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:
Showing 901 through 910 of 4,495.00-
Happy camper - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By luckydude - February 6 - 10:00 amThis is the second Jetta diesel I have owned. The first was totalled in an accident. I was a lucky dude. The air bags worked and I had a small scratch on my wrist. The car was not at fault. It was drunk driver problem. I like everything about the Jetta. I average about 800 miles per week and on this newer vehicle, I am averaging 50 mpg, and I know it will get better.
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Looks great, but has too many problems! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By sw - February 6 - 10:00 amI was at first very pleased with my Jetta, but after only about 8,000 miles the dashboard light and headlamps began to flicker. There was also an oil leak. A few weeks ago the automatic transmission got stuck and I couldnt shift from P to any other gear and had to restart the car several times because the problem went away. There are rattles everywhere in the cabin, and the 6-disc CD changer skips more times than the number of bumps on the road. Yesterday one of the brakes started making a horrendous noise while I was driving on a hilly road in an isolated forest. Once I got out of the car I could smell a strong burning odor from below it. I have decided to get rid of it ASAP.
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zeke - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
By zeljko Brkic - February 4 - 9:46 amThe 03 Volkswagen Jetta GL is a great little car. Its fun to drive with great gas mileage.
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excellent - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
By jc - February 4 - 7:16 amI actually had not reviewed this vehicle before i bought it! I just fell in love with it as soon as i saw it. Its fast and the panels are beefier than the original standard Jetta. I bought the car without even driving it! Just knowing it had a 1.8 Turbo 6spd Manual was enough to seal the deal. It is everything i wanted in a car, And i strongly suggest buying one!
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Lemon Wagon - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
By paulfry - February 3 - 9:00 pmRun away from VW unless you want to pay BMW prices to repair a glorified Kia. The thing is always in the shop and you can only take it to over priced VW dealers which include poor service. For example $300 for a headlight. Buy anything else!
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iloveit - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By anotherjettadriver - February 2 - 2:00 amMy second Jetta, this one a turbo, theyre great! You can park them anywhere and theyve got lots of fun gadgets.
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Good Buy For The Price - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
By sergio51 - February 2 - 2:00 amAbout a year ago I was looking for my first car out of college and obviously didnt have terribly much money to my name. During my hunt for cars that could fit a sensible budget and still look good while performing well, it was clearly evident that the Jetta was the way to go. Coming from a lead- foot, the 1.8T was fun for about six months then I wanted the V6. Still a fantastic car though!
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Beware of the Jetta - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
By Ownerofjunk - February 2 - 2:00 amI have had my Volkswagon in the shop five times in the last two months for it leaking coolant at aprroximately 21000 miles. They have replaced the heater core, radiator, water pump, head gasket, and resevior cap. They have only managed to slow the problem. I contacted Volkswagens customer advocates, and they refused to give any assistance. They advised that they would only continue to honor the terms and conditions of the warranty. Keep in mind that at the time Im writing this, the car is back in the shop AGAIN! They say Volkswagens are safe cars. Its because they dont run long enough to become involved in an accident.
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Jetta GLS 1.8T 5M - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
By swamper - February 2 - 2:00 amThe 1.8T loves to run and is worth every penny for the Sport, Leather and sound packages. Im still getting compliments from young and old about this little Platinum Grey beauty. The car is still on-spec after 20K+ miles and getting 27/31 MPG. The ride, 5M and brakes feel a bit tight at first however it all pays off when you just have to get out of way. The ESP is absolutely amazing and keeps the car stuck to the road rain or shine. Excellent overall handling. No other cars compare on price, features and performance.
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Would Recommend - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
By Amy - February 1 - 10:43 amIve had the New Jetta for about two weeks, and Ive been very impressed with it! It is much bigger than the previous model and has tons of luxury features that were not available before. Overall this is a great car and very fun to drive!
