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:

• 

  Thank God for the warranty! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jkocourek - January 16 - 10:00 am

  While the overall performance of the car was great, the car was seriously lacking in quality and reliability. The life of parts and materials leave a lot to be desired - too many items repaired in only two years. Frustrating dealer experience and parts unavailability. Long-term quality/reliability of this model is very questionable. The two best days of my experience with this car were the day I bought it and the day I got rid of it.

• 

  Jetta GLS 1.8T: Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Nick B. - January 16 - 10:00 am

  I have 8,000 miles on my GLS and the car continues to make me smile every time I drive it. No problems at all. The design, engine performace, and creature comforts are awesome. Rest assured, the cupholders have been moved away from the CD and are now in the center. I got the cold weather package, monsoon CD,triptronic, and ESP. This car is most happy on a twisty country road. It handles like a much more expensive (read:BMW, Audi) car.

• 

  I love my Jetta but.... - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jeff - January 13 - 11:10 am

  I love my 2001 Jetta, its really a great car for the money, rides well, reliable, and overall very solid. I dislike however how everything is so very expensive to fix. Any time I walk into the dealership its going to be $200 + in order for them to do what they need to do. I had a relay switch go out on my turn signal (recall), my trunk latch just failed (fixed myself for $40.00), check engine light has been on for about a year with no apparent problem, interior collects lint, side door arm rest is peeling, and the transmission feels like its slipping in second gear. I think for a used car you cant beat it.

• 

  06 Jetta TDI - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ScottysTDI2006 - January 13 - 9:40 am

  Hi. I recently purchased a 2006 VW Jetta TDI. I am reallly happpy with my decision to go VW. I traded from 2003 Acura TL-S , I have to say that I dont even notice the diffrence in power and but I REALLY notice in the 43-45 mpg of the Jetta! Also I learned that it even can use BIO-Deisel, and help the enviorment, but this fuel is not widely avaiable where I live.

• 

  Isnt necessarily aging gracefully.... - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By nrlucas - January 13 - 4:04 am

  I bought this car 1 1/2 years old in 2008 with 10,000 miles to replace my totaled 2004 Mercedes-Benz E320. I was over the cost of Mercedes maintenance and the Benz-Chrysler era reliability issues, however almost 5 years later this car has proven equally reliable, and because I cant find a good VW mechanic Im still stuck with dealer servicing. I have paid every penny for maintenance of what I paid for my Mercedes...only in a car that cost slightly less than half of what the E320 cost brand new. Its very comfortable, drives nice but there are too many odd failures that have happened to me over the years including having to replace the suspension and fuel pump at 55,000 miles

• 

  Runs Awesome, Have Minor Problems - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tim - January 9 - 7:56 pm

  My Jetta runs great. I take it on the Autobahn and top her out, but take care of her as well. The check engine light is always on, but apparently it will blink if something major happens. Other than that, I plan on keeping it for a long time, add some sway bars and suspension.

• 

  Why buy a Honda Hybrid? - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By pastoot - January 9 - 5:50 pm

  It is truly amazing to me why Americans would buy a Honda Hybrid, which contains a very complicated system (Battery powered/gas powered) engine, has no power on the highway, and hardly reaches 70 mph. The VW diesel engine is known to run 200,000 miles, is very duriable, and has power to maintain highway speeds exceeding 80 mph. My TDI set at 80 mph on the highway, has a tach of a mere 2,500 rpm. It is not even sweating. America, you are missing the boat here. A VW TDI is built both engine- and body-wise to run circles around the hallowed Honda that every one seems to think is Gods gift to fuel ecomony. Oh just one more thing, my VW can run on vegetable oil.

• 

  looks nice but think twice - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dizzle - January 8 - 10:00 am

  3 months after i bought the car the power steering went out and i almost got into an accident. The headliner started to fall down about 6 months later. Then the cd player quit working, they replaced it under warrenty. Also the paint started chipping on the door buttons and radio. The warrenty is over now and still falling apart. Most expensive piece of crap I ever bought. Now the drivers door stopped locking with the buttons. My last VW!!

• 

  2011 jetta - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dshibi - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I just wanted to shed some light on the unrealistic views of some comments on here. I purchased a 2011 jetta tdi today and also own a 2006 jetta tdi. Everyone seems to be talking about low quality but i dont believe thats the case. My jetta is very well equipt with disc brakes all around, touch screen, bluetooth, heated seats and all the regulars VW has always had...for less then 25000. For those who want a cheap car they offer that as well in a bearbones model with drum rear brakes etc....but quality is still there. Bottom line is you get what you pay for, so instead of complaining about what your not getting..pay the extra few bucks and get what you want!! VW is quality and always was.

• 

  Finest Car, near luxury, Fuel Economy - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dieselguy1 - January 7 - 3:33 pm

  The Jetta TDI 2005.5 is an exceptionally well built car and is a top performer. The diesel engine is quiet and smooth. Acceleration is crisp and road handling excellent. I do quite a bit of back road, very windy driving and it handles the road wonderfully. Fuel economy so far on a brand new 1 week old engine is 45 mpg! in mixed city driving. Top speed going to work is maybe 50 mph. Avergae speed is 40 mph.