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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  Volkswagen Jetta Sucks - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By parker - October 22 - 10:00 am

  In one year, I have brought in my VW over 10 times to have it fixed.It is never a good sign when you know everyone by their first name in the service department. The customer service is horrible. No matter the problem, drivable or not, they could not work me into their schedule unless it was atleast a week away. My car is under warranty and they will not give me a loaner. I have currently been a week and 4 days without a car. If youre thinking of buying a VW, think again. Just go to your local service department at the vw near you and youll see how many people are waiting.

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  I LOVE IT - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Stacey13 - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I had a Ford Escort with virtually no features, so when looking for a new car, features didnt matter to me. I went out car shopping, not even intending on going to Volkswagen, and test drove a few cars. The dealer is what sold me on the car. I love everything about it! I love having powersteering, didnt have it before...but with getting all the benefits of a loaded car (although it was the base GL model) I didnt lose the benefits of getting excellent gas mileage. I was worried that I would get horrible gas mileage. The car drives smooth, has lots of room.

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  Smart car for Power lovers!! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Atee - October 22 - 10:00 am

  Nice car with nice stable handling and smooth ride . The interior well designed and color schemes great! Engine no problems at all ....

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  Nice change from Japanese - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Goatlocker - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Jetta for almost a year and have not experienced any problems. I previously owned 94, 98 Camry and a 2000 Honda CRV. I paid about the same for all these vehicles. The difference is the Jetta gives you about 10 times the bells and whistles for the same price. The Jetta handles so much better and has a quality feel. So far no problems. I have the 1.8T and it will go 135 mph before an electronic regulator kicks in at about 5400 rpm. My Japanese cars were dogs compared to this baby. This is definitely a drivers car. I was so happy with the German engineering that I bought the wife a new Beetle that she loves.

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  Bad in the Snow - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JJ - October 20 - 11:06 pm

  We love our Jetta, the only problem we have is its performance in the snow. We are not sure if its just the tires...but will look into different tires before winter hits.

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  Jetta TDI - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Georgia - October 20 - 12:46 am

  I have owned this TDI for 6 yrs and have been very happy. It has over 300k and is running strong. Every feature still works (heated seats). We get an adverage of 51 mpg. and we just purchased a second one for my husband.

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  Jetta SE 2.5 A - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By marc - October 19 - 10:16 pm

  Was really looking for SE manual - but hard to find. Only driven 700 miles so far, but am very happy with choice. This car has the look and feel of a luxury vehicle, but the economy of a compact.

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  Our First Volkswagon - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Rey - October 19 - 1:03 am

  The car has 1400 miles and has been a hoot to go through city driving. We average about 35-36 mpg. We have yet to really put it on the highway for a long haul, but we will next week. We have gotten as high as 38mpg, but hope to see some 40+mpg. The car had marks in the paint due to shipping, but was corrected by the dealer. The radio sound is great and the seats are most comfortable. I love coming to a light and leading the traffic with this little jewel. This is really the wifes car, but I drive it when I am with her. The mileage does drop 1-2 mpg when using the air conditioner. The panoramic moon roof is really neat and does not feel hot inside with the sun screen shade covering.

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  VWs are not as good as you think!!!! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Daniel Grayson - October 18 - 1:46 pm

  I have never heard of a car that has so many problems as this one. Sunroof, passenger side window, interior & exterior lights stopped working, starter, oxygen sensor, fuel sensor & fuel pump needed to be replaced. ALSO, this car has always been serviced at the dealership and everything was always done to this car religiously when it needed to be (oil, tune-up, tire rotation). I would not recommend a VW.

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  2008 Jetta SE - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike - October 16 - 10:33 pm

  Only had car a couple of weeks, but I really like it. Everything seems to be well put together. Car handles great for a sedan. Trunk is super huge and interior has quite a bit of room for a compact car. Through first 3 tanks of fuel, I have averaged 31 MPG. Engine has more than enough power for my driving style. All controls seem to be laid out very well.