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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  So much pain in my rear! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Michael Mann - September 19 - 4:13 am

  By now we all know that VW has built a car with massive electrical system problems. What I want everybody to know is that when you take this car to service they will try to stick all the expenses on you. For example: two days ago my ABS warning light went on. I have read that this is a common problem with this car. I called the dealer, scheduled service, drove to work, and couldnt get the gear off from park. I Had to tow the car to service. But I was armed with a recall note for the brake switch that seems to be faulty on this model. I found it from this website! But since mine was purchased in 99 (its a 2000 model) the dealer claimed Im not covered. We did a little dance (me yelling) and all of a sudden it was covered!

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  VERY DISAPPOINTED!!! - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jessica80 - September 18 - 6:59 am

  I have owned a 94,96, and an 09 Jetta. Pros: *I like the body style....the front end of the car anyways. It handles better then other Jettas Ive owned. It has more room in the interior. * gears shift a lot smoother Cons: *I do not like the 2.0 engine. It is SO slow....I can floor it around corners and it goes no where!! Slowest car Ive ever owned. My 09 Jetta had a 2.5 so it was a little more fun to drive. * the interior is cheap.....Im sure it was the cheapest plastic they could find. The cloth seats are hard. No heated seats.The 09 jetta (same model) had soft cloth seats that were heated with a Soft dash that had more shape opposed to the 2012 with a flat dash...just like a 1994

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  So far so good! - 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
  By coachbrain - September 16 - 2:56 pm

  Reluctantly traded in my Nissan Frontier for this car and had some buyers remorse when I left the dealership. That has quickly changed when I got close to 600 miles on my first full tank. Everything Ive read about the TDI indicates they get better mileage than what theyre rated for by the EPA and this seems to be true. I had bought my truck to haul all my kids sports equipment to and from games and practices before I took a new job that requires lots of travel. Ironically I traded a Jetta 2.5-S for the Frontier and now I find myself driving a Jetta again! This time around, the trunk is roomier than the previous one. I am able to fit a large softball equipment bad, a bucket of

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  Some issues, but I still love my Jetta! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Michele - September 16 - 8:03 am

  I bought my Jetta brand new and have not looked back since! Its been the best car Ive ever owned. Theres nothing quite like quality german engineering! I have had some small issues though, the seat heaters had a recall, brake light switch had a recall, check engine light came on in the first 12,000 miles due to a faulty sensor, but overall I am very please. Most recently I had to take the car in for a broken link on the sway bar which was covered under warranty. Despite these issues I still love my Jetta!

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  Great looks - No reliability - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Nathan - September 16 - 4:46 am

  Electronic problem with ABS system. Radiator sprung a leak. Electronic problems with air flow. Electronic problems with rear breaks. Master brake cylinder had an internal leak. Brake light switch is defective. Horse power and fuel efficiency are lower than spec. Power windows do not operate properly. Side mirror adjustment dial poorly made, for that matter there are cheap plastic parts throughout this car. Arm rest latch broke, ashtray for year passengers will not stay shut. Lower black grills in front of car fall out. Front bumber cover pops off. Black paint around dash board peels off. Cloth interior poorly made and glued down. The door locks have barbs on them that pinch skin!!

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  OWN 1 - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By MARCUS HURT - September 16 - 2:00 am

  LOOKS GOOD EXCLENT WARRENTY LOVE THE IN SIDE LIKE THE BLUE DASH LIGHTS NOT TO SURE ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION SOME TIMES SHIFTS VERY ROUGH

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  Excellent - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Michael Messina - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Looks great, drives great, comfortable interior, quiet ride, and very safe. Couldnt be happier.

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  my jetta - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By oscar2056 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Its an ok car i like it i wish it were cheeper to keep up and and didnt have as many problems

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  Fun Car. BUT, in shop every 3 months! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jason-AZ - September 16 - 2:00 am

  The car is fun to drive. But, there are so many problems with the emission system the car has to be taken to the dealer about every 3 months to be fixed. Sometimes the car is out of comission for several days while parts are being ordered. This car is not reliable.

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  Dont buy it - 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Victor - September 15 - 2:24 am

  At about 10,000 miles auto-transmission started making funny clunk sound and at 25,000 miles transmission started slipping even more. VW dealer said "its normal" and mechanic said: "they all do loose their transmission". This is my leased vehicle. In the mean time I bought Golf Rabbit 2.5 (4 doors) and its transmission died on me next day I registered it. While test driving it, I am thinking: this is normal clunk. Both transmissions are NOT serviceable (there is no hole to add oil or check the transmission fluid level). I traded-in "Rabbit" for Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. I am going to terminate Jettas lease soon. No more VWs or any other Euro brands (last mistake was SAAB). Yes, they look cute but reliability is zero. Services are expensive: oil change is $86 + tax. If you dont change oil at VW dealer, they will void your Warranty, they said.