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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  Tank Like - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Marcello Belmondo - August 11 - 7:26 am

  The Jetta feels like it weighs two tons - when cornering and braking. It feels pretty light when accelerating, which is fairly smooth and pleasant sounding - because of the turbo I presume. I love small turbo charged engines. The accelerator is somewhat sticky, you dont know how hard to press to get it rolling. Same with the brakes. I bought the car for the engine and the great price, and the 6 speed trans. The engine is the cars greatest asset, a very important feature obviously. The transmission is mostly smooth, but there have been a few clunking shifts which made my heart beat extra. I have owned it 6 months. If it is a reliable car for the next several years, then I wont complain, but if there is more than one problem, I will be very disappointed in my purchase. I already received a notice that VW wants to reprogram the exhaust before my first smog check. Other notes: the door is heavy. The rear visibility is bad. A rear view camera would be a big help. Most models have them, mine does not. It is smooth on highways, but corners so poorly. I wouldnt rate it highly for city driving because the cornering is so lumbering. I havent checked the gas mileage. It better rate as high as they say, which is very high. The trunk is great. The air conditioning does not feel very cold. The seats are adequate.

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  I love it!!! I hate it!!! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By vw nut - August 10 - 2:53 pm

  I love the way it handles, the styling, the dash, all the kewl options. I love the way I can drop it into third gear and scream past the slower moving traffic. I love the bitchen blue dash lights and the heated seats, all those great options you normally find on only the higher end luxury sedans.
  I hate how many times I have had to bring it to the shop for repair. The window cables have come undone, the little door for the gas orfice fell in the tank and the tank had to be replaced. The cup holders and arm rest, almost everything plastic inside the vehicle has broken. The temp gage has never worked and they cant seem to fix it.

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  Worth the Trouble - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jose Morales - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Apart from the weird electrical stuff, a great car. Fuel economy, ride, extra features make it a great car. Get the extended warranty !!!!

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  Dont buy it! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By duckrun101 - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I regret buying my my 2002 1.8T Jetta. Within 3 months the engine went down, not once but twice. They claimed to have fixed the problem at the first time, but a week after, the engine went down again. It was the coils that they said caused the problem but they didnÂ’t replace all of them the first time even though they knew they were not right for the car. Another problem - Just a few days ago, my A/C was broken. Since all the dealerships are so busying fixing other more serious problems like engine and falling-apart windows, they wont have time for my A/C problem until after this summer is over.

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  so far its run and been fun! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By skeeterdog - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my GLI approximately 3 months now. What a fun car to drive ! I love the 6 speed manual transmission, it has get up and go. The interior is very nice, the stereo system is great, loads of trunk space.

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  Holy Turbo Batman! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jettanewbie - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased this vehicle, so I cant address the issues of durability. I can tell you that that if you drive this car you will buy it. It took me all of 50ft of a test drive to say "Ill Take it" . I was not expecting so much power from the 1.8 T engine. Man, is this car fun to drive, manual trans is very smooth and easy to master. Many safty features not available on any of the competitors.

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  Utilitarian Bullet - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By 100hp - August 6 - 6:23 pm

  There is no better work car! BEST FEATURE: I can drive in 3rd gear at speeds as low as 15 mph allow many turns without shifting, permitting me to eat while driving in heavy traffic. The handbrake is conveniently positioned for handbrake turns unlike many manufacturers. Sit in the back and experience a hungry growl not heard in the front! The car cleans up in easily too when splattered with mud on the inside. Hows it on the freeway? 70 mph is an idle. 90 mph is where is feels right. 110 mph is a little noisy. Pickup on icy terrain is so exceptional that you realize 4-wheel drive is unecessary in northern urban areas.

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  2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jason nichols - August 6 - 1:23 pm

  I have been very impressed with this vehicle as far as performance and comfort. However, the build quality and craftsmanship on the interior have been less than average. I have had several problems with this vehicle with only 64,000 miles on it. At 500 miles the transmition had some sigificant problems...while covered under warranty, it was a hassle. Other major problems that have occured with this car include a full rear brake job at only 29,000 miles and new strut mounts at about 50,000 miles. Neither of which were covered under warranty. Ive also had a number of minor problems with the interior. The center console broke after only a year and the rear defroster switch broke with minimal use.

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  VW TDI 44 mpgs - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Big Al in Maryland - August 5 - 8:50 pm

  I spend a lot of time driving people around and as much as I love my Beemer the gas mileage was killing me. In in effort to find something better at the pumps I starting researching hybrids, then diesels. It struck me that when I found out the in Europe around 40-50% of the cars sold are diesel that they were on to something. They are, a far superior fuel economy. I average around 44 mpgs. Hybrids get great milage too, only replacing the batteries after 100,000 miles seemed costly compared to diesels longevity. Diesels also have more future fuel options, such as Bio-diesel (google Willie Nelson and bio diesel) Im completely happy with my VW and the 2006 model is very very nice.

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  Check Engine Light - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JLZ - August 5 - 9:53 am

  Not tightening the gas cap enough, moisture in the air, wrong oil, wrong gas, when it feels like it light. Thats what I call it. You would have thought I would have learned from the first VW I bought, but oh no, I bought a second one. What a waste of money. A lot of money. 3rd time is not the charm in this case. I will never buy another VW, warranty or not.