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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  No problems yet - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jiminmass - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in August 2002 and currently have 24800 miles on it. I have had no problems with the car so far.

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  Fun! - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By TP - November 25 - 11:30 am

  Great car, excellent acceleration, a bit jerky with slow speed braking, but overall a great car. Fit and finish are excellent. Very comfortable.

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  U can take it to the bank! - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ussoldier73 - November 25 - 6:36 am

  What a car! My girlfriends BMW and my VW are almost the same. Honestly I couldnt beleive it myself. I have to say my girlfriends car is three years older than mine. I couldnt be more happy with the Jetta. It has the power of a sports car, the handling of a luxuray car and the price speaks for itself. I read the reveiws and a couple of the neg. feedback contradict themselfves. I dont know of many cars that hold their value like the jetta. One person comiplained of repair cost mind you VW agreed to share after their warranty expired. I have not owned a better car for the price. My next car will be a new VW Jetta. I drove from NYC to Florida for 90 dollars. Five Star car no doubt. A steal!

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  Gremlins everywhere! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Andy - November 24 - 6:00 pm

  The new Jetta in impressive with its list of luxury and safety features. However, I have just over 10,000 miles on it now and have had constant minor problems. The radio was replaced due to a recall, the speakers rattled and had to have a repair made (the dealer broke the outside mirror control stick when fixing the speakers), there is a "ticking" noise under the dash which was a heating/AC modulator gone bad, and it still sounds like a tank when you first start it. Maintenance is rather expensive due to special oil and filter. The dealer has been terrible with getting parts in and fixing problems. Im not sure if its a dealer problem or if VW parts are hard to find. Take a long test drive before you buy!

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  The Best - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By James Wald - November 24 - 4:03 pm

  The 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI is a really fun car to drive. It gets great mileage and it doesnt look like the hideous Honda Insight or Toyota Prius. I cant describe how much I love my Jetta.

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  Best car that I have ever own - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By semper - November 24 - 8:26 am

  nice handling, more than enough power, sporty feeling, gorgeous interior design, well equipped standard options that cant be found in other cars in the same price range, nice panoramic sunroof that covers almost entire roof - I feel like I am driving a convertible car. My two year old son loves this. Aside from the things above, I was a huge fan of Japanese cars. I have owned Corolla, Accord, Camry, and Sienna so far. But, I dont know if I like Japanese cars any more. Now, I like VW Jetta 100x better than any of my previous cars.

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  Update - clutch failed at 20k miles - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By - November 24 - 2:12 am

  I tried to add this as a comment to my previous review, but the site was not cooperating. But, I would be remiss not to provide an update on the resolution. VW did agree to pay for the repair as a courtesy, acknowledging that it was an unexpected failure to have it happen so soon. I must admit I was pretty shocked when they told me that, but pleasantly so. While I am still disappointed that the clutch failed so soon, I must applaud VW for doing right by me and standing by the car.

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  So far, so good! - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ccarbone22 - November 24 - 1:56 am

  I bought my first VW on a whim in September. I was apprehensive of the infamous VW "quality" issues, but went ahead and got it anyways. So far, I have absolutely no regrets at all. The car is a lot of fun to drive, looks great and is comfortable. The interior quality is impeccable-on par or better than BMWs and Audis. Ive driven it 7,000 trouble-free miles so far, and hope it stays that way. I am admittedly still holding my breath waiting for a problem to pop up- hopefully this VW will prove me wrong!

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  2001 VW Jetta Wlfbrg - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By shell110909 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Sure, my car is fun to drive and during the cold midwest winters, I love the heated seats! But I have found this car to be fairly unreliable....and true to German manufacturing, everything from the windsheild wipers to the bumper, it is way overpriced.

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  Made a believer out of me! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By auntsue - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I had previously driven an American 6 cylinder, and was afraid to go back down to a 4, when a friend told me about the 1.8T. After test driving the Sentra, Altima and Camry, I tested the Jetta. I knew I loved it immediately! After being bored with my last two cars, I was afraid I would never again find a car I loved -- but the 1.8T has restored my faith. My buying experience was my best ever (Burlington VW), and their service is excellent, too. The car has great pick-up, purrs nicely at highway speeds, and has lots of standard equipment. All around, a great car.