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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  awsome, fun, ecomonical - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Leard Huggins - November 19 - 7:30 pm

  We bought it to replace my wifes 1999 Olds Cutlass with 51,000 miles bought new from the same dealer 10 years go. We compared it to the Prius and the VW SportWagonTDI won. We just finished our 1st long trip (800 miles) in it and are totally satisfied. Keep in mind my car is a 2004 GMC Denali all wheel drive and loaded. I am 67" tall and 280 lbs the VW has plenty of room. It has as much head room as my Denali. We averaged 33.6 MPG calculated from gas tickets after driving 80-90 mph on Interstate and 4o-60 MPH on two lane roads from Savannah to Apacatchacola. It is not even broken in yet and the mpg is impressive.

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  1st VW - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jim beil - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Be sure if there is a problem with the vehicle that you get back to the dealer ASAP. The headlights on my car were too low to be safe. I didnt ask for them to be realigned until 8 months and 20,00 miles had passed. They charged me $54, I appealed to VW America and they still refused to reimburse me. Said I had to be in within 4000 miles of purchase.

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  Best Mid Size Auto - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By D Scheffler - November 15 - 5:13 pm

  On the highway this baby gets close to 50 mgs and has plendy of power and zip I love the firm spension and the many safety equipments (6 air bags) etc and the clean operation for a diesel. I hope the US automakers will copy VW and build quality economic cars.

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  Best value in a car ever - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Lapidsilver - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my Jetta. I got the base GL with no options and it still has more standard features than any other cars that I looked at. It comes with 6 air bag standard! It also has the CD player, visor shade, folding seats, etc. and I didnt have to pay extra for them. The sales person that helped me was wonderful, and the service department is wonderful too (I havent had to use it yet, but my friend who owns a passat says its great). I want my entire family to get VWs now, because they are so safe and reliable.

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  Get the GLI - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By annie macpherson - November 11 - 8:10 am

  I bought the new 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI last month with the 2.0T engine, the same one that is in the Audi A4 without the Audi price. This is my first VW, I have heard great things about the Jettas but I like a lot of horsepower (200 I have now). The gas milage is great. I love the paddle shifters. I am so glad that the resedigned Jetta has more room for people in the back. The GLI is a top-of-the-line car, with leather sport seats all for under $30,000 including all the taxes and fees.

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  great buy - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By love my JETTA - November 7 - 10:26 pm

  I enjoy every moment in my Jetta, it is fun and has been very reliable. I have 70k miles on it and have not had one problem.

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  True cost of all that mileage - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dfurdock - November 6 - 11:05 pm

  2006 Jetta TDI package 2. 183,000 miles. Maintenance costs are high, approx $400 DSG trans fluid service every 40,000 miles. Timing belt every 80,000 miles approx. $1,100. Syn. oil changes about $80. My dual mass flywheel just failed over $1,500. Also turbo failing approx $2,000. I am repairing all of the above because the car gets more mpg than most hybrids. I just hope that the dreaded camshaft failure doesnt occur. I will drive this one for a bit longer, buy a new TDI and hope for better luck. In spite of all the above I still love to drive my TDI.

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  Edmunds sucks, but this car doesnt - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By pwu2005 - November 5 - 10:00 am

  Why does Edmunds suck? Because they relentlessly bash American cars on such petty issues as interior materials and fail to take into account the what you save when you buy an American car (due to incentives). I love my Jetta, but Edmunds has gone overboard with their review of it. "Each Jetta is assembled with care!" "Build quality is superb!" Give me a break. They fail to take into account this cars past reliability issues, when they rehash those issues time and time again for every American car they review. Let me just say that my Jetta is a joy to drive with the powerful and fun 1.8T, but is sometimes sluggish off the bat and has a rattly dashboard.

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  The Answer to Your Car Question - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jason - November 4 - 7:00 pm

  My Jetta TDI is the alternative to my F-150 Supercrew. It is a wonderful car. I went back and forth between another 4-cyl. Accord and the Jetta TDI. My first VW is just as intuitive, but sportier and a great driving value, compared to the wonderful Accord. I have put 10,000 miles on it in three months averaging 41 mpg for city and driving. I average 43 mpg at 75-80 mph, and 37 mpg at 85-90 mph. I get 50 mpg at 60-65 mph occasionally. Middle to high 40s mpg is very realistic. Everyone asks me what I think, I tell them, "I would have bought it a long time ago, if I would have known then what I know now." After all, I bought two of them. Package 2 w/ rear airbags, diesel automatics.

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  The Jetta Wolfsburg Rocks - 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Kathy O - November 4 - 1:36 pm

  I looked at a lot of cars, and decided that the Jetta Wolfsburg Edition was the one for me. It has plenty of punch, a quality interior, and all the right extras. I didnt think I could get something so solid for what I was looking to spend. I love my VW.