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:
Showing 41 through 50 of 4,495.00-
Took that Chance and May Now Regret It - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
By cuckoo4watches - October 21 - 5:23 amWell, Ive owned 35 vehicles, of which 5 were VWs. To me, it seemed VW screwed up with the more recent runs and after two poorly built GTIs (99.5 2.0L & 01 VR6). I said I would NEVER buy another. Well, I had to swallow my pride and pick up one this past summer because of a baby. I sadly traded in my hopped up Mini Cooper S to get something more family oriented. Now I may have made a mistake Ive had my car for 7 months and it only has 4,000 miles on it. All sorts of little fit and finish issues are popping up now and now that cold weather is back, my car doesnt start properly, with that high then low rev. I am a nit-picker but my wifes Hyundai is built much much better! Perhaps I made a mistake!
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vw jetta - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
By jokercecil - October 16 - 10:00 amgreat car to drive but very expensive to fix and not reliable
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Great Car - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
By John - October 6 - 6:03 amThis car has excellent handling, great fuel economy, and is a real blast on twisty roads. The Goodyear tires are great in the wet and dry. The only problem with the summer tires is the need for winter tires and rims. The ride is a little stiff but well worth it when you want to play boy racer. Overall this is an excellent car.
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TDI Sportwagen not all its spozed 2B - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
By zenmoose - October 4 - 11:26 amI bought the thing in a bit of a rush in June to get the tax break, though I had researched it. I bought a basic TDI wagon w/ no moon roof. Basic bluetooth only calls out as another reviewer commented. (Are you kidding me? LAME!) OK. Forget the bluetooth, cant be fixed or flashed. It needs to be replaced at better than a grand. Sigh. The car is fairly well built, looks good, rides ok, moves along well enough. It has a design flaw. This heavy (200 lbs more than the sedan) beast is PRONE TO STALLING. I have driven many manuals, but this is a problem. It has an ultra light flywheel. If it lugs, ECU shuts off at 850 revs! You must turn the key all the way off to restart (Danger!)
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Fun to drive, but many problems/issues - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
By BitBucket - October 2 - 10:00 amThe problems through 29k miles: - 3 oxygen sensors - front window regulator failed - horrible tires w/ no grip - car goes into Drive from Reverse VERY slowly - rear brake pads GONE (I verified this myself) after 25k miles - weak A/C, already re-charged once (less than 3 years) - industrys shortest door-to-door warranty (2 yrs? 24k miles???) - tranny - car didnt shift out of 2nd gear last winter, repair covered under warranty (thank goodness) Unfortunately, at least in my case, you really do get what you pay for. Theres a reason this isnt a $30K car, it behaves like a $16k car.
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Outstanding Car - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
By bhdfield - September 27 - 12:13 pmMy 2000 vr6 jetta was bought new, and now has 159k miles on it. Just replaced original front pads, rotors, and control arm bushings. I still have the original clutch. High quality components. There is no squeak, rattle, or false noise. The leather seats look like new, as does the clear coat, which I did not ruin by allowing ham fisted kids to scratch to oblivion. These are very well designed cars. There are a handful of weak components, with easy solutions. Coil packs crack after 70k miles. Solution: epoxy, and it will fix it and last forever. Some plastic parts in the cooling system will need to be replaced after 130-150k miles. Big deal, its a car with miles on it.
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farfrumworthit - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
By unhappy gilmore - September 27 - 4:43 amI am a 3rd time VW owner and have to say - I think VW has done a fantastic job on the new Jetta 2.5 BUT; the quality lacks in so many ways. My first VW was a fox - I have seldom ever admitted owning one but there it is. Nice car. My 2nd was a Jetta 2.5 L 5 speed - the vehicle had a throw out bearing issue in the trans at 2500 miles. I traded it and got a new black automatic one. Since owning it, I have found the transmission can at times be unresponsive or indecisive, the air conditioner condensate drain line was never drilled at the factory and had to be drilled at the dealer after the vehicles floor pan got soaked. The center cap fell off in the car wash and broke. -farfrumworthit
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Maintenance Nightmare - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
By ianr25 - September 25 - 2:21 pmCar has less than 13K have had to bring back to dealer 3 times for faulty engine pressure sensor, problems with changing radio stations, playing cds the leather trim around the steering wheel is coming apart and the trip odometer is broken! Have a friend who had the same car and said she had to bring it to Volkswagen 3 times for the same problem. Car is horrible over major potholes. However i must admit everything else aside it is fun to drive and everyone who gets in it is impressed
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I had a bad experience - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
By JuliaCVT - September 25 - 10:03 amThis was my first VW. I leased it for 3 years and cant wait to give it back. It took 5 trips to the dealership before they could figure out why the engine light kept coming on (bad fuel- injector sensors), I had a front bearing go, a broken front axle, and had the drivers seat heater shorted out with me in the seat. This will be my last VW.
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Solid car, MSRP pricey - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
By mike ogle - September 25 - 1:13 amThis is third Jetta we have owned, Bought new body style, $28K MSRP 5spd chosen to try and improve power of 2.5 and package 2 which puts it near to entry level luxury vehicles but so does the price. Interior design is superb, tops in class I would say, high quality plastics for most part, with a few cost cutting exceptions. Black exterior with beige interior and real wood accents, very impressive. Leather seats have held up well, no wear apparent after 64K miles. Reliability problems have been minimal with exception of stereo system which has been disappointing. Overall a nice vehicle, plan on moving to a used Audi A4 in next few months to upgrade handling and power
