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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  What a value! - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Matt - June 13 - 5:03 am

  This car is of tremendous value. I have no idea what Edmunds was thinking, but my Jetta Sport MT is by far the best value I have seen in its class. While the MSRP is high, the dealer incentives and negotiating ability can easily knock the price down on this car anywhere from 3k-6k depending on your geographic location. My car just barely exceeded $18,500 after negotiations and VW Credit incentives, and has a 2-tone leatherette interior, really nice sport rims, a deck lid spoiler, navigation, CarPlay, and one of the best touch screens I have seen in the automotive market. It has a backup camera and all the other bells and whistles competitors have. Driving wise, the manual transmission is a medium throw that has very positive engagement, and the cars grip to the road is solid to say the least. The engine. The 1.8T is in my opinion VWs best value of money and delivers an exceeding satisfying punch in the back off the line. The steering, however, is dull and totally disconnected from the road. This isnt a deal breaker, especially with all of the other equipment packed into this bargain car. The trunk is ENORMOUS. The seats are hugging, soft, heated, and comfortable. The rear seats have a 60/40 split fold and even have a ski shoot in the middle. What more do you want from a car? For $18,500, youd be hard pressed to find an LX civic with half the equipment in this car. Well see how the reliability is, but for the life of my lease Im not concerned. My advice is to skip the SE and SEL, and go straight to the sport model for the best value in the market. You wont regret your decision!

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  Mines been wonderful! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By agarcumaa - June 12 - 6:33 am

  Im guessing that happy customers like myself have been too busy driving and enjoying instead of writing reviews. However, Im getting ready to sell my Jetta and felt a need to chime in. Most people I know who own these, love them. Mine has been wonderful, with no more problems than what I would expect from any car. The interior is very nice and the quality is overall, outstanding. The worst problem Ive had with my Jetta has been other people hitting it with their car doors while parked. The power of the 180 hp turbo is a lot of fun. The 5-speed manual transmission could be better, but its still a lot of fun (it feels "rubbery"). I am now a big VW/Audi fan and will truly miss this car!

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  A terrible buy - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dan G - June 11 - 9:53 pm

  I bought this car and within the first month I had to replace the mass airflow sensor, later I found out this was the fifth time it has been replaced. Body quality is poor, and engine lacks power. The car is now sitting broken after several thousand dollars of repairs. Do not buy this model Jetta. This was a BAD year.

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  ALWAYS TROUBLE BYPASS THIS CAR! - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Renee - June 11 - 3:30 pm

  The day after I bought the car the passenger seat got stuck laying flat (my daughter was laying down for 5 minutes while I went into the bank). The electrical system continually goes bad and the car will not start. 2 years in I had to replace the air conditioner. The trunk broke two weeks after I bought the car. I back the car up out of the driveway and it continually stalls out. The oil light never comes on even if the oil is low. I have to replace the headlights and back lights every other month. The Dealership is horrific and I never go there because I am treated so poorly. I pray everyday for something to not go wrong with this car, because it seemingly does.

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  2001 Jetta GLS 1.8 Turbo - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Steve50 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I just bought the 2001 Jetta a couple days ago. Its really her car more than it is mine. So far we love the power of the turbo. The leather is pretty comfortable and the exterior looks really sharp. We love the sunroof and the heated seats.

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  Worst car ever purchased-dangerous car. - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By joconsecur - June 10 - 2:00 am

  This new 2004 jetta with less than 300 miles failed completely.In the middle of driving-i lost all power -lights- power steering-engine bucked-finally stalled-scared me to death-will seek to give this car back to the dealership tommorrow-Really disappointed in the car-If i was in traffic on a busy highway -it could have been disasterous.

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  Its all that and a bag of chips ! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By msfiggy - June 10 - 2:00 am

  In addition to owning a 2003 Jetta GLI, I also own a 1996 Jetta GL (which is why I went back to VW). This car is fun to drive and exudes a performance class that stands all by itself.

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  Updated Review from previous one! - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By alexx52093 - June 9 - 9:42 pm

  I wrote a previous review on this car as well and would like to update it! My 11 Jetta SE w/ Conv/Sun now has 50k mi on it! It has gotten me through this brutal winter that hit the east coast w/out a single problem! Always starts, never fails, ever! I use it to commute 120 mi round trip to school every week, and I deliver pizzas with it on the weekends! I take good care of it, but it does get some hard use! Build quality isnt fantastic, and Ive had a few issues with some cheap panels breaking and I had a minor electrical issue w/ taillight. All fixed under warranty and not much of a hassle at all. All cars have quirks and issues of their own. But you cant beat this car for the price!

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  I love my car , but woudnt buy it again - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By kimjo - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I love my car, but with 37k miles, its a lemon and VOA isnt standing behind their product. The automatic key broke & the only solution is to repalce the key for $100, the passenger window fell off the track & slide into the door. The dashboard lights have burnt out 2x, the glove box fell off the hinge and unfortunately the list goes on..... Ironically, none of these problems occurred until the past 4 months, which is when i bought the car outright from the lease. Dont even consider a test drive, just walk away.

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  Big Mistake - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By XtremelyDisappointed - June 8 - 10:00 am

  When I first got my TDI, I loved it, raved about it. The mileage was great and the car looked sharp. Now its a different story. Ive sunk close to $2000 into it in the last 18 months. Everything from an engine temp sensor, to glow plug relay, to brakes. Not to mention the $100 oil changes. Ive even had the rear cup holder replaced. Now the temp gauge isnt working and the "check engine" light is on again. Im sure that will be another $300. I also found out this past weekend while it was in the shop, that one of the glow plugs is seized up and cant be removed. I will never buy a VW again.