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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  Dont buy unless you love your mechanic! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By H8MYVW - September 29 - 11:00 pm

  I bought this car certified pre-owned. I have had two prior VWs. I knew parts were pricey, but since Ive owned this car, its been in for a variety of non-maintenance work! The catalytic converter was recalled and VW refused to fix it unless I paid $200 for a diagnostic test. The window brackets failed and the window fell into my door ($300) plus labor. The supposed great Monsoon stereo/CD player fails to work at times. The blinker stalk clicks at random. There is a constant squeaking when I drive over bumps that no mechanic can find the source of. My seat heat also just burned through the leather seats! And this is off the top of my head... just think long and hard before you buy!

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  Good car to have if you take care of it - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By j.fernandez - September 29 - 7:20 pm

  Yea I bought my car from some guy who treated it like crap, when i bought it from him it had like 119,000 miles and a lot of stuff was wrong with it not anything extremely serious but it was a bit costly, i fixed every single thing that was wrong with the car and after that i never had problems with it again. very reliable car to have and very good on miles. thanx a million vw!

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  Good car, but bad reliability, warranty - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Carlo Mirak - September 29 - 12:56 pm

  I have had this car for one year, and put 40,000 miles on it. The radio stopped working several weeks ago and a radio should not stop working after only 12 months. My warranty was up at this time because I am at 40,000 mi. And was told that it would cost me $980 not including tax and labor! I called the 1-800 number and was transferred to a "customer advocate" to hear my problem. I explained to them that if it was a moving part in the vehicle I would understand but this was outrageous to pay for something like the radio which should last longer than one year. I love german cars, however I am never going back to a volkswagen. No wonder they have 200 complaints out of every 1000 cars sold.

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  Best Bang For The Buck - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Bill Baker - September 28 - 9:23 am

  I bought this car for the looks even after hearing about problems with this car. I am so happy with this car and all it hasdone for me. I live where it snows 3 to 4 months out of the year and it dose a great job. I get 30mpg on the open road. And this car has a fit and finsh of a 40,000 car. I am sorry to say that I sell cars for a living and I did not buy some thing I sell. Happy Happy Jetta Owner

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  Fun Car - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By richmond20657 - September 28 - 9:00 am

  The pros of my 2007 Jetta GLS TDI include excellent fuel mileage, reliability, and excellent handling for its size. The cons are VWs terrible dealer service and a few rattles here and there.

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  Fun with flaws - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By matmik - September 27 - 10:00 am

  sunroof clips broke & they fixed this twice. Was fine for 25000 miles until the front passenger window dropped off the PLASTIC! clips that held it up (this happened twice). The yellow-green grease in the door frame came, and continues to emerge in warm weather. Had the O2/Mass Air issues as well. VW repaired the o2, but not before the mass airflow went, which I had to pay to fix. Interior molding coming off is whats erking me now, but rubber cement fixed that.

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  Great Bang for the Buck - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By BRM10984 - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Jetta 1.8T w/ leather, cold pkg, Monsoon, and sport pkg on 1.25.2002. Overall, I have been very happy with it. The build quality is comparable to a low-end BMW, but certain parts lack some quality. I have had a couple coilpacks fail, and I have had the ECU replaced. All issues have been painlessly taken care of under warranty, so there is no real problem. The interior is classily- styled, yet does not have an over- abundance of wood trim. It is very fun to drive. I only wish I had gotten a 5-speed. Maybe next time.

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  Yes, Almost Grown UP - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mary - September 27 - 7:03 am

  I have owned VWs for the past 36 years (Bug, Rabbit, Jetta, Passats, 11 all told) and the NEW 2.5l, 5 cyclinder is the most fun yet. Had the GLX-Jetta five years previously and the 2.5 has many more accutrements and handles better.

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  German Craftsmanship - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Alf - September 27 - 2:06 am

  Bought this car after lease expired on an accord v6. I always had Japanese cars but a relative convinced me to get a European car. BMW and Audi is a little bit over my budget then comes this car. I got the wolfsburg edition. This car offers a lot for your money: interior leatherette seats, 17-allow wheels, moonroof, Sirius radio, auto tran with economy and sport mode. Did I mention a 200 hp 2.0 turbo engine! Awesome, awesome, awesome performance. Only gripe is the aux jack for the mp3 player which is way inside the arm rest which should be by the dashboard along with other radio controls. Also ride is a little stiff but helps the car to be stable at high speeds. True German breed..

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  Best car on the Road by far - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Volkswagen Dream - September 26 - 12:16 am

  Ii love my Jetta GLI I wouldnt go with anything else. The handling and the looks of this car is worth every bit of the price tag. The new GLI 05 1/2 will be even better but I just love the look of the 05.