2008 Volkswagen Jetta Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.56/5 Average
166 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The 2008 Volkswagen Jetta sees a few changes. Most notably, the sedan gets a bump up in power, thanks to a revised 2.5-liter standard engine good for 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. Trim levels get new names: S, SE and SEL. The 2.0T engine is available only on the newly revised limited-edition Wolfsburg Edition model and the Volkswagen GLI. (Volkswagen has dropped the "Jetta" name in a move to make the GLI similar to the GTI. The GLI is reviewed separately.) A power two-way recline feature for the driver seat is now standard across all trims.

Pros:
  • Pleasant ride, high-end interior materials, long list of safety features, meticulous build quality.
Cons:

User Reviews:

Showing 81 through 90 of 166.00
  • A step-up from my American cars - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    This is my first german-engineered car and can easily say that it is far above any other American car that Ive owned in terms of build quality and standard features as well as safety features. To be fair, the engine seemed under-whelming compared to say even an old Cavalier Z24 that I used to own. With that said however, acceleration at higher speeds is greater but just wish it had more "punch" from a stop. The interior is well-built and controls intuitive. I read about many complaints regarding the exterior looking too "corolla-ish" in the rear and too "audi-ish" in the front. I actually love the look of the vehicle to the chrome grill to the softer body design.

  • 08 VW Jetta 2 year Review - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    D suspension is ok. Car feels sturdy + looks good. Engine power is ok, n has always turned on. D brakes are good for normal driving. D interior is well appointed and designed but d plastic grill covers on d front doors side speakers rattle with music. D 5 speed manual shifters clear plastic cap is a little loose and makes noise when handled. D windshield wipers jolt after turning off car + d motor quit working at 21973 miles on d odometer. After proper procedure, reverse gear is a little tricky to engage. In Vigorous driving when shifting from 5th to 3rd gear, 3rd always gets denied at 55mph or above. Tail light burned out at 21352 miles on odometer. Minor electrical glitches from time2time

  • Luxury for little $$$ - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    After looking around at many of the comparable vehicles, none could compare and I bought the Jetta. I see a lot of this is great, that is great here so Ill focus on a couple of real quirks Ive noticed, but dont get me wrong, I love everything everyone else loves about this car. First off is the visors/rear view mirror. How cheap! While the interior has THE nicest materials in this economy class, the visors are cheap plastic non-sense. The mini- vanity mirrors, with the quirky sliding door and the 1/2 matchstick light bulb are worthless. Center console room front and center is very tight. The rolling knobs for the seats and dash lights are difficult to adjust while driving.

  • First Day of Driving - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Just got the 2008 2.5 170 hp (up from 150) Jetta SE (mid-line) w/ tip. Charcoal with dark "leatherette" with optional sound system package. This is my second VW. I drove the 2007 2.5 manual, and this has substantially better performance. I did not drive the 2007 tip, but I think this runs as well as my old 2000 Passat V6/tip. I looked at the Mistu Lancer, Ford Fusion, and Hyundai Sonata. For my money, this is by far the better buy. The packaging has been changed up, and you get more as standard for the money compared to 2007. Definitely more than "A to B" tranportation. Very classy interior. Cant tell the gas mileage yet, but I will update as I know more.

  • Fantasic Value for the Money - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    There is nothing on the market for $21,000 that compares. Ive owned a 1990 and a 1997 Jetta and they keep getting better. I was worried about not getting the turbo but the 2.5 inline 5 with the manual trans has great torque and performs really well. Ive only had it for 4 months and no problems at all yet. I got the black with black interior and it looks pretty refined. It is hard to justify buying an Audi A4 when the Jetta is pretty similar for $15K less.

  • Very Happy with 2008 Jetta - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    My wife wanted a BMW. This car is as close as u could come without the price. Jetta is tight, quiet and quick. the 170 hp 5 cylinder is quiet, fast and fun but i can get 37 mpg on highway. Wife and I are very different is likes and dislikes. This car came as a GREAT compromise for us. It fits any occasion we have come across so far. I am very happy so far 12,000 and no hint of any problem to take it back to the dealer.

  • Jetta - 3rd Time Around - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    This is my 3rd VW Jetta and so far is my favorite. I had two earlier models and this one is a much better car. I really enjoy driving it. Even the S was enough. Wheel upgrades are a must over the hideous hubcaps. Buy some online or upgrade at the dealer to one of the VW wheels. I went with the 17" Goal wheels and they are awesome looking. Make the car complete. Also added the silver taillights, What a good look that is.

  • 1st timer very happy - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Ive had my 08 SE model for 2 months now and could not be happier. The SE is the way to go with the leather interior, sunroof, and AMAZING 10 speaker sound system. I also got the ipod adapter and am very happy with (although shuffle is not an option on my playlists, but I may need to research in the manual) The interior is spacious and the TRUNK is HUGE! The satellite radio is great. The exterior is extremely stylish, it has everything for a great price. Nothing else compares in its class, I did a lot of research. I am also happy with the fuel efficiency.

  • Nice power and no problems! - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    This is my third VW and the best so far. I have been driving my Jetta since July 2008 and havent experienced any problems. The car has nice power and many features (e.g. power everything, nice stereo) are standard. The only negative is the gas mileage isnt great but not much of a problem for me because I take mass transit to work.

  • A great car for the price - 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I have around 6500 miles on the car and would unquestionably buy it again if I was in that position. I drove several cars in the same price range and I was unimpressed with most, as soon as I sat in the VW I knew Id like but driving it sold me instantly. If you are in the market make sure you drive this car before buying another! Feels solid, nimble and powerful compared to its opposition.

Volkswagen Jetta Reviews By Year:
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