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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  Long Road Trip - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Loyal A Miller - January 27 - 4:46 am

  In July we took a trip out to Ft. Collins, CO, then onto the Black Hills, SD, then on to The Devils Tower, over to Yellowstone, the grand Tetons, to Salt Lake City, down to the Grand Canyon and to El Paso, back to New Orleans, and then home to Daytona FL. What a car! We had always had a large car Lincoln Town Car or Cadillac . This little 100 horse power car never fails to impress. It had all the speed and comfort that you would need. In 21 days of driving we covered 7,100 miles and averaged over 38 miles to the gallon with speeds of over 90 miles per hour on the open highway. When I drive around 75 mph my mileage was over 40 mpg. I would recommend this car.

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  Low Quality Parts. - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By sassyson - January 26 - 2:00 am

  1st problem was a poor paint job or lack of a clear coat. Within a month I had spots on the paint. Problem resolved by them repainting the car. 2nd Problem Valve noise. I had a horrible diesel sounding noise coming from the valves. An oil change solved the problem, but this car only has 22k miles on it and the oil was last changed 4k miles earlier. 3rd problem was my rear break were 90% worn out at 21k miles, which I find to be extremely unusual. Front breaks have 75% of the pads left. There was no unusual wear on the rotors. They wanted $187 to replace the rear brake pads. There is lots of other makers of cars out there..find one built better

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  Outdone - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By vwhassled - January 26 - 2:00 am

  If the window clip problem were not enough, I am back in a rental with the third ignition coil change. VW refuses to change the last one, that is sure to malfunction as well. Great car to drive when it is not in getting fixed. VW America not doing a good job of fixing own mistake.

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  great value - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ScottT - January 26 - 2:00 am

  good car 4 the moey, the 2.0 is not strong, but good enough to ride around town. simple but functional, great for high mile drivers

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  Glad we bought the Wolfsburg - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ndmike88 - January 25 - 9:20 am

  Only have had the car for 3 weeks (500 miles). Its fun to drive, looks great, and is roomy inside. Looks like a car that costs $1,000s more than it does. We were going to buy an 08 Malibu LTZ but decided on the Wolfsburg instead. (More standard features and cheaper price.)

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  excellent car to own - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By vwdude - January 24 - 8:23 am

  My wife and I have loved this car from day one. I think sometimes this car gets a bad rap but I think the build quality is just fine. We have 16,000 miles on the car and not a single problem.

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  The usual - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jill - January 24 - 12:53 am

  From me you get much of the same: Love the looks, annoyed by the reliability. But its good not to have a car payment. Since buying my car in 1999 Ive replaced the coil pack at least once, maybe twice, replaced the wiper motor (which then failed again but I got a replacement free). In the last 4 months, at about 80,000 miles, Ive replaced the O2 sensor and manifold, which combined with the wipers cost about $2000. I need a new catalytic converter, which will be around $1300. Yet I cant afford a new car, so oh well. Combined city and highway overall mileage has been about 25 mpg, so thats decent.

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  Overpriced - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Brandon - January 23 - 9:23 am

  Its sad because VWs look great when new, but thats about it. As they age, the interiors age poorly, showing wear quickly and making the car look older than it is. The reliability is this: the check engine light comes on at least twice a year and each visit costs at least $300.00 (diagnosis is $100 alone). Recalled parts are replaced once, then when they fail again, you pay. I have been getting very poor customer service. Ive let my friends know to steer clear. If youre going to deal with poor reliability and high repair costs, might as well get a name plate you can be proud of, i.e., a BMW or Mercedes-Benz. That will be my next purchase.

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  First and last VW - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By King Richard - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is the worst I have ever owned. The CD player does not work on the left channels and has been to the dealer 4 times and still does not work. The windows fall down in the door and cannot be rolled up without repair. VW has extended warrenty on windows but will not honor previous repairs. This is the first and last VW I will own!!!!!

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  JETTA 1.8T - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By LENNY - January 21 - 2:00 am

  VERY FUN TO DRIVE, QUICK AND HANDLES WELL. WINTER PACKAGE COMES IN HANDY WHEN COLD. NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR DUE TO WORKMANSHIP OF DEALER.