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 else could go wrong? - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By S - January 10 - 1:53 am

  I dont even know where to begin. The first year I got the car I had transmission problems. That same year my check engine light came on and I have taken it to the dealer so many times for that problem only for them to tell me one lie after another. Everytime I took it in I payed for them to fix something else. Since then my check engine light is has stayed on for most of the time and I just ignore it. My windows go up when I press down and vice versa. Most recently my car is having trouble starting. Not worth the trouble.

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  AWSOME!! Germany eng. RULES - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Caleb - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Is the best car i have ever driven , i love and i would recomeded to everyone it beats any other car in this category , sedan under 25k

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  Jetta Wolfsburg, Nice Car! - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JettaDriver - January 5 - 12:10 pm

  This is my second VW Jetta that I have purchased. I traded in my 2004 Jetta GL and upgraded to the 2007 Wolfsburg Jetta. I couldnt think of any other car to purchase. It has always been reliable, great on gas, a smooth ride, and held its value very well. So far I am very impressed with the changes on the interior. Since the 2004 model they have added the temperature gauge, arm rest/console, mp3 jack, etc. The safety features are awesome too!

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  girlfriend - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Nelson - January 5 - 8:16 am

  The saleswoman at the dealer compared the TDI to the 1.8t as "Do you want the wife or the girlfriend?". This is definitely the girlfriend. Goes like a scared rabbit-dont want to say what Ive done. It will throw you out the door before it leans anywhere. The sport seats wrap around you and keep you there. I drove from central Ontario to Cape Breton and back in 12 days and never felt bored or uncomfortable.

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  Unhappy with my Jettta - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By adonald - January 3 - 10:13 am

  Two year old vehicle with 70,000 miles. Almost all my miles are highway as I commute on weekends. Car is in the shop constantly. Have replaced the clutch, even though I am still on my original brakes. The cruise control module does not work and wiring harness is next to be repaired. It is a shame that such a fun vehicle to drive is such a piece of junk to own.

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  OK CAR - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Miguel - December 31 - 10:00 am

  i bought this car with 89000 miles on it,really qood conditionn. This car is really qood as lonq as you have enough money to support it. The pieces for this car can leave you broke. But other than that.its a wonderful car to have. I recommend only if you have money to invest, but for those with first cars,or no money should look for something much more simpler.

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  Ok Car wouldnt buy another one - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By BThompson - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Lots of electrical problems with my car. Drivers door lost power and couldnt get into the trunk and also couldnt get any Gas could not open gas door. need manual leaver for trunkand gas door had to crawl into trunck and pull part of the interior out to pop gas tank from intide the trunk, when there is no power.My AC blew at 27,000km had to replace the whole unit, read defrost quit working

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  Love it, but one regret - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bodyshopboy - December 31 - 10:00 am

  3 months and 3000 miles later and what a great little car! Fun to drive, 45 mpg highway (cruise on 69) overall average of 35 mpg +. Flexibility of a wagon is great. Ipod integration nice, if a little slow at times. Had I known that the navi system was navi only, no upgrade on the bluetooth, I may have thought twice about this option. VW has a bluetooth "Low" and "High" and the JSW TDI is low, so no voice dial or phone book import. Presented upgrade instructions found on line to the dealer and they offered to swap in the 9W3 unit for a mere $600 or so ($465 control unit, $25 for the antenna, 80 labor). They were as accommodative as could be, so no hard feelings... Oh well, live and learn

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  Volkswagen r no more - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Kk - December 30 - 3:08 am

  Vw has lost it ability to build good vehicles and no longer values it long standing customers. So disappointing

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  Jetta has been good to me - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By kkempskie - December 29 - 9:53 pm

  My 2nd Jetta and 4th VW. Love the tight feel and handling of this Jetta more than my past 98 Cabrio, 00 Jetta and 85 GTI. Drives awesome and even good in snow. Wish mileage was a little better, but its not bad. The std options w/ my model are sweet (pwr snrf, AC, leather, pwr evythg). Always felt the build & finish were fine; knobs are sturdy, glove box doesnt break in winter (like my 00 did) and window clips are sturdy. $80 oil changes at dlr are a drag, yes, but skip those when u can at Jiffylube! All in all a great car w/ good looks, features. will cost a bit more at tune-up times ($700+ at 40K) but well worth the fun of driving this daily.