Overview & Reviews

Fully redesigned last model year, the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta features only minor changes. The SEL and TDI trim levels now offer a Fender audio system, while last year's Sport package for the SEL has been discontinued.

• Fuel-efficient diesel model.
• Well-equipped
• Spacious interior and trunk
• Smart electronics interface

• Lackluster interior materials
• Sluggish throttle with automatic
• Numb steering
• Wheezy base engine.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 69.00

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  So far so good... - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By 23hammer - August 13 - 4:29 am

  I picked up this Jetta because of rising fuel costs and a long commute. So far I have nothing bad to say about it. The car is comfortable, quiet, solid, and performs well. It does take a little adjustment if you are not familiar with a diesel. I am impressed with the interior and how much I like the "leatherette" I was expecting a lot less from the cars interior and performance after reading the reviews on Edmunds, but I must say I am completly impressed by this car. I am averaging 45 MPG in mostly highway driving. I am 64" tall and 250 pounds and I fit well in the car with my spouse and 2 kids.

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  Great Bang for your Buck! - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By core3y - June 6 - 9:33 pm

  I have had my 2012 VW Jetta SE with Convenience Package and Sunroof for almost 5 months now. I love this vehicle. Overall, the features and performance of this car make it a pleasure to drive, and Id definitely recommend it over competition. keep in mind that I chose this car new over a used recent-model BMW 3-series :-)

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  SE, Same old VW! - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jkali860 - May 31 - 6:20 am

  While the Base and S (4 cylinder 115-hp) models are not like previous VWs, the SE model (5 cylinder 170-hp) holds up the VWs reputation. I am extremely pleased with my purchase (2012 SE manual W/ Convenience) . I was a bit hesitant to look at new Jettas due to the awful reviews. After I did some research, the SE model and above is a totally different car than the S and Base models. You get a low price for an extremely basic car. But the SE, SEL, and TDI all have a lot to be pleased about. Dont believe the bad reviews stand for all the Jetta models, only the Base and S. With a different engine, transmission and interior, the SE model and above is a totally different car.

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  Wish I never bought this car... - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By domdpt - May 25 - 2:53 am

  I was new to VW and relatively impressed by the Jetta, although I really wanted the GLI I was not ready to pay $30,000 for a small sedan. The car was ok to start, however within 2 months all door panels were rattling, suspension squeaked, and engine became sluggish. Almost 1 year later and after a few trips to the dealer, all door panels still rattle, the engine is not responsive, and MPGs are getting worse. VW quality has slipped a lot from what i can gether, and the dealer is less than willing to help fix the problems. Unless you get a GLI, do not waste your money.

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  A great all around car - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Howie Atkinson - September 6 - 10:06 pm

  Great car Love the 5 cylinder 2.5 sad to see it gone un the newer models. A great car for my petite Daughter!

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  Its a good car, but I dont plan on keeping it. - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ne10 - August 19 - 10:46 pm

  My feelings about the Jetta TDI/Premium are mixed. I love the styling, the fuel economy is unbeatable for an ICE, and the low end torque makes it zippy and fun. But VW had to go and kill a lot of the love by leaving the DSG unrefined, not polishing out creaks and rattles, and cheaping out in areas like the MFD and the touch screen software. The car feels like it was well designed in Germany, then dressed down by a bureaucrat on computer and exported to America. That being said, the styling, fuel economy, and options are still far better than the Civic and the Elantra. Is it worth the extra $3000 on the sticker? Maybe. Id say its more of a solid buy as a used or preowned car.

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  Miss my VW...... - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mardigras413 - July 13 - 10:37 pm

  ok so I am a big VW fan, its been about 3 years since I had my last VW and this was worth the wait. I purchased my 2012 Jetta used about a week ago yea its the 2.0 but this one gets up and goes better than my 04 Jetta 2.0 (it had a 4 speed auto) I love all the great compliments I get about how great it looks and I love all the standard features......no big complaints here!

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  TDI Purchased for Gas Mileage - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jclaeys - June 6 - 6:31 am

  We sold our TDI Jetta with just 2K on it. We could longer deal with the poor execution of the diesel to Jetta experience. Having driven gas powered Mercedes, it was difficult to get used to the difference in the "lack of Luxury". First, it is a stretch to say this car is "clean". You will notice the stench of diesel not only at fillup but when you park it in your garage for the first couple weeks. And dont be surprised if you can smell it in your home also. The vibration at idle and rough start from stop will take getting used to, we didnt. Buy this if all you are looking for is excellent gas mileage, its there..avg. 33-46 mpg! Otherwise, choose wisely. Itll cost you in trade in.

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  Good clean driving fun - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By beaverdam - March 29 - 6:45 am

  This VW has exceeded all of my expectations. Highway Mpg is always above 50 unless the AC is on then it drops to 46. City MPG is about 35. Only time will tell but so far it is rock solid and very reliable. Ride control is tight but not too firm. The lack of independent suspension in the rear is not noticable for me. 4 wheel disc brakes have a firm feel. Electric power steering feels like "steer by wire" but is easy to adjust to.

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  Best first car - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JourneyOfTheJetta - March 15 - 1:33 am

  My 2012 Jetta is my first car and I can easily see it lasting me all throughout college. Traveling 15 minutes to and from school everyday, then to work, then to friends houses, this car has been so reliable! Super safe with reliable braking and acceleration. Super sturdy and reliable in harsh weather and road conditions as well. I have had no maintenance problems with the car and it has been more than good to me. If youre searching for a first car or a good commuter car, the Jetta is the way to go! Once again, reliable, comfortable, safe, and easy to navigate!