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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  Nice Car - Poor Build Quality - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By damien - August 5 - 8:36 am

  Buy another car. Within the first 11 days of owning my New Jetta: 1. The driverÂ’s side light cover fell off. 2. The outside temperature sensor failed. 3. The driverÂ’s side door rattles 4. The center console cover rattles. A month later I am happy to report that my car has been back to the dealer twice and nothing is fixed. In fact the service manager called me to let me know that the temperature sensor has arrived; but Volkswagen has instructed the dealer that they can not install this part and that they must return the part and wait for another one. Nobody can tell me when my car will be fixed.

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  A great little car - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mlinth - August 1 - 7:16 pm

  We now have over 7,000 miles on our Jetta, and I must say as a first time VW owner, I am impressed. I tried all the others, Toyota, Honda, Ford, Pontiac Vibe, and there was no comparison to quality and quiteness of the ride and the build of the VW. Followup by the dealership here in Orlando has been poor, with them not returning phone calls on questions but the car itself is great.

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  Great Car - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jmdeboer - July 30 - 8:26 pm

  Even though I bought a 2.5, it still has spunk. The 5-speed transmission makes it fun to drive, plus the addition of a K&N air filter (pain to put in) adds more zip and improved gas mileage (24-33.4 mpg). Now having put some miles on it, the drive is still fun and I want to improve it with more power parts to make it even better for the $16,000 that I bought it for.

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  There comes a time when you must let go - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VWroadtripper - July 30 - 12:53 pm

  Ive owned this vehicle the last 27 months and put about 40,000 miles on it from my last two years at college. It was Certified Pre-Owned when I bought it, and now it has close to 90,000 miles. Its a great road tripping/commuting car, fun to drive, but as the miles piled up, the costs to maintain it grew. From my records, every 5,000 miles I put on it, it needed about $1,000 in service (parts and labor). Over the last three months, Ive put less than 3,000 miles on it yet pumped close to $2,000 into it, just to maintain it. This is my third and final Jetta, and although I love VWs, I would suggest to buy them new, never used because once they get to 70,000 miles, something is always wrong. 2007 Rabbit here we come!

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  Love that TDI !! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tonymro - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I never considered owning a VW until reading the rave reviews for the TDI engine. TDI is quiet, starts quickly even in severe cold, plenty of torque. Fabulous fuel efficiency. Chose Jetta TDI wagon over more expensive Volvo V40. Acquiring the exact car I wanted was extremely difficult given that TDIs are on limited allocation and dealerships wanted to tack on unreasonable markup.

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  Jetta 1.8T - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By S.Tanaka - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car since August 2003 and love this vehicle. I have always had a Japanese car. The Jetta Wolfsburg handles with precision and is very quick.I have the "Tiptronic" Great Car.

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  fun to drive!! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By AlexR - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I have had my GLS 1.8t for r week now, I and I love it. The power from the turbo is great, and the tiptronic tranny is fun to use, and useful. Even though I am still in the break in period, I have tested the power a few times.

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  Should you get a Jetta or a Civic? - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By RLuvsVWbuddy - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I was beginnig to think that I had made a mistake by buying this car until I saw my neighbors Civic. She had many more problems than I did... and more serious ones. I know what youre thinking: Hes not objective because he owns a Jetta. My answer to this is: I moved to a new country and again I was faced with the decision of which car to buy. After lots of research through many sources I arrived at the same conclusion: Get the Jetta before the Civic. It may be a little more expensive but you get a whole lot for that small difference.

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  ELECTRIC WINDOWS ... BAD! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JAMIE - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CARS PERFORMANCE AND AND RIDE. HOWEVER, I HAVE HAD MORE LITTLE PROBLEMS THEN I WANT TO DEAL WITH. THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSAGER WINDOWS HAVE HAD THE "RISER" ARM BREAK 6 TIMES TOTAL IN THE LAST YEAR. IF THE LEMON LAW WASN T SUCH A PAIN IN THE ASS I WOULD DO IT, BUT I THINK I LL JUST TRADE IT IN. SORRY TO BUM OUT ALL THE VW HEADS.

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  2008 Jetta Wolfsberg Edition - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ilchqb11 - July 26 - 1:06 pm

  I bought my Jetta brand new at 0 miles and just yesterday I passed 100,000 miles and I have to say this is by far the best car I have ever owned; however, some people dont realize that owning and maintaining a VW takes a little bit of work. In order to make sure your vehicle lasts a long time it is vital that you stay up-to-date with recommended maintenance and NEVER get work done at a location other then a licensed Volkswagen dealership. If you follow those 2 simple rules you will be more than happy. Ive heard horror stories about people buying a Jetta and having terrible experiences with it; yet they never really took the effort to take care of it or take it in for routine maintenance.