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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  Not your VW Golf - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VWOwner - July 17 - 10:08 am

  Have owned both a Golf and a Jetta and would say that for the price, your best bet is to go for a Golf which is much more reliable than a Jetta.

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  A++++++++++ - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By lilbikerchick - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I actually own a 2003 TDI but I had to rave about it. Volkwagon is so reliable and I can drive from college station tx to gulfport, ms get this...on one tank of gas! This car is a little small on the outside but it makes up for it everywhere else.

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  I love my Jetta :) - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By sistert - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I have been thoroughly pleased with the performance of my Jetta and with the service I have received from the dealership. Although its not perfect, its a smooth ride, I feel very comfortable and safe, and theres plenty of room for passengers and in the trunk. My sales representative at the dealership was straight-forward and easy to work with- I got an excellent deal and he has been helpful in my follow-up phone calls with random questions.

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  Outstanding! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By By by Oldsmobiles!! - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I used to drive a piece of crap Oldsmobile Alero...and well you can probably guess why they are no longer in business. I will never buy another American car at least for awhile. I listened to a friends advice to get a VW (she drives the Golf and loves it) and what an excellent choice I made. The car looks and drives like a dream car. It is sleek and very modern looking. It is excellent on gas and drives well on the highways. I love it when peoples heads turn when they see my Jetta!

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  Hate It! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By HMS - July 16 - 5:10 pm

  I wanted a Jetta for about 10 years and finally purchased one in 2003. I did this despite all the bad reviews and advice of others. Im sorry to say that the car has been nothing but problems. Not only did I have to take it in numerous times to get it repaired under warranty, since the warrantys expired, I have sunk thousands into this car. I owned a used car that was 14 years old and only had to get a major repair done once. You name the part, its been repaired in the Jetta: catalytic converter, cv joint, air conditioning, windows, radio, seat, armrest, swaybush, etc. I will never buy a VW again. They will try and say "this years model is better" but its not. Dont do it.

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  This car will turn you on - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By gettadub734 - July 16 - 3:26 pm

  I bought the car 6 months ago I love my VW, very fast, good gas mileage unless you use the turbo then the gas goes fast, been very reliable to me only thing is the turn signal on 1 side is out guess thats common, but beautiful car to look at and can throw you back in your seat. Mine has 165,000 and runs like new its unreal, but I run synthetic oil and 93 octane.

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  Car not worth poor customer service - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tredsahm - July 15 - 6:40 am

  I have been disappointed with my Jetta. While the car handles well with a lot of pep, visibility from the sides & rear is extremely poor due to window heights & wide side struts. Paint quality is poor, scratching at the slightest ding & worse than any car Ive owned. The speedometer registers a higher-than-actual speed. The dealership refused to replace it under warranty when the problem was first noticed. There is now a TSB for the issue. Worst of all is the deplorable customer service. Service has to be fought for & requires multiple visits for the same problem. Service managers are rude & show no remorse for inconveniencing customers. The car is not worth the battle.

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  I Love my Jetta GLI - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jay Weingard - July 15 - 3:10 am

  I love my Jetta GLI. I was going to buy an Acura TSX but I could not bring myself to like it better than even my old 97 Jetta GLX. I test drove a 2.0T with DSG and it was great but having always driven a stick it just wasnt me. Once I test drove the GLI in the 6M I was in love. The ride is great, interior great, and so many thoughtful things like rear air, headlight washers, radio controls on steering wheel, built in air deflector on moonroof that actually works and extremely quiet for a sporty car. The electronically assisted steering makes 100 mph seem like 60. Turbo lag is not even noticeble. I test drive probably 12 different cars and for the money this was by far the greatest. Oh and it gets great gas mileage.

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  Good, Safe, Reliable - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dad - July 14 - 6:53 am

  I bought this car for my oldest girl just before she turned 16. I wanted the safest car on the road and something she could take to college; that would give me piece of mind. Three people have hit this car and no one has been injured. The car weathered the damage very well and was easily restored to like new condition, and still has not had any mechanical/electrical issues. Its a really good first car! I dont like the noise from the air pump when its first started either, but its not really a problem, its just a temporary loud noise.

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  More fun than a barrel full of monkeys - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Steve - July 14 - 3:40 am

  This is the best car that I have ever owned. I had a Honda Accord before this, and I was a Honda guy. NO MORE. The handling and responsiveness of the Jetta compared to the Accord is unbelievable. This is by far the most fun car I have ever driven. It truly has to felt to believe, and even though the Accord was bigger, the Jetta is more comfortable for family of 5 (with two in car seats). From what I understand it is the safest small car on the road, and know that it has more safety features standard than the Accord. I have the Pkg. 1 and the sunroof is great. I love the interior and the XM Satellite radio, 6 CD changer, heated seats, and the 10 speaker sound system that come standard. This car has a ton of standard features.