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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vroom--vroom - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
By GiGi - August 29 - 2:00 amI have alwasys been a VW fan. This just builds my confidence in the maker. Solid handling and quickl acceleration make it a fun car to drive.
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VW - Wow! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
By Daniel Shaffer - August 29 - 1:10 amIt is all there, but the fun, well its actually a bit of fun, but not like my Miata. Wonderful sedan that can carry a foursome with clubs on a short trip. The ride, handling, fit and finish, everything is tight and first class. No problems and great mileage! Average about 40 mpg with mixed travel and about 50 mpg on a trip with cruise @ 80 mph. Had a SunBug back in the early 70s and this is not anything close. This is tight German craftsmanship at its best and a decent price point. We have two. I drive a manual and my wife drives an automatic. We will buy VW diesel again in about 15-20 years when these have 300K.
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My first VW - and its a diesel! - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
By Ashift30 - August 28 - 10:13 pmI never would have thought about buying anything but a Honda, but the interior drivers space is becoming poorly designed. A friend told me about the Jetta TDI. Wow! I am an aggressive driver. I drive in mixed traffic 100 miles a day and I get 37 mpg. On the highway, 41 mpg. My wife drives slower and gets 38/42+. We love this car! It is designed for a 6 driver. It seats a 66 person comfortably in the passenger seat. This is the first car I have actually enjoyed driving in quite some time. 26K in 8 months with no problems but one tire.
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German performance car with SUV utility! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By ekimap - August 26 - 2:00 amI have a 2002 Jetta 1.8T Wagon with the 5-spd manual. Great car - its fast, quiet, comfortable, has an interior that looks and feels expensive, and handles well. PLUS it has the utility of a small SUV! What more could I want? Im the sort of person whose lifestyle would be well served by an SUV, but I wanted a real car with real performance and handling - this car fits the bill to a T.
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Awesome Jetta Wagon - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
By Eshwar.S - August 24 - 12:06 amI have had my 2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL Wagon for year now, I bought it in September of 2004. It has not had any problems, runs great, looks great, and feels like I just bought yesterday.
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I love my car! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
By zookprsara - August 22 - 2:00 amI havent found one thing that i dont like about my car!
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2013.5 Jetta TDI - 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
By hlisle - August 21 - 2:01 pmGreat car for distance travelling. I have put nearly 4,000 miles in almost 2 months... No problems - and have enjoyed the the car overall...
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Extremely Fun and Fuel Efficient - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
By Mrstacy - August 21 - 6:16 amI was considering hybrids, but heard about this one coming out. Im glad I waited. It has tremendous acceleration and great handling. The computer showed that I got 44.3 mpg on a 300 mile trip. Im still over half a tank plus I drove around all day today. The engine is quiet and clean. Ive seen older tdis spouting dirty smoke, but this one does not. There is also a minimal amount of noise. If you are inside, you cant hear it at all at idle. When you punch the throttle, this thing takes off. A lot of push. I notice it especially around 20-30 mpg like trying to get on freeway. It is peppy! The materials are as good as the bmw 650i we own. Just dont confuse the fuel!
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Best Damn Volkswagen Period - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
By jbmill33 - August 20 - 10:40 pmI never thought Id fall in love with a car, but the 06 VW Jetta TDI weve purchased come very close to a love affair. It takes corners on rain-slickened Oregon roads masterfully. The MPG has exceeded what was printed on the sticker, I get nearly 50 mpg!
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Will never sell !! - 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
By farfromsingle - August 18 - 10:00 amLove it! What else is there to say? The 1.8 liter gets the gas milage I like, but the turbo makes sure that Im not the slowest thing on the road. Handles the road just like my Porsche 944. The parts arent cheap, but you dont have to buy them often. Watch the oil changes. Dirty oil clogs the turbo.
