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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  jetta poor reliability - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mpe - April 8 - 2:00 am

  Nice car but, rear brakes and roters needed to be replaced at 25,000 mi., trunk hinge rpl, short in dash, side marker replaced 2x, temp sensor went, air bag short, back window regulaters rpl, nut on wiper moter released in rain, front door seals leak, front brakes and roters at 33,000 rpl, front o2 sensor rpl.

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  Worst Car I Have Ever Owned - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ron Franks - April 7 - 9:40 pm

  We bought this car for my wife and intitially we were thrilled - it was very cool and a lot fun to drive. After about two years and 20,000 miles the fun began - rear brakes, oxygen sensor faults, airbag switch faults, windows falling in the doors, cracked ignition coil harness (?), bad fuses, frozen doors in the winter, etc., etc., etc. I have owned many cars in my life and have never, ever experienced this sort of ongoing maintenance nightmare. I take care of my cars and never have a problem with investing $$$ to keep them running properly, but give me a break! Half of the things that went wrong with this car I had never heard of (and one of my other cars is a Saab)! Toyotas from now on!

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  Wife and I love it! - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Joe - April 7 - 7:46 am

  We bought a white Wolfsburg Edition with a tan leatherette interior and have been very satisfied. It has a quality, well insulated interior and the exterior resists chipping from pebbles very well. Although it can only muster a 17 second quarter mile time, it feels quicker in the lower gears thanks to the 6-speed auto. It also cruises effortlessly at 80 mph and has good passing power at freeway speeds. The car handles well with a firm but not too harsh ride. It also has very powerful brakes with an emergency brake assist system that has the ability to apply full braking force in case the driver does not. Overall the car has a solid quality feel to it and seems to be thoughtfully engineered.

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  Safe in an accident - 2014 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Doug S. - April 6 - 6:10 pm

  Another car ran a red light, we hit them going 45 mph. The air bags and seat belts work fantastic.We never felt the collision.Though the front end of our car was totaled my wife and I had only minor injuries.

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  My Jetta TDI experience - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Starsister - April 3 - 6:10 pm

  I have owned two VW beetle TDIs and my 2006 new Jetta has simply been the best car Ive ever owned. And Ive owned them all from BMWs, to Toyotas, you name it. The Jetta diesel has turned out to be wonderful. A mid- sized luxury car that doesnt look like a tunerville trolly (prius) and yet for me averages 43 mpg. Last fill up I got 49 mpg. Highly Recommend everyone get one of these . . comfort, reliability and excellent miles per gallon. Quiet and handles just like a gas car, no smells, no waiting for glow lights, VWs finest engineering. I still have 40% of my brakes left on original set at 106,000 miles and 4 years later.

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  Return of the Jetta - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sir Drives Alot - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Fit and finish of this car and its rock solid feel have it all over the Japanese competitors. The exterior paint is almost flawless I get between 42 and 44 mpg no matter how fast I drive.Lots of standard features even in this entry level GL model like the standard CD player. Dealer support is excellant. I have had two problems that they fixed right the first time (transmision shifting problem and pinched fuel injector line). Everyone loves the dash board lights. The attention to every detail of the interior is amazing at this price level.The folding split rear seats give it plenty of cargo room.

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  Even Better Than I Imagined!!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Levnew - April 3 - 10:00 am

  My Jetta was my graduation present to myself. I absolutely love it. I had wanted one for years - it has far exceeded my expectations! It is a solid, stylish fun car to drive. I have the Manual 6 GLI - the most fun I have had driving a car in years. It is loaded and I look for reasons to drive it. So, from this 50 year old to you: try it! It will be hard to walk away from!

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  Jetta - Great Value For The Money - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Vdub - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Twice the window fell into the door (once the passenger window, once the driver window). Ive had a few minor problems otherwise, but overall, I would lease one again - perhaps the more upscale GLX! I love my Jetta and I would recommend it to first time drivers (very safe) or drivers who want a German vehicle for less!

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  8000 miles/9 month update - 2014 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jamievidd - April 2 - 8:43 pm

  My SE with the 1.8L turbo has been sublime so far. Anyone who bothers with the way underpowered 115hp 2.0 base Jetta should check themselves into a mental hospital. Dont go near it. Head straight for the 1.8 in the SE for only a 2-3K more. This car is so fun and engaging to drive. The 1.8 really performs and its even better once its broken in. Never at a loss for power and the ride/handling/comfort are stellar. This car was a steal for what I paid for it (under $20K with discounts). And love the v-tex leatherette heated seats, soft leather steering wheel..etc. Yes the dash is kind of no frills but who cares. Its the driving that its all about and this car delivers it comfortably.

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  First impressions - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bodyshopboy - April 1 - 6:13 pm

  Traded in my 04 Acura TL in search of better gas mileage. Mission accomplished - the Jetta gets 34 mpg on my commute that yielded 19-20 mpg in the TL. The Jetta TDI is fun to drive, I feel even more confident through the twisities than in the TL. There are many thoughtful details like ample storage in the door and glove box as well under the floor of the rear cargo area. The Ipod connector is delightful as well allowing full menus. Touch screen audio is well done. Surprised that I liked the 16" wheels over the 17s Bluetooth connection is "answer only" no voice command or interface for dialing. Found a work-around using the cell phone voice command (sad that a $50 cell trumps a $30K car).