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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  Never Again - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Stiesmes - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Fun car..but never again! Rear brakes were gone at 24K miles, but somehow the front brakes were like new. Multiple electrical problems, replaced O2 sensors twice, cup holder replaced, CD player replaced twice, ignition replaced once. Every week I wonder if the car will make it to Friday. This should be called the FIAT Jetta. Im going to sell and look for a used Honda or Toyota.

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  Volkswagen selling defect cars and refuse to fix - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mariana - February 6 - 12:34 pm

  Volkswagen rips off consumers, they refuse fixing new cars in worranty and refuse replacement. Car has been in service 4 times and no one did anything to fix it , they only claim they fix it, in the other hand warranty refuse to cover anything even if the car its still in warranty only 6 months old 10k mil. Stay away , Volkswagen its a rip off and they also discriminate woman, everyone should know about this before buying a car from them.

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  A Great Car for an even better price - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Josh - February 5 - 11:46 pm

  Wife purchased the Jetta back in 2007. Has accumulated many miles on it since (currently on 45k and running strong). Family trips to the mountains, daily driving, and long work commutes, this car has handled all of it beautifully. Reliability has been amazing and I (the husband) love how it holds 6.5 quarts of oil (though the filter is a pain to change), we can easily run nearly 10k miles on a change with good synthetic oil. Looking at purchasing an Audi now to add to our German family. Highly recommend to anyone: single wanting a sporty car, newly weds looking to expand, or the family looking for a safe and reliable vehicle. This is a truly multi purpose vehicle.

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  Love the Car and the PRICE! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Colorado Jetta - February 5 - 6:13 am

  I test drove a 2006 Jetta Value Edition 2.5 and the Volvo S40 on the same day. There is a huge difference in price, but very little difference in features and ride. I love my Jetta - I bought it TODAY. Talk about a headturner. The manual transmission has some pep, and the traction control and airbags make it the perfect snow driver.

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  A lot to like - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike - February 4 - 12:06 pm

  The Jetta in general closely approximates an entry level luxury sedan while being priced closer to more basic sedans. The TDI drive train provides tremendous performance with exceptional mileage (40+ mpg is easily obtained driving gently). At idle it sounds different than a gasoline engine but not objectionable. There is no diesel smell. Its acceleration and responsiveness are impressive. The trunk is large and easily accessible with a pass through for long objects. The cabin is comfortable for four. This car deserves to be very popular. I see no good reasons not to consider it if looking for a mid sized sedan.

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  Awesome Little Jetta - 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
  By roger_blahnik - February 4 - 2:09 am

  We did a VW Buyback (no fix) for the 2014 VW TDI SE Manual cars. Since VW paid off our loan and gave us $19,460 back. We decided to get a VW Jetta S model with no payments....When all said and done we spent $18,800 dollars (with a 10/100,000 mile warranty). This car has plenty of space in it and its a lot of fun. The dealer threw in monster matts and locking lug nuts for the rims (not plastic hub caps). I have owned 6 VWs and all of the Dealerships have all been very accommodating to our needs. I dont know why people complain so much. Our experience with VW was awesome.

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  My Wolfy is Great - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Pono - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Jetta Wolfsburg last week. I just love it. The engine has torque in any speed if you are over 2000 rpm. It is really fun to drive. I tried the 2.0 engine version too, but you cant compare them. The 1.8 T is great. Please dont buy an automatic transmission, the fun to drive will drop 50 %.

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  Overall a very good economy car - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Erin C - January 31 - 5:03 pm

  The Jetta is a great car. The base model doesnt have a ton of power, but it will get out of its own way for sure. The front seats are comfortable for a small car. The back seat is very tight. Kids and small adults fit fine, anyone larger will have a hard time. The automatic trunk release is a nice feature also. The cruise control works great and isnt jerky like some vehicles. There is some road noise when driving but the great monsoon stereo will cover that up. There should be more pockets or storage areas in the Jetta, the cup holders are placed in a weird spot and are not very convenient, but there are 3 in the middle and two more in the glove box (not sure why).

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  My Best New Bet Under 20K. - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Marusik - January 30 - 4:57 pm

  When my lease was up, I was again in the market for a new car. Since I had set my budget limit at 20K, I wanted to compare all my options in this highly competitive segment. After reading quite a few reviews, including the expert ones (which in some cases differed dramatically), I test drove my three runner ups with very different results. The CVT in the eye catching Honda Civic was not my favorite feature (nor was the fact that the turbo engine is only available in the higher end trims at a price that exceeded my budget). The Mazda 3 has everything I like in a car, particularly if your daily commute is as short as mine. Perhaps through back and twisty roads (which makes it a perfect weekend date), but not quite so comfortable for everyday, especially on the highway -let alone long trips... Thats why I found myself so thrilled when I drove the 2016 Jetta. The first thing that impressed me was how responsive its little 1.4 liter engine is. It seems to be on steroids and always eager to please, even the most demanding drivers. The breaks are some of the most efficient in its class, and its driving dynamics are to be highlighted. Even in the voice of some the experts: "the electric power steering is precise and direct, and the crispness and agility of this compact sedan easily exceed the standards of its class." (C&D). Which by the way, contradicts some the driving impressions of the Edmunds experts... Worth mentioning, cabin space and quietness, sensible and flawless connectivity with the technology package, which works great even with my older iPhone. It makes my life much easier... All in all, my best new bet under 20K. So, if you are no too apprehensive, and/or resentful of VW as a brand name in the news lately, go ahead and take it for a spin. Im sure you wont be disappointed...

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  Adam Sandlers Car Song must be a Jetta - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Never again! - January 30 - 3:40 am

  All of the problems listed here I have dealt with too, except for the green stuff in the door. The latest: it thinks it is in reverse when it is in park. It wont start in park (only in neutral). When I have it in drive all the gears light up on the instrument panel. My mechanic called TWO VW dealers and VW claims that they have never heard of such a thing! Mechanically the car is in park, but the computer senses its in reverse. (I replaced the neutral safety switch because thats what they thought was wrong, but it wasnt that ... $250 down the drain). I will NEVER buy another VW.