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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  Best in class - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Joe - September 24 - 10:40 pm

  I got the wolfsburg instead of a passat 2.0T wagon 3 months ago. so far we all like it and enjoy each ride very much. Even for a short ride it is fun to speed the car a little with great engine power at all speed. Taking corners is very precise and better than most sedan on the market. steering and handling are very impressive. I use the DGS control mode all the time and it is very quick to shift a gear or two. The Jetta and especially the Wolsfburg is a great driver car and my choice for best car under 25K

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  2005 Jetta TDI (Pumpe Duese) - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Brian - September 24 - 11:36 am

  The new Pumpe Duese TDI offered in the 2005 Jetta is even better than the already proven diesel of the last generation. The new TDI features a direct injection, which as a by-product boosted engine performance and fuel economy. For those interested in speed - the New TDI Jetta will out perform the 2.0L gas 5 speed manual Jetta and get twice the gas mileage during the process! Overall, the new Jetta drives with outstanding peformance, efficency, balence and versatility.

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  Im still happy with my Jetta GT. - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Romael - September 21 - 10:00 am

  IÂ’ve had no problems for the first 4 years. Luckily it came without power windows. The alarm work sporadically but now not at all. The battery was replaced once. The molding was a problem until I found that epoxy and tape together holds longer. Pretty expensive to maintenance after warranty expired until I found a reasonable non- dealer VW Expert. With routine maintenance and only 1 driver itÂ’s been a great car. IÂ’m constantly getting offers from young people to buy it.

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  VW Jetta TDI Wagon Review - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Rob Gunnemann - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I love the gas mileage on the TDI. It gets 35 mpg city & 45 mpg highway. My wife loves the heated seats. We got the cold weather package which is just great.

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  The good and the bad...... - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By S_A_Moniz - September 21 - 9:46 am

  I bought my Jetta GLS new in November, 1997 and now have approximately 145,000 miles on it. Over that time it has needed a few repairs, but nothing hideous. The car is still an absolute blast to drive. The acceleration with the manual 5- speed is excellent and the handling is still tight. I havent experienced the "stiff shifting" quality cited in some reviews. The car definately encourages "spirited" driving, giving the driver the same sense of connectedness with the road as the BMW 3-Series and the Audi A4 for thousands of dollars less. Its interior and exterior design are really attractive and have stood up over time, the car still looks great. Overall, a durable, and stylish ride.

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  A Pleasure - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jgw - September 19 - 5:33 pm

  We traded an 03 Passat for the Jetta TDI. No complaints. A pleasure to drive. As it is a small wagon you cant expect a lot of room. The biggest problem that Ive had is the smell of diesel fuel on your hands after a fill up. (really, not much of a problem is it?). The biggest problem we have had was the rock that hit the roof. The good news, it missed the windshield but it did put a dent in the roof.

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  This car delivers - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By delfin1 - September 18 - 5:31 pm

  I have just over 2,000 miles on a new base model Jetta TDI with a manual, so I cant comment on long term reliability. What I can comment on is the performance of the package, and it exceeds expectations. Were averaging around 43 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Since this is more than promised, it is hard not to be impressed. The seating is comfortable, and while the interior finish materials are not as high quality as some other vehicles, they are certainly good enough for a car that costs less than $23,000.

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  Love the car!! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By geovanni11 - September 18 - 5:40 am

  This car is amazing..from low fuel consumption to great exterior design..i love everything about it..even when the check engine light turned on and i didnt have the money to fix it, it kept going strong and never let me down. Great car!!

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  I love it! - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By FoxRacing51984 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive always wanted a Jetta. Its comfortable, great on gas, and very cute! Im very please with my car.

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  No Satisfied - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dartman - September 15 - 2:00 am

  WOW. I was really excited to get this new car, and at first the car was great. At 6000 miles the clutch died, shortly after that the gasket around the CV joint was leaking fluid, then the sunroof broke (Ive taken it in 3 times so far - rattles everytime you close the door or go over a bump still). Everytime I step on the clutch pedal is makes a rubber squeaking sound - all in all, Ive taken my car to the shop about 14 times now! Be warned - I think due to its popularity, they have sped up production time, and as a result quality has gone dramatically down. My sister has a 1998 jetta (previous design) and never had a problem. Think twice before you buy.