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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  Lemon - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By djjunglejulie - July 4 - 10:48 pm

  Owning this car was a nightmare! Do not buy unless you are a mechanic who enjoys repairing your car!! Words that come to mind are: Lemon Money pit ludicrous amounts of repairs repairs repairs repairs broken down overheating electrical problems just bad

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  This car is a lemon. STAY AWAY!! - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By MS125 - April 28 - 8:07 pm

  VW should be ashamed of their refusal to acknowledge the intercooler problem on this car. After I passed 65k miles, moisture got inside during cold weather, and it cracked, resulting in a pretty useless engine. VW said its not covered by warranty, but clearly, given the number of people whove experienced the same issue, its obviously a design flaw. Stay away!!!

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  Worst car I ever owned - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Norman - April 7 - 5:46 pm

  I bought it at 65k. At 80k everything needed repair. Engine, transmisson and electrical. The 1st repair shop will repair anything but VW and Audi. The 2nd shop said the VWs are the #1 car they see and to sell it now. #3 shop said the same thing.

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  Terrible. Youd be better off riding a bike! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Izabella - January 20 - 7:50 am

  If you intend to buy this car, you need to reconsider. I purchased my 2000 Jetta 1.8 in March of 2013. This is the breakdown of the repairs Ive made since March of 2013 -Engine blew $2400 -Front control arms $300 -Upper and Lower radiator hoses $300 -4 Ball Joints $450 -Bushings, Stab Links $300 -Starter $250 -Front Axle $200 -Power Steering Pump $250 Ive done regular maintenance such as Tires, Brakes, Flushes e.tc. $500. Ive put more into the vehicle, but after all of the repairs Ive had, its hard to remember every single thing thats been done. Currently, the Heater Core is out. This will cost upwards of $1200. (Im unwilling to put this much into it). By this point, I would have been able to invest a good sum into a new car. It seems like every 3 months, something goes out that costs a minimum of $250 to fix. This past winter, I went to roll down the window and the crank broke off. The vehicle is cheaply made. Its become a money pit. If you want to spend as much into a used, terrible car as youd like to spend into a new car, then a 2000 Jetta is for you. I wish I had known how awful the vehicle is before I had purchased it. Its very disappointing because the transmission has been running strong, even with 184k miles. At this time, Id have thought Ive put so much into the car that itd be running smooth. Unfortunately, about $5,000 later and an initial cost of $2,700, this thing runs like junk. Its so terrible, its become known as the "money pit" in my family. If you look at this car, you may as well just start walking because thats all youll be doing when you own this vehicle.

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  VW Money Pit - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ghostrider8 - November 29 - 1:34 pm

  VW was the vehicle that Hilter Commissioned to the designer of Posche to build. The original bugs were great reliable cars. VW has lost its way in quality & dealer service.If you buy one,get ready to open your wallet & let the money fly at the service dept. The Corporate attitude is the same as the dealer of where customer service is beyond poor.All the VWs today are build in MEXICO & the lack of quality shows it.Yes,it will last as long as you keep replacing parts.The turn-over rate of the service dept. is high compared to other dealers,Ford & GM service & quality has went through the roof in improvement & GM now has Dodge/Chrysler where quality has improved.This will be my last VW.

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  MOST UNRELIABLE CAR IN THE WORLD! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Karla E. - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Ever since I got it at 0 milage, I have had mechanical problems. At 500 miles, cruise control went out. At 22000 miles, started getting valves replaced, hoses replaced, and many other parts replaced. Not to mention that every 2000-3000 miles, Ive had to take it to the dealership to get all of this fixed because its always a new malfunction in the engin. At 25000 I got stranded out of town in the middle of now where. My car would just not turn on.

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  New VW has a 3 hour lifespan - 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  By KK - July 19 - 1:27 am

  I leased a new VW Jetta at the Santan VW in Phoenix AZ, in April this year. It was a brand new 2.0T SEL and I was very excited for my first ever new car that my parents had got for me as I graduated high school. The nightmares were just an hour away. As we drove back to Tucson, first the engine light went on about 70 miles into our return. It was about 9 pm but the dealership sales person who had sold me the car answered right away and told me that perhaps there was nothing wrong and I should not worry about it. Then the electronic malfunction light went on and about 2 miles from home the car started to shake and shudder like one of the cylinders was missing or misfiring. By this time it was 10pm and no one to turn to for what to do. After a sleepless night, I was able to speak with the dealership in Phoenix the next day and they told me to have the care transported to the nearest dealer in Tucson. Imagine the sight of my first brand new car being lifted on to a flat bed to be taken to the dealership 16 hours after I had gotten it. After a few hours of baited breath I was told that the fuel injectors in two cylinders were blocked and would have to be replaced. I was quite upset to hear this and after multiple back and forth phone calls with the dealer who would not initially believe this, my father was able to speak with someone senior at the dealership. They kept saying that the problem was easy to fix and it was only a minor issue but eventually gave in and said they would exchange the car for a new one. I had to accept whatever they had available in the same trim and I did. Every time I get into this car, I wonder what is going to go wrong next. You all can take away whatever you think from this experience, but certainly not what one would expect from a brand new car, no matter what make or model!

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  Dont buy a Volkswagen - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By briang - May 22 - 1:30 am

  Ive had my Volkswagen Jetta a year now and it is the worst vehicle that I have ever owned. I am constantly at the shop spending money and Volkswagen does not help with the repairs at all, even though they should. I will never buy a car from Volkswagen again. My advice is buy from another manufacturer. Everything from the stereo, the moonroof, the center counsel, the cup holders, the starter, the windows, ingition coil, the break lights, and the transmission breaks. And thats not all. Dont buy a Volkswagen... You will regret it 10 fold. You would be better off with the Accord. Dont say I didnt warn you.

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  Worst Car I have ever owned - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Frank - May 9 - 9:11 am

  I bought new in 2010. The combined cost of warranty and non-warranty (my cost) has surely exceeded the purchase price of the vehicle in 150K miles. It has spent much of the last 4 months in the dealer shop and they finally admit they cant fix it. Problems started around 10K miles when VW replaced a $7000 part in the exhaust system - this is crazy. Then the problems just went on - 3 times the cruise control failed; several sensors and relays have failed; wiring too close to exhaust part have burned; the particulate filter clogged; the started failed; the waste gate has been freed up at least 3 times; the radio failed; the ECM failed; and now the turbo actuator and a sensor have failed. This is my 11th and last VW.

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  Handling is not very good. Reliability issues - 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike - November 3 - 11:35 am

  Highway driving does not feel safe. Car is not handling well on speeds over 75 mp/h (I drive fast in the morning to pass traffic). Car feels like floating on the road with steering wheel is not responsive at all. Is this an electric motor drive? Tires are new, pressure is according to the VW recommendations. I used to have 2010 VW Jetta 2.5 and when it wasnt in the shop , it was driving extremely straight on the highway. Unfortunately, I didnt test a car on the highway during my initial test drive. Another problem with 2017 model is its automatic transmission: it is slipping from 1 to 2 and when Im slowing down at the traffic light from 2 to 1. On the highway it does it too but shifting to Sport helps. Anyways, strange suspension and possibly new drivetrain-related problems. Dealer now said that "turbo is not reliable and usually you need to change it at around 100,000 miles... but you just trade this car and well get you a new car!" Knowing how expensive VW service is, it is freaking me out. Someone here has mentioned similar problems. What should I do with a car? Its currently under 15,000 miles. Please advice.