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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  Excellent car! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By AdamRobinson - September 28 - 3:40 pm

  Overall great car for daily commuter! Everything someone could need in a great small car package! I drive 500 miles a week and would want nothing else.

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  german style - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
  By calboy2007 - September 27 - 10:00 am

  i love my vw so much that I just cant stand it i am a teen and it peels right ut of those corners like crazy. If i had a coice to pick any car in the world it would be this one.

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  2002 VW - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By maumee - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Has been a great car, tail lights burned out at 15K, but otherwise wonderful. Dealship was horrible!!! Shop around for dealers.

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  Fun Car - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mr. no - September 26 - 3:26 pm

  I am not too crazy about the way the VW has killed off the old Jetta look, and made it look like a Corolla - but it still looks pretty nice, just not unique. I get about 24-25 mpg in the city, 30 on the highway. Its interior is excellent as always with the VW. I have had a few very minor problems that my incompetent dealer managed to turn into a whole week affair.

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  I tried em All, The Jetta is Best Value - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  By scooch00 - September 23 - 11:40 pm

  I love this new Jetta. I have had it just a week but in love already. I tried a ton of midsize cars before choosing the Jetta. It has the look & feel of a high priced Euro sedan for lots less. havent taken a mileage reading yet but it seems very good mpgs. A friend could not believe the seats we not leather. The Sirius satellite is a keeper. I will re-up when the free 90 day subscription runs out. Heated seats are cool. Relaxes the back on long rides. Nice! The stereo is kicking. great sound quality. Everything is easy to control. My first VW. Looks like a long relationship in store.

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  2004 VW Jetta GL 1.8T - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tkusterb - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my Jetta for five months and totally love everything about it. Great driving experience. I like the power, the ride, the feel. I look for excuses to go driving, even with gas prices high!

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  awsome and reliable - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jettaman - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I have the jetta wagon with the 5 speed auto. and the 1.8t. I drive around 75,000 miles a year and have had mine for about 10 months. I have 58000 miles on it already, and my wife has a turbo jetta sedan with 50,000 miles on it ( our work is far away. Great cars. HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!!! And ardmore volkswagen/acura was very helpful. (ardmore, PA)

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  The new Jetta is awesome - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Taylor - September 19 - 9:56 am

  My Jetta is actually the 2005, but the 06 style, so it came with all the cool features like the auto wipers. This car gets awesome mileage and handles like a real German car should. I have always been an American car guy, but this car is incredible and the price is great for the car you get.

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  So far so good - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Astogs1421 - September 17 - 11:23 pm

  I owned a 2002 Jetta, and had many problems with it. I was pretty hesitant to buy another VW, but the dealer sucked me in, and the new Jetta seemed solid, so I took a chance. So far, I have been very pleased. The car has many standard features, and people think I spent more on it than I did. I also (knock on wood) have had no reliability issues at all. The car has been great.

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  Wow, just wow. - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Q - September 8 - 12:33 pm

  Only recently purchased used but love it, Love It, LOVE IT. It just positively screams. Car was a dealer loaner for the past 5 years, only 42k miles so at least I know the maintenance is current. I do feel like the interior is a bit small, but its a tiny price to pay for the performance and styling. Most people say get the leather but I like cloth just fine. Its scary how quiet it is also. The great part is, yeah, it takes 93 octane but who care about an extra 20 cents per when gas is $4 per gallon anyway and still gets really good mileage? Stereo is great, handling is tight. That the gearing is so close together its a bit to get used to but fun as hell off the mark.