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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  New Owner - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike - July 25 - 10:13 pm

  We have recently purchased a TDI. After long consideration we went for it. Lookslike a lot of work was done at the dealer. Hopefully we missed the worst. At 110km they did timing and waterpump as we insisted due to previous warnings and info. A lot of fun (5 speed). I am not sure of the mileage quality yet that everyone boasts about. I guess it all depends on the type of driving. We tend to have a heavy foot.

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  Fun, Thrifty, Reliable - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dbenhur - July 25 - 4:00 pm

  I live in the hilly contryside of the Oregon coast and my TDI Jetta is a pleasure to own and drive. It is reliable and gets 45-48 mpg on my daily 90 mile commute. It has plenty of pick up and low-end torque and handles great through hills and in wet and light snow. I have never had a problem with it in two years and 50,000 miles of ownership.

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  I will never by another VW - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mackenzie Bayne - July 24 - 3:57 am

  Ever since I got this car the breaks have been squeaky, the power steering has gone out, there is a recall on it, I have replaced the battery in it three times, and the electrical wiring in it has gone out. It appears that VW did not just cheat on emissions, but also the overall quality in this vehicle.

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  I will never by another VW - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mackenzie Bayne - July 24 - 3:57 am

  Ever since I got this car the breaks have been squeaky, the power steering has gone out, there is a recall on it, I have replaced the battery in it three times, and the electrical wiring in it has gone out. It appears that VW did not just cheat on emissions, but also the overall quality in this vehicle.

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  2017 VW GLI: Civility with a killer instinct - 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jason S. Davis - July 23 - 9:34 pm

  This car is hungry; truly in an almost uncivilized way...to be driven. The 210 hp TSI engine growls like it just wants more road to chew. The cornering is effortless and quick and the DSG gearing leaves cars in the rear view mirror at an alarming rate. The SE package is the only trim offering this year but valued well with every 2016 SEL amenity sans some front lighting features. Nod to Fender and VW for and even more remarkable sounding stereo then my previous 2012 Fender system. Two wishes: tighter steering although there is much to be said for the nimble nature of the current set-up. Also, versus my 2012 Jetta TDI, I have lost around 29 lb-ft torque. Enter the GLI horse power, enter my grin and the clamouring for the lost torque is a long distant memory (sort of like the car that could have been behind me just a second ago). Bottom line: Pick a nice day and go for a test drive...be prepared for the "giddy up" and to enjoy yourself.

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  Little Red Fun Car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Anakin - July 23 - 5:56 pm

  I really love driving this car. My previous Honda Accord Coupe was a nice car, but the Jetta blows it away in terms of sheer driving smiles. I enjoy the Tiptronic transmission, because I can put it in D when Im feeling lazy, or I can row my own when I want a little sport. I must warn people that the velour seats will trap EVERY PIECE of pet hair and lint. If you can afford it, get the leather! My always-cold wife says the seat heaters will save our marriage.

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  Sweeeet... - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jaw540i - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I just graduated college, so I wanted the best bang for my buck without killin myself. All my research (which is what I do for a living!) lead to the GLI. You cannot buy a quicker, meaner car with so much luxury for less that $30,000. Mine was $27,000, completely loaded (spoiler and changer too) which compares nice to $37,000 for a comparable BMW 330i. All power and performance numbers are under reported as I can get 0-60 in 6.9sec vs the reported 7.9sec!

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  Excellent Car - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Neil - July 22 - 5:16 am

  I bought a 2010 Jetta Sportwagen Diesel with 6 speed Std. Transmission in Nov. 2009. I was looking for a vehicle that a) Good for carrying a bicycle (my hobby) b) Good fuel economy c) Fun to drive. This car is very good on all counts and no problems so far.

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  Love Hate Relationship - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jon - July 19 - 6:10 am

  After owning this car for five years, 2000-2005 and putting on 130,000 miles, I have to say i miss the car for its performance (modified of course), and the amenities for the price ie heated leather seats sunroof etc. I dont miss the car for its known problems, mass air flow sensor, window regulator clips, coil packs, etc. Overall i believe if i had kept the car stock i wouldnt have that many problems with it, but that wouldnt have been fun! Keep the car bone stock and it shouldnt give you as much problems, but good luck avoiding its known problems!

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  Great First Car/Commuter - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By kellymiller - July 17 - 8:16 pm

  My parents got me my 2004 Jetta when I was 18. The the car got me through four years of college and is still going strong. Got it in 2010 with 48K miles, five years later its at 140K and still going strong. Ive had no mechanical problems with the car (aside from one that the dealer fixed) and with a 40 minute commute this was all I could ask for. The car was not perfect by any means (see below) but for a commuter looking for decent MPG, mechanical reliability, and a "cute" look, the Jetta is a great choice.