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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  Lucky to have a good VW - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Danny - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Amazed at some of the issues that I have found on this board. I was lucky enough to find one of the good ones I guess. I have logged over 69,000 miles on mine, and have only had to replaced a temperature sensor, which was expensive. The only time my engine light comes on is when I get into the lower states like Ar, Tx, etc. (gas issue maybe).I have a 1999 with 111,000 miles so I guess if the only thing that I have replaced is the sensor I will consider my self lucky. Nice car to have on the highway. Trunk light works when it wants is another problem that I do have.

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  VW Jetta Wagon TDI, great car - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By BrendaJGP - July 19 - 10:00 am

  My Jetta is a great car to drive and I think it is a very safe car. On the Jetta I was able to get a sun roof and side air curtains, some other cars either did not have the air curtains available or not avail with a sun roof. I have side airbags as well. The milage is great and the ride is peppy when I need it. The heated seats get a lot warmer and warm up faster than my husbands S-10 quad cab.the front seats have good leg room, the back seats are OK, a little more leg room would be nice, but I test drove worse. I like the fact that I have 3 head rests in the back seat and that all the head rests are in a good position for safety.

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  VW Lemon - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VWBAD - July 18 - 3:50 pm

  This is my 2nd VW and it is a lemon. Before you buy a Jetta read all of the information on the internet. My car has had numerous electrical problems. The engine coils have been replaced. The transmission has been replaced...I could go on. I have alway loved the handling of VWs, but they are not reliable. To make my situation worse VW will not fix my car, because they claim I have broken it -- even though they have sent service advisories regarding the oil pump on 1.8Ts.

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  REAR BRAKE ISSUE - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ron langdon jr - July 18 - 2:50 pm

  Bought this car when I retired. Overall nice car for its class. Enjoy driving. The 30m oil change & service was about $300. Wifes Volvo was about same cost. Dealer note on bill, "needed to have rear brake job done est $300 to $350. Ive owned many cars in my life,never remember having a brake job on any. Not happy with this.

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  167,000 Miles and Running Strong - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Kaitlyn - July 18 - 3:13 am

  The day my dad brought home his little 2000 Jetta GLS, I was instantly reminded of his old Audi. With about 120,000 miles at the time he bought it, the former owner had driven the Jetta on extremely long highway trips between Michigan and Detriot for about two years. In the time that my Dad owned it, he only ever needed to change the timing belt and oil every 3,000 miles. The car never gave him a problem despite cold Michigan mornings and the ocassional nasty blizzard. Now, Ive bought this car from him. It is the second vehicle Ive ever bought, and continue to care for it despite its 167,000 miles and climbing. I couldnt ask for a better car.

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  Return of the Peoples car - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By justin_w - July 18 - 1:05 am

  I have read a few reviews that knock VW for "Down Grading" the Jetta to make it more affordable, but I think VW is getting back to its roots. There is nothing down graded about the new Jetta. If anything the previous models were too up scaled for their demographic. I have owned a 1997 Jetta GLX which I had once read as being referred to as a poor manÂ’s BMW 3 Series. But the 2011 does not disappoint. When compared to other cars in its price point, the new Jetta takes all. I test drove a Kia that cost the same as my Jetta, and it truly felt like it was going to fall apart over every bump. With the Jetta that is not an issue. It really is great, for the price of good. This is VWs finest hour.

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  Perfect first car to own! - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Shannon Nesterowicz - July 17 - 2:47 pm

  This Jetta is my first car, and I honestly could not be happier. I drive between Syracuse and Albany about twice a month, as well as around Albany day to day. This car is reliable and worth the ~$8,000 I spent. Ive purchased a rust undercoating, as well as top-of-the-line snow tires, to handle Syracuse winters, so those purchases have definitely positively impacted the reliability and durability of the car. The only issue Ive noticed is that the acceleration is slow for the first 20 minutes or so within starting the vehicle, but it is by no means a deal breaker. To summarize, this car is phenomenal and I would easily consider buying another when the time comes to purchase a new car.

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  Fantastic car - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jim Patrick - July 17 - 5:43 am

  So far the best new vehicle I have ever purchased. well over 50 mpg on highway and over 36 in town. A real hot rod that gets great mileage.

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  Worst Car Ever Made - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Whatajoke - July 17 - 2:00 am

  What a piece of crap. In the first 10,000 miles - bad window regulators, windows fell off the track, heated O2 sensor (twice), bad fuse block and wiring, replaced truck lid activator, replaced fuel door activator, runs rough and hesitates and thats on a great day. Engine light constantly on, rear brakes ground to the rotor at 23,000 miles (how is that even possible), coil wores/plugs $ 560. Catalytic converter clogged at 22,000. Absolute joke, VW service equally as pathetic.

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  Lets call it a piece of Shetta - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By E - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Everything is so plastic, including the sales pitch. He tried to sell me on all the wrong Items. The car is all plastic, so its all gonna break. Then the clutch, throttle, A/C and windows will break. Then you realize half of it isnt even covered under warranty. This car is tempermental, and has made me tempermental. DONT BUY THIS CAR. If you do, make sure to get a lot of headache reliever too!