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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  Schizophrenic relationship - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By cocoa - December 29 - 10:00 am

  In the 3 yrs Ive had this car Ive had the temp sensor and air intake sensor go out, the check engine light come on 3 times only to go out on its own, the air bag light come on which needed to be reset at the dealer, and 2nd gear intermittently grinding from day 1 that they have never been able to fix. Its so fun to drive yet so unreliable that I have a love/hate relationship with the car. This is my first VW/Audi and my last. I was looking at the A4 when I bought the Jetta but cant trust Audis now either after this experience.

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  Great little package - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Chickenhawk - December 29 - 10:00 am

  Its easily your all-round performer. Its a compact car. Its a sporty car. Its a luxurious car. Its everything at the same time - thats why I love it. Need to dress up and hit the town in style? The Jettas shape and form is classy enough. Want to enjoy some sporty driving? Put the strong little 1.8T engine to work, and it responds. Need a family hauler? The Jetta does the trick there too. Everything seems almost perfect, from the placement of controls to the feel of the trim. Everything works as you expect it to work, not how some funky engineering team designed it. Smart design, excellent execution. Try it - youll love it too!

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  Mini Passat - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By HappyJack - December 29 - 9:23 am

  I love this car! I own an 04 Jetta and an 08 Passat, as well. Other than missing the navigation upgrade, we often mistake it for the Passat. In- fact we call it the Mini-Passat The ride, comfort and road noise compared to the the 2004 Jetta is hands- down much better.

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  Initial Impression - First 1,000 Miles - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Splashman24 - December 29 - 3:13 am

  I have had my 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI for only 17 days, but I have been impressed every day. The car handles extremely well with a firm yet comfortable ride. I have averaged about 28 miles a gallon in combined driving. The only minor quibble I have when driving would be stability in windy driving. I have to do a little more correction than I am use to. This is nothing major, it just was noticable. I came out of a PT Crusier that seemed to ignore strong winds. There have been no initial delivery problems which bodes well for future reliabilty. I smile with anticipation every time I walk up to the car. Thats the best endorsement I can give as a driver.

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  Best Car Ive ever owned - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By vgpr - December 28 - 4:05 pm

  Been a JDM enthusiast all my life Been in the Automotive repair business 20 years. Then VW won me over I bought this car used with 78k miles on it. Today it has 200k. Its been a commuter vehicle for over 6 years the wtr pmp/belt done at 100k was replaced. Their weakness. The gear was plastic. Replaced with metal one. Besides that its been normal maintenance. Best front wheel drive in the snow up in the Cascades. Best A/C down in Tx where it is now. Grips the road better than my Benz C230 at a quarter of the Price and is the quietest car Ive owned even today its quieter than my other newer cars. I just gave the car to my Sis and its still going strong. If find clean then get it...

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  Brand new...... - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By weaselinsuit - December 28 - 5:46 am

  Just purchased so no idea yet as to mileage or reliability so rated them a 5. But it certainly is fun to drive; handles well, peppy, comfortable ergonomics. Got it with the panoramic sunroof which is a nice feature, heres hoping it doesnt leak over time. Overall, appears to be a well built, functional, fun vehicle.

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  Great, Great Car - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By SarahR - December 26 - 10:53 am

  I recommend VW as a brand to anybody. They are great cars that hold up forever. They are smooth riding, safe, and they look nice without being snotty. I really love this car.

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  This Car SUCKS - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By myjettasucks - December 24 - 1:10 pm

  I have had this car for only 9 months and I am already getting rid of it. Jettas may look cool, but reliability sucks. Since having it I have put nearly $7,000 in repairs. It will run great for a couple of months and then I will have a major problems (i.e. clutch, MAF sensor, ignition coils, MAF again, O2 sensors (yes plural), alternator, and master cylinder to name a few. Displeased doesnt even begin to describe how I feel about this car. I am trading it and sticking with a Toyota or Honda.

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  Gotta be something betta - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By nghappycabin - December 23 - 2:00 pm

  When its in operating condition, the ride is awesome and fun. Comfortable, stylish & unique features on the interior. I like the way it drives and the comfort, but theres been just too many problems with it to recommend it to others. Window fell into the door, oil plan needed replaced, some computer sensor for $180, serpentine belt and Ive had to replace the same headlight bulb twice w/in last 30K miles. Interior parts look nice but they break easily and are expensive to replace. Trunk latch snapped in cold weather, console latch busted & cup holder broke ($160 for a new cup holder, for example). Just found out the cooling fan is broken ($500). Everything is expensive to fix.

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  almost but not quite - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By realmotion69 - December 23 - 10:00 am

  cars in the begining was great until the problems. Extremly cheap parts with a heafty price tag. If your like the excitement of the car outweight my judgement, Anyone know of the crazy sound from the exhaust??? Anyway if you are looking for a lot of features for half the price got car... If you can afford the repairs and there will be some.. but I sold one and bought the exact same car again... Call me a sucker but i love the overall excite and features of the car....