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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  Run Away, Dont buy this car!! - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By pennstater - June 30 - 9:53 am

  I was in the shop 13 times in the first two years! Things broke on this car that Ive never heard of breaking before! 2nd day engine was smoking, some type of lid flew off and was burning, alarms and door locks never worked right, locked at various random times, alarm sounded at various random times, I asked for this to be disconnected, was told cannot be done. Fuel pump went at 80,000, cup holders- we wont go there, center console lid broke, headlight on/off button stopped working, all dash lights stoppped working, front spoiler falls off frequently due to being too low, This was the worst car ever.

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  Worst Car Ever! - 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Juan - June 23 - 1:13 am

  This car has only given my nothing but trouble. I have had to replace the A/C sensor, fuel sensor and the best of all the timing belt broke at 72,000 miles and it is supposed to last up to 105,000. They never wanted to recognized the damage so the cost to fix it was $4,600. Only 50% of the actual car value. As a car: this vehicle is not worth it! As a investment: Volkswagen has the worst customer service: They never help (just lie) Think first before you buy one.

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  dont buy a jetta - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By kelly dixon - June 22 - 10:00 am

  many problems with electrical system and exhaust.

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  Be Careful! - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ouch - June 14 - 10:00 am

  I would take a moment beore buying a Volkwagen Jetta. It looks great from the outside and it is even fun to drive for the first few miles, but then it all starts to fall apart. First, the little things started to go. The cupholder is a joke, rain comes through the window cracks like a bad umbrella (which they still cant fix), and I dont even want to talk about the ooze that comes out the side of the car. The second year was even worse. I replaced three sensors, a water pump, a window, a head gasket...... This car is now worth more than a Mercedes

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  ALWAYS TROUBLE BYPASS THIS CAR! - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Renee - June 11 - 3:30 pm

  The day after I bought the car the passenger seat got stuck laying flat (my daughter was laying down for 5 minutes while I went into the bank). The electrical system continually goes bad and the car will not start. 2 years in I had to replace the air conditioner. The trunk broke two weeks after I bought the car. I back the car up out of the driveway and it continually stalls out. The oil light never comes on even if the oil is low. I have to replace the headlights and back lights every other month. The Dealership is horrific and I never go there because I am treated so poorly. I pray everyday for something to not go wrong with this car, because it seemingly does.

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  Worst car ever purchased-dangerous car. - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By joconsecur - June 10 - 2:00 am

  This new 2004 jetta with less than 300 miles failed completely.In the middle of driving-i lost all power -lights- power steering-engine bucked-finally stalled-scared me to death-will seek to give this car back to the dealership tommorrow-Really disappointed in the car-If i was in traffic on a busy highway -it could have been disasterous.

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  DONT BUY A VW! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ihatevws - May 19 - 12:49 am

  I bought a 2006 VW Jetta TDi brand new. I am giving this review now that it has 130,000 miles on it. Heres the scoop. At 85K miles the dual mass fly wheel broke. Cost me $1500 to fix. At 90K miles the A/C compressor went out, cost me $750 to fix. At 110K miles the copressor has gone out again. Guess why? Cause the cooling fans under the hood went out! Guess what else? The relays are built into the fan so you have to buy the entire fan assembly. This car is nothing but junk. Its been a total nighmare and I hope VW goes out of business very soon! Next time I will buy something from Japan!

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  German Engineering My Butt - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bigwombat - May 5 - 1:57 pm

  The automatic transmission 01M of this car made between year 1999-2003 are known to be the most unreliable transmission ever made. Look for it online, there are so many reports of these transmission breaking down from 100k to 150k miles. Mine is even considered a good case, where it broke down right after 200k miles, but throughout my ownership of the car I dropped so much many to fix and maintain the transmission, that in the end, I dont think it is worth it. Pros: Gets decent MPG. Can reach high speed. The manual version seems reliable from reviews. Cons: Horrible auto transmission. Loud. Weak acceleration. Expensive to maintain.

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  What happen to German engineering??? - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jam - April 26 - 10:00 am

  I love the interior & exterior design and thats the only good thing I can say about VW. I had so many problem w/ this car that Im planning to trade in. Here are some of the problems: (1) engine oil consumption (1qt/ every 1000miles) - dealer said it was normal but now VW has a special repair kit. (2) air flow meter failure (3) oxygen sensor failure (4) door lock actuator problem (5) rattle from interior (6) Catalytic converter failure.... And Im preparing myself for window regulator failure soon (it hasnt happened yet but my rear door window dropped few times). And most of all, bad treatment from dealership makes me to hate myself for buying VW.

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  Problems with Jetta - 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
  By S. Adams - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car thinking I wouldnt have a lot of repairs. Numerous problems have occurred: oxygen sensor replaced 3 times, driver visor replaced, cup holder replaced(2) passenger seat spring replaced, catalytic converter replaced, air conditioner compressor replaced, 1 keyless remote doesnt work, rust in trunk, engine light on 4 times, batteries (2), mass air flow meter replaced, wires replaced, throttle body replaced, timing belt, V-belt, 2 tensioners replaced, car jerks when changing gears (dealer cant explain), ticking noise under hood (dealer cant explain); not to mention regular maintenance. I will never purchase another VW vehicle.