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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  Good car for awhile - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Christopher Bailey - December 16 - 2:43 pm

  When I purchased my 2003 Volkswagen Jetta, it only had 47,000 miles on it. Not bad considering it was already three years old, and there was only one owner before me. I put at least almost 40,000 miles on it in two years, and it has not been bad, but when I first got it the wheel alignment was so off that I had to replace the rear CV joints and purchased new tires TWICE for the rear. Volkswagen should keep manufacturing in GERMANY and stop being so what I call America Cheap. That is when large corporations instead of paying export fees opt to manufacture in less expensive countries, which turns out to be more expensive for the consumer. I have compared the 1996 with the 2003. Keep trying

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  Great non-truck option, to get diesel - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By in League City TX - December 16 - 11:23 am

  For an interstate commute of 90 miles a day the TDI Jetta is fantastic. Plenty of power ( relative, of course ) high comfort, and excellent design and build quality. Consumption so far averaging around 44 mpg. Having had rental car diesels in Europe, the Jetta is the best of the mass market ones.

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  Soms Review - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Som Vembar - December 16 - 10:00 am

  I have a base engine in my Jetta. However, that does not diminish its performance. Its very responsive. I like its handling and and I am very happy that I bought a Jetta.

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  Great mileage and good car - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By nimble1_42 - December 14 - 11:50 am

  I bought this vehicle to lower my fuel cost while driving for my job. I went to Atlanta to purchase because the local dealers wanted to sell above list. In 15 minutes on the Internet I had a better deal, so shop around. The car rides and drives very well. No problems to date. I really enjoy driving it and would highly recommend it to anyone. The only negatives are local dealers service and pricing. You will need to shop around for quality scheduled maintenance which is a big cost compared to other cars. That is my only negative. The car requires special oil and ATF fluid. All the changes have to be done at the dealer. Your local quick oil change will not touch it.

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  Fun to drive and reasonably priced - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike Beattie - December 14 - 6:24 am

  First and foremost, this car is fun to drive. There are a few minor shortcuts on the interior (hard plastic components), but I dont view that as much of a detractor. The entertainment features feel modern and can be amazing if youre using CarPlay. Ive always been a fan of the control layout in a VW, and this one is no different. The touch screen UI present in the 2016 models is more responsive than I expected and works well with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The biggest issues Ive noticed is that the car is a little slow to accelerate under certain conditions and the navigation system is pretty terrible (but again, amazing if youre using CarPlay — or, presumably, Android Auto). Every once in a while, I have trouble putting it into reverse, but I may just need some time to get use to it. Also note that you cant use CarPlay wirelessly: you need to plug your phone into the cars USB port (which is a touch more snug than Id like). The wireless gap is less a VW problem and more an Apple problem; I understand the standard for wireless CarPlay was released only recently. In general, Im very happy with my purchase. I feel like I got a lot of car with the features I car about for a price that was actually pretty reasonable.

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  1.8T spirit - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By faithaa - December 13 - 9:43 pm

  First new car I ever purchased - after test-drive speeding up a long hill with the 5-spd, just had to have it! Winter package great for MN. Dealership replaced ignition coils on recall w/o problem; now seat heater is on recall. This car "floats" on highway, is smooth in city, turbo kicks in at low speed. Gets respectable gas mileage - up to 39- 40 highway on cruise control. Love the nighttime lights and overall look. Large trunk w/pass-through. Only real issue is fuse on windshielf fan-blower that blew twice in two months last winter - dealer couldnt find cause.

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  Its a good daily use car - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By kevin0206 - December 12 - 1:28 pm

  I bought an used 2011 2.5 version. Its good for daily use, and it gives you power when you put in sport mode or manual. I like it.

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  2007 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg Edition - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dj - December 12 - 1:36 am

  Overall, I like the car but, they need to go back to the drawing board with the drivers seat. It is not comfortable if you have a short torso and I have to use a lumbar cushion if I drive very far. The seatbelt receiver is very low if you have to elevate the seat (it elevates up and forward) and it is so rigid (not like the flexible, higher version used for the passenger seat) that it causes the seatbelt "handle" to jab deeply into your hip and cause severe bruising. I am an average sized person and have never had this type of problem with any car that I have driven in 30 years. Be sure that you test drive the car with the seat adjusted to your fit and drive it around awhile.

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  45 MPG at the speed of diesel - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Greg - December 11 - 3:26 pm

  The Jetta TDI is just a fantastic car. Its fun to drive, insanely reliable, easy to maintain, and well equipped. Since its a TDI, the gas mileage is out of this world!

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  fundriver - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By DamienL - December 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Jetta. The first one was a 1989 GL. I just retired it at 210,000 miles. I wasnt the original owner either, but it has the original clutch, engine, and transmission.