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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  A Wolf in a Runt Sheeps Clothing - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Martin - April 1 - 6:56 am

  I was in the market for a Honda Accord or Nissan Altima, a $199/Month Lease...same as most people that are as frugal as me. So I go test drive a VW. Holy Moly! This is a Value Edition? What does the regular one do? The 6 Speed Triptonic automatic transmission is very responsive. I know cars and VW is way ahead of its time offering a package like this as standard. The car is still a deal well into the $20,000 range. I got mine at a huge discount because I liked the Beige. The 6th gear lets you go 50 - 60 mpg at under 2,000 RPM which translates to huge gas efficiency. The service that backs this car is up to par with a BMW or Mercedes complete with loaner car. Save money and enjoy driving again. This car has it all.

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  Best Car for the Money - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JH - March 31 - 10:06 am

  Ive never thought of a car more than a vehicle to get from point A to B, until now. Its been over a year and everyday I got in this car and loved it. Its a thrill to have all of features this car does for the money I spent. My Dad has a Benz and we have practically all the same features. We joke that its a cheaper version of the Mercedes.

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  dont be fooled - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By smyle - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love with the Jetta the first time a saw it and just had to have one. Big mistake!!! This is the worst car I have ever owned. I have had all the complaints that I have read about and then some. My bumper is hanging, the light on air conditioner control panel does not work, I have had my oxygen sensor replaced at lease 5 times, Im working on my second pair of rear breaks and my brake light has a short in it!!!! Again, dont be fooled.

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  repair despair - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Doesnt matter - March 28 - 11:30 am

  Fuel pump failure, check timing belt repair, check electrical problems, check I could go on and on about the problems Ive had with this darn car.

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  Love it and hate it... - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Thomas - March 27 - 6:40 am

  I love the looks, power, and comfort of my lil Turbo. I like to drive it and get a lot of compliments on the extras I have added. The problem is that it is a money pit. Things like fuel sending kits ($400) and mass air flow sensors (warranty) keep going wrong with it. It has about 70k on it and the tranny doesnt engage for about 2 seconds after putting it into gear. The back seat is so small (30 in. rear leg room) that a properly installed baby seat willnot fit unless you are under 5 feet tall and drive with your knees in the dash. I am selling it due to the no room factor and unreliability. Not to mention that the VW dealership has damaged it on 2 separate occasions. Beware the money pit.

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  This Car is Great - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By amber Starner - March 26 - 11:10 pm

  I have had this car for three months and I am so impressed with what it can do. I could not be more pleased with it.

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  Excellent vehicle in all respects - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By cjk - March 26 - 8:40 am

  This vehicle is the perfect combination of fun & frugal. The build quality exceeds expectations for a vehicle of this price. The turbo diesel has adequate acceleration but not exciting. Still very fun to drive (I have the manual trans) and the turbo will punch you into the seat at around 2K RPM. The impressive mileage (35-40 in mixed driving) is just considering that its actually a sporty, good-looking, fun to drive vehicle. Seats are very comfortable. Noticeably more firm. Go with the 17" wheels for a better driving experience. Great storage in the rear. More than many small-ish SUVs.

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  Lemon lemon lemon - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Fed up with VW - March 26 - 7:50 am

  I have had this car for less than a year, 2 weeks after purchase had to replace (2) O2 sensors, 1 MAF, and car ran good for about 1 month, check engine light AGAIN and EPC light cont. to go on and off, car lags and almost stalls, engine revs up and down. back in shop, 1700 dollars for a TPS sensor, and throttle adaptation,Thermastat sensor. 2 days later, car overheated, back into VW, this time the water pump went bad, another 300 dollars. not to mention 4 recalls fixed. 4 weeks later engine light on again, car stalls, wont hold idle, transmission shifts rough and jerks. machine pulled bad Valve on engine, did i mention my jetta only has 62,000 miles! 3 weeks in the shop, still no fix.

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  Huge Bang for your Buck - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Brian - March 26 - 2:20 am

  The standard features on the new Jetta seem endless. I was on a budget, so I bought the base model, and I am still discovering new features. Volkswagen designs their cars specifically for the driver. Volkswagen is to the automobile industry what Apple is to the computer industry. Its not a machine to get from one point to another, it is an experience to make the journey as exciting as the destination.

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  Fun - Until It Breaks - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By garrythegarlic - March 25 - 9:30 pm

  There are no two ways about it, the Volkswagen Jetta is a fun car to drive. I love its performance and the style. However, it has had a ton of maintenance issues over the 80,000 miles Ive owned it. All the issues it had while still inside the 50,000 mile warrantee period should have been a warning to me, but since they didnt mean out of pocket cost to me I never let it bother me. Now that the warranty is up, I seriously regret not trading in this car early, even considering the high cost of early termination of a lease.