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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  2010 TDI at 10k - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By factoryguy - January 18 - 4:40 am

  Heres the verdict after 10,000 miles with the 2010 TDI. I had high hopes for this car and it exceeded all my expectations. Mileage is excellent, performance is surprisingly good, turbo lag isnt too bad, handling is precise and predictable, and reliability has been perfect so far (no problems at all).

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  Solid car, just a few quirks - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dmoir - January 17 - 12:43 pm

  This car is my second car and I love it. Outside of annoying issues like power window failure and freeze- happy parking brakes (a side effect of single digit temperatures), this car has been nothing but great. Awesome features like the sunroof and stereo, leather steering wheel, etc. The car isnt fast, but it feels sporty with the 5-speed manual and turns out great gas mileage. Overall a great car, I cant wait to get my next VW!

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  Be carefule - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dgo - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car in 2003, immediately had to have the entire transmission replaced, rear window fell in and wouldnt go down, gets 13 mpg, brakes suck...

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  Great TDI Economy Car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mroto - January 17 - 10:00 am

  We get 47 avg. MPG in combined city/highway driving and 52-53MPG at steady freeway driving speeds. The engine is the best part of the car! Not a slow car by far and comfortable ride for a small car. Only knock is the fit and finish quality of some of the parts. The paint on the interior door handles flaked off for instance and VW does not stand behind this kind of problem, rear seat split on seam and VW also almost balked on this! Outside paint clear coat is peeling in a couple spots. Car itself is solid however so I feel these issues are comparitively minor.

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VolkswagenJettDriver - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Cool car with many awesome features. Alot of safety features and comfort is great too.

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  The Most Fun, Least Reliable Car Ive Had - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tina - January 16 - 5:33 pm

  Bought my Jetta Wolfsburg, or affectionately, "The Puebla Wolfsburgo" in 10/02 with 13,000 miles on it. It has great handling and incredible torque. I could rip around the city then climb up the canyons without this car missing a beat. However, its constant problems quickly overshadowed the fun. Interior and exterior lights went glitchy, sunroof opened and wouldnt close, dash peeled, rear cupholders broke, center armrest broke, engine oil leaked and fouled spark plugs, ignition coil and bearings went bad. And of course, the dreaded check engine light which comes on constantly. All this and only 34,000 miles on the car. Despite the incredible performance, I dont think these cars are worth the headaches.

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  Tired of getting it to the shop - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mtj - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Like so many other owners, Ive loved my Jetta-it is stylish and fun to drive, but I am tired of taking it to the shop every 8-10 weeks for something or other to be fixed! The things that brake are like others: glove box twice, motor to gas cap misfuntioned, tail lights always going out, etc. Not critical, but they are annoying. Seems like as soon as I have left the dealership, the next thing goes. VW has been good about incurring the expense for many repairs, but I am tired of arranging rides to the dealership to pick it up. Itll break my heart, but it is time to end this relationship. I wont make the same mistake again

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  Jetta not so good - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By basketball - January 9 - 6:43 pm

  Bought this Jetta for my daughter in 1999 from a private party and have had nothing but problems with it. There are too many problems to list but here are a few. First the clutch failed at 25,000. Oxygen sensor failed at 32,250. The key switch switch was replaced at 51,000. The electrical system and heater controls work when they want to. The starter failed twice. The power steering pump was replaced. The wheels can not be removed without beating on them with a sledge hammer. The list goes on and on. I had the car to 2 separate dealers who have told me to trade the car in because of the problems. 1 dealer suggested that I not bring the car back for servicing. This car is a nightmare.

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  My Little Jetta - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Vicki C - January 9 - 6:30 am

  I have had my Jetta for barely over a year and love it! I enjoy driving my little car, but its not fun to pay for when something breaks down. My catalytic converter came lose and thankfully I can weld the shield back on, but to get a new one would cost around $800 bucks!! I keep having to get oil leaks fixed, but for 125,000 miles, the car is still in great condition! I havent had this much fun driving a car in quite a while! Speakers are almost gone as well, but the car had a FULL SIZE tire in the back when one of mine went flat! Perfect!! Also, the brake light wouldnt turn off after the car was off, but if you take it to VW dealership, its defective and is replaced for free.

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  My Dream Come True - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sprawler - January 9 - 2:00 am

  As far as I can remember, VW has always been a part of my life. I grew up with a 77 Bug. At 16 years old, my first car was an 82 Rabbit convertible, and now, at 23, I drive a 2002 Jetta GLI. This is my realistic dream car - affordable, yet undeniably awesome! It is everything I could want - power, looks, comfort - all neatly packaged on 4 17" wheels. If you are planning to purchase a new sedan, you owe it to yourself to test drive a Jetta GLI first.