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:

• 

  Ms Review - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By M - December 4 - 11:20 pm

  This car could have been great. Its engine is fantastic. However, I have had many random parts failures (catalytic converter after 50K miles, complete power steering replacement at only 70K) resulting in thousands of dollars of repair. Overall, could have been better quality for the premium price paid.

• 

  So Far So Good - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Big D - December 4 - 8:56 am

  I have wanted a diesel for years. Finally ordered a no options car from local dealer. Order time was about 3 months. Had to break in on a long trip of 1600 miles but seems to have turned out OK. So far no problems. Only annoyance is squeaky brakes in the morning when I first start it up. Mileage has been exactly as advertised, at least according to the onboard mileage indicator. I like the manual transmission but it does give a little chatter into second gear until it gets warmed up, after that it shifts very smoothly. Side mirrors are smaller than I am used to but vision is otherwise pretty good. Fueling is somewhat messier than gas. Engine is very torquey!

• 

  Get one. - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dtshanka - December 4 - 6:49 am

  My first foreign car and now Im a VW fan. Dont listen to others just test drive one for yourself.

• 

  Insane - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sacalait - December 3 - 11:36 pm

  I would have never imagined so much from a diesel. At 3,000 rpmÂ’s I was doing 90 mph getting 42 mpg with plenty of pedal left! ThatÂ’s just insane. This car is great for anyone commuting daily more than 25 miles, its fun, safe, and economical.

• 

  1998 VW Jetta GT - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By C. Caputo - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Great car to drive, fun, sun roof, all my friends have followed in suit and bought a VW.

• 

  glad its gone - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By rocco1 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because it was fun to drive and great looking. There are also lots of safety features that come standard on this vehicle. I loved it until the nightmere began. rear breaks replaced at 30K miles-no warning. 6 different problems with the engine-all once the car was out of warranty. tons of goofy electrical problems-heated seats stopped working, lights on dash burnt out. I felt like i was always taking this car to the shop and spent tons of money maintaining it. I didnt even put many miles on it. If you are thinking about buying this car, PLEASE consider the time and money you will spend to maintain it.

• 

  Mexican German Quality - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By AndreF - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I had been hearing about years how Volkswagens were well built, had incredible fuel mileage, etc, so I decided to try it out myself. After the twins came along, we decided it was time for a little larger car, so we bought a 2004 Jetta GLS TDI. I simply cannot believe how cheap this car is to run, we get over 1100 kilometres on a tank of combined city and highway driving. That alone offsets the high price of the car and the oil changes. Dont let other reviews change your mind about Volkswagens, they truly are made for drivers.

• 

  Excellent but not perfect - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By vincef329 - December 3 - 12:23 am

  VW produces 5 Jetta models, the S, SE, SEL, Wolfburg, and the non-Jetta GLI (with the 4T engine). The S manual being the base, the SE Auto the most popular coming in at $21,000. For that hefty tag you get quite an impressive list of options including heated seats, satellite radio (not satellite ready!), 6sp, auto trans, full auto up/down windows (all 4) and a nice sun roof. Remote electric heated mirrors and remote trunk and fuel door. Heated washer nozzles and the newest I-beam wipers. Some say its expensive but do a hard side by side comparison and youll see that the Jetta is just a little more. You may not like the Jetta if: you like cushy seats, sloppy steering, need excessive legroom

• 

  LOVE my wolfsburg! - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By wolfy87 - December 2 - 3:26 am

  I just put 10,000 miles on this car and have loved every mile of it! It looks and drives like it costs $10,000 more. The DSG transmission is a ton of fun and sport mode always helps me get to school on time. This car is leagues above its Japanese competitors in the performance and handling areas. Definitely opt for the 2.0 turbo engine because it seems more refined. The fuel economy is as advertised (20/29).

• 

  Finest Diesel. Ever - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By WKHRSE - November 30 - 7:43 am

  My TDI is just unbelievable. I have maintained MPG of 38-40 city/41-46 hwy. I truly believe that it runs better in cooler weather. Had never owned a VW before and I was a little skeptical. Not anymore. I have had to answer many questions at the pump from curious onlookers. Smooth ride with great handling. Replaced tires at about 31K with a 4 set of Goodyear. My wife drives the Mercedes Bluetec Diesel and whenever I tell my kids that we are leaving to go somewhere I will say to go and get in the "best" car. The get immediately in the Jetta. Go VW.