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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  Well I buy vw again! Well we well see. - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By billy grover - January 23 - 4:59 am

  Great car fast reliable but vw has shown that they cant be trusted.Hope in up coming months they prove to me they can be trusted

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  One Year Later... - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Aaron Lozano - January 22 - 8:20 pm

  I drive a lot. On average, I spend about 50 minutes in my car daily. Im currently at 25,000 miles on my 06 Jetta. Its been a year since I purchased my spice red Volkswagen Jetta and Im still very pleased with my decision. Although it was not my first choice, I find it to be a beautiful car that is strong and enjoyable. On a separate note, the dealership is not as helpful. It is the only dealership that offers Jettas in my area, so I have no choice. The service department has been very rude to me on one issue. Still, overall I love my car. ;)

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  I love my Jetta - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Lish - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive had Hondas, Chryslers, Cadillacs and all three of the big three pickup trucks. I have never had a car as fun to drive as this. I commute 90 miles a day and never get tired of driving this car......Not a single problem in the first 9,000 miles

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  I love it! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By rachelandrascal - January 22 - 2:00 am

  This car has numerous standard features (for fun and safety). Take one for a test drive . . . it will sell itself. I got a baseline Jetta (only "options were spoiler and automatic transmission); but compared with other manufacturers I was considering (Honda, especially) Jetta standard features are considered "optional" by most others.

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  Check Engine Light: bane of my existence - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By frozen01 - January 21 - 9:36 pm

  Ive had so many issues! Its like theyve gone out of their way to make repairs and maintenance as difficult and expensive as possible. The engine leaks oil, a known VW issue. The worst part is the check engine light. In the 3.5 years Ive owned this car, the CE light has been OFF for a total of 2 months. I have taken it to 5 different mechanics, each one plugs it in to the diagnostics computer and either gets NO codes or codes that make no sense. All they can do is turn it off, but it just comes back on. No one can fix it, no one can even find a cause, but the car cant pass an emissions test, and so now I cant legally drive it. $12K wasted!

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  CHECK IT BEFORE YOU BUY IT! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mcjp - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY JETTA. THE ONLY PROBLEM IS THAT I HAVE NOT EVEN HAD IT FOR A YEAR AND IT HAS BEEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP SEVERAL TIMES. IT TENDS TO BURN OIL VERY FAST AND LEAVE A BURNING SMELL. I HAVE SPENT ALOT OF TIME GETTING THIS VEHICLE REPAIRED AND LESS TIME ENJOYING IT. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING INTO THE PROBLEMS AND COMPLAINTS FROM OTHERS WHICH ARE ALL SIMILIAR TO MY OWN. I DO RECOMMEND TO TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT WHAT YOUR GETTING YOURSELF INTO AND (HINT) WHERE EXACTLY THIS CAR IS REALLY COMING FROM! REMEMBER LOOKS ARE NOT EVERYTHING, YOUR SAFETY IS!

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  TDi 2002: Good value - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By DAC in Hamburg - January 21 - 10:00 am

  We went looking for a mid-sized car with better gas mileage than our SUV (we had 2 4x4s in the driveway). Of all the competitors (according to an Edmunds search), the VW TDi was a surprising option. The turbo diesel in this little 4 cylinder is very surprising. Though not a sport car, the performance is good enough to give the feel and handling of a sport model while still providing a lot of room for a family and the mileage usually limited to a hybrid. Very good buy as well!

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  Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By alexr - January 21 - 10:00 am

  The Jetta is the best car in its price range and class. Fit and finish are superb, performance is excellent, its fun to drive and its not too expensive for what you get. I love my Jetta!!!

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  The New Jetta TDI - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Bnegaard - January 19 - 2:00 pm

  I have to say that I probably drove 20 cars and looked up another 30 or more. I set the criteria of 30+mpg city and 40+mpg highway as the baseline and then started looking at what was out there. I spent a good deal of time looking at the Honda Civic Hybrid and the Ford Escape Hybrid. I went to several Honda Hybrid (and Hybrid) websites and what you find are arguments about "HOW" to drive the car to get mileage and "HOW" you are not driving the car correctly when you get less (sometimes low 30s) than advertised. Then I went and looked at some TDI websites. No arguments, just mileage. Thats what I want no nonsense just great mileage inside and outside the city.

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  Turbo Jetta - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By NSPFLD807 - January 19 - 8:20 am

  I traded in a 2004 GTO for for a 2006 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0T and am not missing the GTO at all. The fuel economy is amazing (avg. 28 city / hwy), the performance isnt too far off the GTO and the insurance savings is great. The bi-xenon headlights are a must (pkg 2). The DSG auto is a little different when taking off from a stop, but the quick shifts make up for it. I have put 1,500 miles on mine so far and have no complaints.