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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  Get There Cheap and Quickly - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By golfgunny - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I love this gas sipper. I was able to drive from Easter North Carolina to Eastern Texas on less than 2 tanks of fuel with at total cost of 40.00. I averaged just over 50 mpg at 78 mph. The ride was so comfortable that I had to set the timer on my watch to remind me to stop and stretch. It was a rather enjoyable experience. I have had no mechanical problems what so ever.......I love my Jetta. It is much quicker, faster and much more comfortable than I could have ever imagined.

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Kaylen Reynolds - December 8 - 10:30 pm

  I traded in my x-cab pickup for my TDI and was not sure how I would like it. I have already put 850 miles on in the first week and have been impressed that I have only used about 1 1/4 tanks of fuel. The heated seats are very comfortable. I couldnt be happier with my new Jetta. I have had many other diesels and none come close. Volkswagen has won my heart.

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  Never ever! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By katysue81 - December 7 - 1:49 pm

  I got this car just a few months ago. Ever since I got it, I have had nothing but problems. No skid plate anymore, 3 bent rims, it doesnt take potholes and dips too well. A newer clutch, the throw out bearing is already going out. It needs engine mounts, no matter which way you push your window button, it will go the way it wants to. In less than 3 months I have already had to replace alternator, serpentine belt (twice) battery, brakes and roders, 02 sensor. There is a short somewhere in the car. My lights will randomly flick on and off just driving down the road. Its fun to drive, and speedy. But unless you have a couple thousand saved up in the bank for repairs, dont get this.

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  First car Ive ever loved! - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By nykayaker - December 7 - 11:03 am

  Been driving a Sportwagen TDI (DSG)for 3 months now, and absolutely love the car. A very practical wagon with loads of cargo room, interior design thats far more like an Audi than Honda or Subaru, and the gas mileage of a Civic! The car feels wonderful on the road - solid and much more powerful than 140hp would lead you to believe. Yes you pay more for diesel fuel, but with a 40-cent spread between unleaded and diesel in NY, you still come out ahead, and put less CO2 in the air to boot. Gas mileage is very temperature dependent - was getting 34 mpg in winter, but already the commute is up to 38 mpg with spring temps (its hilly here). Totally love the car!

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  Love This Car - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Deb - December 7 - 8:53 am

  Ive never had so much fun driving a car. It is awesome. I wasnt excited about getting a Jetta but when the salesman convinced me to test drive it at the dealership I fell in love. We also own an audi A-4 quattro and the turbo jettas performance is better. Ive had no problems other than the rear brakes squeaking when I back up sometimes.

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  Never Again! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By AmyG - December 6 - 11:46 pm

  Two years ago when I bought my Jetta, I loved it... a few months later I realized what a mistake I made getting rid of my old car. Ive had it in for problems, which seem to keep recurring. Twice in less than a year the engine indicator light and the temperature light have come on due to problems, a headlight, two brake lights, and a blinker light all have been out, a new tire and not to mention the window that wouldnt go up. Its one thing after another.

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  bling, but your bnk acct it will clean! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dont do it - December 6 - 9:46 pm

  This car was fun to drive until the relationship degenerated to the point I cringed ever time I had to start it, fearing something else would break.If I werent able to complete most repairs myself, Id probably have spent 5-8k in repairs.All the usual problems—bad ignition coils, 3 radios, window regulators,broken keyfob, multiple wheel bearings (as in 7 or 8 of them), various failed switches, broken glovebox door, broken center console latch (x5) & antenna. In addition, I had 3 airbag system component failures (which I couldn’t fix myself and cost $$$) and a wheel vibration issue that nobody could resolve. I gave up at 79k because I knew the plastic waterpump impeller was on borrowed time

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  Jetta Wolfsburg - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By arodriguez - December 5 - 2:23 pm

  Just Leased the Jetta Wolfsburg. So far and it has only been 2 weeks, this car has far exceeded my expectations. The MPG is awesome (28mpg) the car has great pick up when needed. The interior is very well built and looks and feels like it should be in a $30k vehicle. It has a few faults that I have noticed. The biggest is there is no room for anything. Center console is way too small and having the aux jack in there is not the most well thought out feature. The passenger and driver seat adjustments are a little difficult. Other than that fit and finish on this car is great.

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  I love this car - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Gene - December 1 - 4:10 am

  Ive had this car as my daily driver since I bought it with 15,000 miles. 50,000 miles later I have no regrets. Its the base package with 5-speed, electric nothing (except power locks) and the optional factory CD changer. Its the perfect commuter car averaging 38-44 mpg. I now live in Wisconsin and this past winter, it started every day except for one 8 degree morning where the battery gave up. Even though it only has 90 hp, the 150 ft/lb of torque means it has no problems getting off the line or passing cars at highway speeds.

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  blast - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By 3rd Jetta Owner - November 30 - 10:00 am

  My 3rd Jetta. GLI just put the fun back into the everyday, everywhere drive. Only concern is winter tires and low front spoiler. Lots of zip in the low rpm.