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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  GLB - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By gary leblanc - January 21 - 2:00 am

  cramp in the back seat cramp in front seat to let backspace for back passenger. front bumper will break if you hit hard snow in winter...protection panel under motor falls apart in winter...this is a really bad design to reduce noise and protect components (compressor, belts)from snow. If you live where you have winter...be prepare to pay for broken plastic parts around bumper...car is to low. Window will fall from tracks...You will freeze driving to the dealer to get this fix.

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  Great Wgn! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By D.P.B - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the most fun cars to drive, ever. It has tons of cool features, an awesome warrenty, and it just plain looks cool! Great mileage and dependablity.

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Todd Earnest - January 20 - 8:33 pm

  This is my second Volkswagen Jetta TDI. I dive a ton and the uncompareable fuel mileage is nice on the wallet. I visit the gas station about half of the time as I would be doing if I had a gasoline engine.

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  Volswagen Jetta TDI - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ernie - January 20 - 1:26 pm

  The Jetta TDI is a fun car to drive. It gets excellent fuel economy, 37-48 MPG. I havent hit that imaginary 58 MPG yet. I love the styling and handling.

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  Great Car For A Great Price - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Lee - January 19 - 2:10 am

  Wow! This car is very fun to drive, has lots of power (I have 2.0L Turbo). Handling is crisp and the ride is very smooth. The interior design is much more than I would expect for car at this price point. Anyone looking for a car in this price range needs to test drive one of these. German cars are not only well thought out, they just handle better. Heated seats are great in the winter. The car even does all right in the snow, where the traction control makes a very noticeable difference. There are also several well thought out innovations to the car which make simple things more convenient.

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  GREAT CAR!! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Matt - January 18 - 4:53 am

  I just got my car, it was a lease return that was turned in early. I got a great deal and the car has everything I wanted. I had a 99 Jetta and decided I wanted something newer. This car is awesome and i would recommend. Ive been reading that people are having problems. And Im sorry you are, because I had my 99 forever and had nothing wrong except minor repairs.

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  Hate It - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By hateit - January 17 - 8:16 pm

  I have had nothing but problems with my 2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS Wagon and VW dealerships and care for my car. Every month there is some new problem. I definitely would not recomend this car, or company to anyone. I have never seen such poor preformance and quality, from the vechicle to the people who sell and work on them.

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  Great for the Money - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Joe - January 17 - 2:33 pm

  For the money, the 2006 Jetta Value Edition is a great car. I bought my 2006 Jetta slightly used and knew that I had made the right choice. As I look through the ratings of other cars I just laugh. GM is really funny. None of its vehicles should get a 5 or higher except for the Vett. VW makes good cars because they are drivers cars. This is the second VW for me and they keep getting better. For me the 2.5 has plenty of power because I have never had a very powerful car so it hard to compare to, unlike the editors that drive a $100,000 car with 800 horsepower. Of course the Jetta isnt powerful, but compared to other vehicles in its class it is good. My wife has a Saturn ION. Yeah, I cant wait to get rid of that car. Cheap plastic.

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  The Best Car Ever - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By love my jetta - January 16 - 10:56 am

  I cant say enough how much I love this car. I bought it used and got a great deal on it. I drive my Jetta about 156 miles per day and I have not had one issue at all. The check engine light came on once but that was my fault because I didnt close the fuel door and someone took my gas cap. I have done quite a few "improvements" to the car, adding aftermarket things like a new head light fixture to have projector lights and new rims and tires. I got the windows tinted and changed the tail lights to the new 2005 version as well. I have added XM radio to the car and have done a few interior updates. I really cant stop. I think I am looking every weekend for something new to put on this car.

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  Woooooo-whoooooooooo!!!!!!!!!! - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JENNIE - January 16 - 10:00 am

  In one sentence, The Jetta rocks! Although I have the bottom of the line Jetta (GL), it has been fun to drive and a great reliable car. This puppy has taken me on numerous road trips in comfort and style. In its seventh year with me the biggest problem Ive had is replacing the A/C... and the smallest problem Ive had is replacing the O2 sensor on a couple occasions. As a whole I would definitely recommend this fine piece of German machinery to anyone!