied.

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  Perfect car - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By 100% Satisfied - January 23 - 5:06 pm

  Im a proud owner of the 06 Jetta and from the moment I drove it off the car lot Ive been nothing but in love with it! I recently took in on a road trip and got GREAT gas mileage (30 mpg) it COMFORTABLY seated 3 adults & a baby whos in a car seat. I have nothing bad to say about this car at all! Its 100% amazing!!!

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  Love This Car - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jason - January 23 - 8:50 am

  I just bought this car and it has been in the shop a couple times but it has been for small things. I love it, the appearance is awesome and is very fun to drive. I love the VR6 model, if u buy a VW then u have to buy the VR6 or the Turbo version of this, any other model is junk. There are so many performance options to this car but yes parts are expensive. My headlights are fogging up and its 200 bucks a light and for a new key its another 200 so if i were gonna go through a dealership for these thats 600 bucks. But if u look on-line you can find lights dirt cheap. so people bashing this car look for parts on-line, you will save money.