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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  I love my GLI, but ... - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Geege - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I dont understand why the GLI doesnt have steering-wheel controls for audio like the GLX. I had them in my last Jetta, a 2001 GLS 1.8T manual. I moved UP to the GLI, which has more horsepower and is still manual, but now i have to reach to change tracks and manage one extra gear, too! It doesnt make sense. Also, I loved my 2001 cupholders that tucked away into the dash. Stupidly, VW redesigned them, putting a bottom in them, thus ruining the original bottomless design. I HATE my console cupholders - they are practically under the emergency brake. NOTE: your cupholders ranked a 2 in the survey.

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  Surprising satisfaction - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ed din - February 15 - 8:26 pm

  Everything perfect. Ignition key could be removed when not in park. Complicated repair in steering column performed by dealer with overnite wait for parts. Made note of upcoming 20000 mile service. We love to drive it and disappointed that we did not give it a good work-out in recent weather.

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  One of the best cars for under $25k - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By 55bc - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Let me start by saying, everyone should stop comparing this to the BMW 3 series. Its more appropriate to compare the sister car, the A4 to the BMW. Compare the Jetta to the Acura Integra, but not cars priced about $10k more! Although, the fact that people compare the two says a great deal about the car. The car handles great, its got plenty of power, it was reasonably priced especially considering all the features the car has. Ive put a lot of mileage on the car in the first year and had no problems.

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  2005.5 Jetta - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By saeverist - February 12 - 7:53 am

  This is a great car. Never thought a VW would be so fun to drive. Its faster than the earlier version and it has a ton more room in the back seat. The leather is much nicer as is the location of all of the controls. Cant think of a thing about this car that I can complain about and I have 3,000 miles on it.

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  40 mpg city and 59 highway! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Steve - February 11 - 4:33 pm

  This 2004 GLS TDI VW Wagon is my fourth VW diesel. VW/Audi has really improved the diesel engine in this car and the fuel mileage is 8 mpg more than my 2002 GLS TDI VW wagon.

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  Better Than the Rest... - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mjmorty - February 9 - 8:26 pm

  For the money you cant get a better car. Solid construction. Coming from a Honda, Lexus, Acura and Audi background I can say without reservation the German cars are far superior to the Japanese automobiles. People complain about the pops, squeaks and rattles that accompany the Jetta; my car only makes a small noise from the center console. All cars have interior noises at some point; my mothers Lexus and fathers Acura make quite the racket and theyre 3 and 4 years old, respectively. This trim level is the most I would spend on a Jetta; the GLS and GLX models are great and all, but when you start spending 23-27K, its time to start thinking Audi or Passat.

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  Love My Jetta - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Franco Lopez - February 9 - 4:43 pm

  I love my new Jetta. All I have done to it is add a small Bazooka to have some punch to the music in the car. It drives great and feels like a tank compared to other Japanese cars that I had test driven prior to this one. To show me how well built it was, the 200 lbs. salesman hung himself on the door for 5 seconds, and the door still closed perfectly! He said: "Dont try this on a Honda." I thought that was funny. I love the Tiptronic automatic transmission and the sports mode, which gives me a pseudo-manual feel of a sporty driving experience. The rigid suspension helps in this as well. After test driving several makes and models, as soon as I drove the Jetta I knew that was my next car.

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  Expensive to service - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Pet sponge - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Handles well. The seats collect fuzz- balls, however with a little work and a pet sponge they can be removed. Rubber interior parts peel. Weve replaced the door handles twice and now the armrest is peeling. By the way the armrest also broke it wont hold position. Some of the interior lights work sporatically. The regular sevice maintenance is expensive. The 50000 mile scheduled maintenance costs about $375 and cosists of mostly checking things and replacing plugs, air filter, a tire rotation and an oil change. Good news is my windows havent yet fallen out.

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  Great car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Buzzzz4 - February 9 - 2:00 am

  The 2002 Jetta 1.8 Turbo is an excellent sedan. I love driving it, however it can be a little sluggish when stepping on the pedal. It seems like it takes a second to kick in. Also not a car if you are expecting a child. Not a whole lot of room for a car seat.

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  Worst car (of 8 new) weve ever owned - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Clint_ - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Performance is great. Fit and finish are impeccable. Reliability is deporable. This car has been towed eight times and spent 43 days in the shop for unscheduled maintenance. Clutch failed with same problem four times. We were charged $1000 for a new clutch which failed as I drove away from dealer! Yet they still expected us to pay for it. They only caved in after I promised to dispute credit card charge. After a dozen calls, VWs single response has been to offer $150 of dealer service.