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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  My Jetta - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Heather - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car and it is awesome. I have it fully loaded except for the leather package. The sports package is definitely worth it. The car is glued to the road even at high speeds! I love it so far.

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  My third TDI and the best yet - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Chet - March 1 - 3:30 am

  This is our third TDI and first sedan. We still have an 05 wagon but will be trading for a new sport wagon in late spring of 09. Our 03 wagon saved my wifes life when she was T-boned and ended up upside down 100 yards down the road. Not a scratch, a very safe car.

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  Dissapointed #1 - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ed - February 29 - 12:08 am

  If it has not happen by now the headliner will come off the cd will stop working properly and you will hear a fan noise when the car is started. I have a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 and a 1988 Nissan Pathfinder and this never happen. I wonder what is coming next and I dont what to keep this car any longer. That is my last VW that I would own.

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  Quality ... Fun ... Inexpensive - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Gerald - February 28 - 10:00 am

  A great little car thats fun to drive! This car really holds up well. I drive it pretty hard ... I dont baby it. I dont like driving a car thats a dog or makes a lot of noise and isnt going anywhere fast. The 2.0 liter is surprisingly peppy and gets decent gas mileage (30 mpg - hwy). Its far from being the fastest car on the road but still begs to be driven! Hence the slogan ... Drivers Wanted!

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  Never Again - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Erica Bardan - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Glad to see Im not the only one with oil consumption problems! I too was told its normal for the car to use a quart of oil per 1,000 miles. How can that be? My dipstick is dry before each oil change-and I go every 3-4,000 miles. Ive been told by the dealer + corporate that they wont do anything about it-its not using enough oil to be a problem. This has been happening since my first oil change 10 months ago. Also,its essentially a 2 seater since the back seat is so uncomfortable, theres rattling in the doors-I have to open all windows to avoid hearing, + the fact that my best lint brush cant get a hair off fabric..will never buy a VW again!

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  The Jetta is PIMP! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By SupaFreak - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had the Jetta for about 10 months now, and I have greatly enjoyed the time spent with it. It is a very comfortable car with nice styling. The engine has good power (making more torque than the V6 @ lower RPM). The engine also responds well to modification and gets pretty darn good gas mileage. I get about 24-26 city. The rear seat room is a little small, but it IS a compact car after all. Also the build quality and the materials used are top notch. I have always driven American cars until this one, and it has impressed me greatly.

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  i love this car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By rachel027 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had this car for about 8 months but Ive already tested its reliability. Ive been in two car accidents and both times it was the fault of the another. But the damage done to my car compared to the damage done to the other was unbelievable! One car hit me and her car was totaled and my bumper was slighty cracked and there wasnt even any frame damage. The car is built very well and much better than past models. My only complaint is where the drink holder is, it blocks the radio. Other than that highly recommend this car.

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  Overall great - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Satisfied - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Overall, a great car, bought in 10/1999. Had the mass airflow sensor problem, window guides problem, and too low to the ground(front end) problem. Other than that, excellent car. Cant beat the mileage and build quality. Had one accident on right firewall, and still no squeeks and rattles!!!! Maybe the newer models have inproved some things, but hard to do.

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  awsome vehicle - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By g martinez - February 28 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive , handles the road very well. feels like a solid vehicle. awsome sound system and hardly any out side moise.

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  donotbuyajetta - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By nothappywithvw - February 28 - 10:00 am

  i thought i was buying a reliable car. i had heard great things about vws and jettas. test drove my car and thought everything was fine with it. boy was i wrong. my car has been in and out of the car dealership getting things fixed. my stero has stopped working twice, my console broke, my rearview mirrors do not work, my brakes jerk when i stop (even when it is not wet) and my car shifts really hard and jerks. also, the service where i purchases my car is not good. i keep telling them the problems and they keep telling me nothing is wrong.