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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  Have almost 60,000 miles and am still loving it - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By traveling nurse - November 29 - 7:56 am

  I have had my vehicle for over two years and it is a workhorse. I havent had any trouble finding diesel gas and even thought it is 10 cents a gallon more I get about twice the gas mileage. We took it from Chicago to Niagra Falls and on to New York City on only 1 and 1/2 tanks of gas. It gets a whopping 44 miles per gallon on the open road. We do all our own maintenance but have never had to do anything else. Even the tires have lasted.

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  If only it were reliable - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By chingpoongli - November 27 - 1:55 pm

  19k miles and 21 months of ownership. So far ran into these problems ( all fixed under warranty): parking brake failure. Both rear door locks stopped working, doors would not unlock. Dealer replaced the switches. Front passenger door wouldnt lock, I was in another town on vacation and had to leave the car knowing that the front passenger door was unlocked. rear center seat belt jammed/locked. dealer replaced the whole mechanism. Fuel pump failure on 8/1/11. an expense of about $8000, dealer replaced even though they said it was not covered under warranty. fuel economy dropped to 28 recently. steering wheel loosened a bit at the center. pursuing mediation through BBB.

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  Teutonic Rocket - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Paul71 - November 27 - 10:00 am

  Finaly picked up my 2002 GLI last week. I shopped around for the best price and was able to get a "base" GLI (with the NE Emissions) for $20.3K. The car is a blast to drive. Fit and finish are excellent. Feature content is really high for a car of this price.

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  So far so good - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By barfod - November 27 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Jetta since January, and the only problems I had were a Monsoon stereo that just quit working and was replaced, and floor mat clips that break too easily. Mechanically the car seems to feel better with each passing mile. It is very comfortable and very smooth.

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  Typical German Engineering- Good and Bad - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By cmrva - November 26 - 9:48 am

  This is my daughters car, and to be clear, we bought it used in 2012 (70k miles) for $6k, so I didnt and dont expect miracles. Drove great, like most good German vehicles, but in my opinion, just like my wifes Mercedes, there always seems to be funny noises in the engine randomly that turn out to be pricey repairs. By 90k miles: Replaced transmission ($3K) Water pump and tension pulleys $1500 CV boots/ joint- $1k heat blanket (Inside engine on the hood) $300 Brakes 2X $800 each time.

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  2016 Volkswagen 1.8T Sport w/ Manual Transmission - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Kevin - November 25 - 10:48 pm

  An impressive car! The sport-tuned suspension in this vehicle is what really sets it apart from the other Jetta models (not including the GLI). My previous vehicle was a VW GTI and I was always impressed with the suspension/handling, but it was unfortunately involved in an accident. I wasnt a fan of the new (2015/2016) GTI design, however, and really liked the sedan design. I test drove the Jetta SE and the Sport models, noting a significantly superior suspension/handling capability with the Sport. That fact and the other components such as the 170 hp and 184 lb-ft torque 1.8 turbo-charged engine, 17" wheels, two-tone leatherette seating, push button start, navigation, bluetooth, a backup camera, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, piano-black trim, a rear spoiler, fog lights and the bi-xenon headlights which provide insanely great visibility. The form, fit and function of Volkswagen in general, and the Sport in particular, is what sets the brand apart from others in the same price range (in my humble opinion). For the price, regardless of how many other brand vehicles I test drove.....I ultimately returned to the Volkswagen dealership!

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  Perfect for Long Commutes - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Happy Commuter - November 23 - 5:56 am

  This car makes me look forward to my hour long commute twice a day! Great sound system. I love the firm feel of the steering and the way it hugs the road. Im averaging 38 mpg with 2,000 miles in 60/40 hwy/city driving. Last night I hit 40 mpg for the first time. My husband was against the idea of a VW and wanted me to get a larger vehicle to accommodate his 63" frame. During the test drive, he couldnt believe how roomy it was, and he loved the fast acceleration. Looking forward to loading up the storage area with at least 6 flats of plants for spring planting. I traded in my beloved Honda Accord EX (loaded) for this car, and there have been no regrets!

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  Great looking garbage - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jjsirico - November 20 - 7:50 pm

  Same problems as many other people seem to have, power windows are junk. Windows are quite happy to fall down, but never come back up. Replacement parts should be cheap since VW knows this is a major design flaw but they arent. Exterior trim falls off. Cup holder is in such a poor spot that its comical. Radiator fan motor has burned up twice due to bad controller. $600 for a radiator fan, not including labor. Quick car, looks decent, starts every day but prohibitively expensive to repair. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR! (unless of course, you would like to buy mine!)

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  Love my Jetta 2005.5! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Linda - November 20 - 12:13 pm

  I have had my 2005 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 for six months, it is always ready to go when I am. It is very confortable and very responsive on the highway.

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  VW saved my life again. - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jeromy - November 17 - 11:09 pm

  Totaled my 93 Corrado in 2005. A few VWs later, I purchased a used Jetta after totaling the old Scion xB. There Wolfsburg had great seats, Aux port back in 07! Smooth shifting give speed with the wonderful but thirsty 5 cylinder engine. I loved this car to no end. Bought it October of 2015 and totaled on 22 December 2015. I was driving to work and blacked out around a curve going the posted speed limit of 55mph. crashed into a ditch, flipped violently five times and lucky came to test on the wheels. The car had cracked there engine block, radiator, before the transmission case in half and the car was absolutely mangled. I was airlifted to the trauma center in Wilmington and released that day. The tire truck operator had already marked the vehicle thinking that I died. Paramedics were shocked that I lived. There build quality was outstanding. The only reason Im alive is there fact that these cars were engineered for that kind of thing. the passenger compartment stayed intact. the seat belts broke but I was okay. I actually wrote VWoA about this and they were in awe. I was diagnosed with narcolepsy after the accident. Next car will be my fifth VW, when I can drive again.