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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  Wolf in Sheeps Clothing - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ironjasper - September 9 - 2:00 am

  With a 2 year old son, and a big dog, I needed a wagon, and Im very glad I decided on the Jetta. My car has 8000 miles on it, and NO problems what so ever (knock on wood)... Theres lots of room in the cargo area, and the cars fun to drive. Plus it gets 31 mpg on the highway. NO regrets.

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  Keep looking for your dream car... - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Caroline13 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Well... the car is great, aside for some broken parts (ie: drivers side door did not seal properly twice, air bag light came on three times, battery died three times in the first three months I had my new car and the ignition coils needs replacing) but other than that and comparable service the car is a delight to have. The extras (heated seats, heated rearview mirrors) are nice, although nothing compares to reliable service and quality worksmanship.

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  Love this car - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jcohio - September 7 - 10:13 am

  With gas close to $4 a gallon, I decided it was time to part company with my SUV, so while at a local area VW Dealer picking up my sonÂ’s Rabbit, I took a look at the Â’09 TDI sedan. Shopped around for about a month and then went back and purchased one. I have one of the original ones sent out to the dealers as a preview, white minus the green leaf decals, with their new outstanding automatic transmission. I couldnÂ’t be happier with this car, great mileage, 36 mpg city, and it handle like a true euro built driving machine. By the way, after only 2,500 miles the fuel mileage should improve once the engine is broke in.

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  NOT meeting Expectation - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ldw3 - September 5 - 5:54 am

  2010 Jetta TDI rated 42 on the road and getting 38 on the road. MPG indicator always reads higher than actual MPG. Fun to drive...MPG does not meet implied MPG. Car will lope and/or miss fire dealer finds nothing and has no way to correct issue of very low MPG.

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  Worst Car I have Ever Owned! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By frank - September 5 - 3:00 am

  My 2002 Volkswagen Jetta was the worst overall experience Ive had with any product, not just a car, that Ive ever had. The car needed to go in for repairs an inexcusable 13 times. Some repairs took multiple visits to correct which was a strong indication of how inept their mechanics are. The car had problems ranging from electrical to catalytic converter to even the radio needing to be replaced twice. The customer service was neglectfull and even rude at times and the Volkswagen customer care people do not care! My car now is leaking through the sunroof & smells like a fishbowl. Their service is outright terrible. Dont buy a Volkswagen! That is unless you enjoy frustration and being ignored.

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  good mileage however..... - 1998 Volkswagen Jetta
  By krc - September 4 - 10:00 am

  The car has been great on long trips mileage and ride however the quality is not up to the Honda Civic I had. I just got the car out of the shop cost $ 1385.00 and that does not include the injector pump covered under warranty ($1600) It is back in the shop after two weeks with a hard start problem. cost??? Havent got it back yet.

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  jetta review - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jayhawk Jetta - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Love this car! it is fun to drive and has many little features that make your driving experience enjoyable and comfortable.

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  Good but not Great - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Justin - September 2 - 1:30 pm

  This is my dads car. I drive it all the time, but i also drive my moms 2007 rabbit which I prefer to drive. The Jetta just doesnt stop like the rabbit at all. And it doesnt accelerate. The steering is almost the same but not quite as good as the rabbit. Overall I think that it is a good car but not great.

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  This car will be my last VW - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Buffmeat - September 2 - 10:00 am

  We have had numerous problem with this vehicle and have less than 60,000 miles. My favorite was replacing the air bag clock spring twice. We also had a fun problem with the shocks rubbing with 2 people in the back seat and the tail pipe fell off at 10,000 miles. The only thing I can say good about the car is we live in the midwest and the car starts every morning no matter how hot or cold.

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  Eco-Turbo-Fun - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By turbopwr - September 2 - 10:00 am

  "one year pre-owned". Good mileage and a better price than new. The economy and fun-factor are very high! My two main concerns are the seat is too short- (seats could also use better lumbar and side bolster support), and the service cost. The service cost is TOO EXPENSIVE. I found a good german-auto mechanic to change the timing belt at 50,000 miles after two dealers told me it would be 500+ for the work. It still cost me 300+. The MAS just went bad at 75000. The part was 300+. Incredible!! If this keeps up, my savings on driving expenses will be quickly overcome by service costs. Overall, a good choice after one year of ownership.