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:

• 

  money pit - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By greg snodgrass - February 4 - 9:04 am

  I have had my car 5 years/100,000 miles. AC compressor went out last week=$1600. This week, the particulate filter/catalytic converter went out and that is going to cost $5100. At 120,000 miles, the timing belt will need to be replaced=$1200. The NADA on the car is $9000. I will never buy another VW.

• 

  Worse car I have ever owned in my life. - 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Nick - January 23 - 1:12 am

  This car has been the worst experience ever! I have had everything from a Ford Taurus to a Camarro and in 2013 I decided to get this vw Jetta. And it has been the worse decision of my life. I have had more problems with this one car and put more money into it then all of my cars combined. The transmission is horrible. The electrical in the whole car is absolutely horrible. My doors will not lock and sometimes will not unlock once I do get them locked. The Windows and sunroof will have problems closing. The last problem that has put me over board is my key will get stuck in the ignition I have had to leave my car running over night until it just runs out of gas because I am not able to turn it off. On top of it running out of gas the battery will also die because the car will not shut off at all. When I do call or go into the dealer they say they can do nothing to help but sit there and jiggle the key until it will sometimes pop out. Multiple technicians at the dealer have told me that this happens to a lot of people and from the research I have done it happens to many people... Yet vw still doesnt make a recall on it or offer to fix this problem with no charge. If I did want to get a new ignition it would be around 1000 dollars and its still not guranteed to fix the problem cause it can just happen again and on top of that if the key happens to break while they are trying to pull the key out its not their problem and that will have to be replaced also. I could go on and on about how horrible these cars are so my advice would to stay as far away from vw as possible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• 

  VW never again! - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Alexander - November 4 - 1:27 am

  Transmission is jerky (not CVT) which you wont know after/during your test drive because all you want it to accelerate, right? In slow traffic transmission makes kick down (with the appropriate "boo-m" sound). But I dont care about anything because Im leasing it. After VW "fixed" recalls my gas mileage went down by 5-8 miles (from 42 mpg down to 33-35 mpg)... Thank you, VW! Comparing to previous versions and years, this 1.4 Turbo engine is too weak. Cars feels very heavy like 4,000 pounds and with no brakes. I think the best acceleration was on 2.5L 5 cyl. (non-turbo) models. Interior is cheap and feel like Chevy Avero (Ive rented one before). Design has not changed since 2010. You cant differentiate your car from 2010-2015 unless you are following them and youre reading "TSI". Dealer is not helpful (I love Toyota and going back!!!). Part are not expensive but the service is! Oil changes are $80 and if you do it yourself, VW will void the warranty! If you are iPhone user you need to prepare to connect your phone every time you are in the car. When you connect the phone to the USB charge port, it will reset the connection: phone (music/maps/etc) goes to silent... you need to "find the phone"... it takes about 20-25 sec which is driving you crazy ONLY after 6-month. Bottom line is: At the end of the lease I am going to turn this car in and never get another VW.

• 

  Worst Car Ive ever owned - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ashley2008 - December 21 - 8:13 am

  This has to be the worst car Ive ever owned, it makes my 1999 Dodge Neon look good. I now have 14k on this car, at 4k I started having problems with the DSG Transmission banging into gears and slipping. After several repair attempts including replace a $3k Mechatronics unit, the car is back in the shop! This time been there 4 days and they dont know whats wrong with it but it still keep banging into gears progressively getting worse. Trim pieces in the interior randomly fall off and heater mirror cracked.

• 

  Bad VW Service - 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
  By temnek@hotmail.com - August 25 - 1:55 pm

  Budget vehicle to get from A to B. Cheap interior. Ive leased it because this is my first VW. Ive heard from friends that VW service is bad. When you lease a car, most of the services shall be free. Not with VW. Dealer (Kings VW in Gaithersburg MD) tells me that NOT EVERYTHING IS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. And I get "contact VW on the phone" , and " we are not fixing this for free". And I dont visit a dealer anymore. Not changing oil (dealrs fee is $86 + tax). Nope. I am going back to Toyota, when your Toyota dealer has free coffee, juice, and water while I am waiting and the oil changes are $19.99 + tax ( I miss those days). Ive leased 3 Toyotas in the last 10 years. Toyota people are great. I have 9K miles to go and when I go, I never buy or lease another VW.

• 

  Bad VW Service - 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
  By temnek@hotmail.com - August 25 - 1:55 pm

  Budget vehicle to get from A to B. Cheap interior. Ive leased it because this is my first VW. Ive heard from friends that VW service is bad. When you lease a car, most of the services shall be free. Not with VW. Dealer (Kings VW in Gaithersburg MD) tells me that NOT EVERYTHING IS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. And I get "contact VW on the phone" , and " we are not fixing this for free". And I dont visit a dealer anymore. Not changing oil (dealrs fee is $86 + tax). Nope. I am going back to Toyota, when your Toyota dealer has free coffee, juice, and water while I am waiting and the oil changes are $19.99 + tax ( I miss those days). Ive leased 3 Toyotas in the last 10 years. Toyota people are great. I have 9K miles to go and when I go, I never buy or lease another VW.

• 

  Stop now - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Richardson TX - August 18 - 10:00 am

  This car is brand new and in and out of the shop. A real lemon. Buy anything but a Volkswagen.

• 

  VW sells LEMONS and doesnt care - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Carnage - August 13 - 10:00 am

  The car itself would be great if it didnt break down every 2 weeks. The WORST part of it all is the VW customer service. If you EVER have a problem, they will laugh at you and tell you tough luck. They sold me a lemon, and they wont take responsibility for it. My car has broken 8 times in under 2 months. DOCUMENTED evidence. Better Business Bureau case opened against VW, still VW doesnt care.

• 

  customer care is a joke! - 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
  By m. Kinney - August 11 - 6:16 am

  You should know that once you bought the car, if anything goes wrong, you are on your own my friend. Bought a new 2011 Jetta and maintained in impeccably and at 114,00 miles the turbo blew(not supposed to). I now have at 22,000 dollar car, less than four years old that is pretty much worth scrap. Customer care, all the way up to Volkswagen top supervisor, told me with deep sincerity, there was nothing they could do and felt no responsibility since my warranty had expired. Does Volkswagen stand behind their product in any way? This company has no sense of fairness toward their customer. Sincerely, broke and carless

• 

  DO NOT BUY THIS PILE OF METAL JUNK!!! - 2014 Volkswagen Jetta
  By rachydcohen - August 5 - 11:42 pm

  I bought my 2014 Jetta SE in April 2014, its was first brought in to the service dept. only a couple months old for the Airbag light. It took the dealership two weeks to figure out the problem. Im still concerned that if the car is in an accident that the airbag system will work. The next time I brought it in, was last week. I had been complaining that every so often the ABS, Traction Control and Check Engine light keep coming on. The idiots in the service dept told me to turn the car off and restart it. The second time this happened I called yelling and screaming and they finally told me to bring it in.