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 31 through 40 of 69.00

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  After 45000 Miles and 2 years - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By 1969dart - May 27 - 1:29 pm

  Ive had this car just over two years and other than the cost of maintenance being high im very happy with this car, this car has been completely trouble free, i get 40 to 42 miles per Gal driving 68 to 72 and about 38 at 75 to 80, i pull my motor cycle trailor from Ohio to Az the past two years with a total trailor weight of about 2000 pounds and i get about 23 to 25 miles to the Gal at 70 miles per Hr, could be a little bigger in the back seat area but other than that i love this little car, i think it thinks its a Diesel truck

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  I haven Driven Almost Every Car In The World, And this is the best car for the price. - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By vmn077 - May 24 - 9:43 pm

  This car is def worth every penny for the price it has. The other competitors cars in the market can not compare its quility, features and history with VW. It drives just as good as any other expensive car. I have own this car for year now and iam just impress every time, its very comfortable, a lot of space and very rised up compare to other sedans. The fuel economy is great for the power it has. I get around 25 - 29 in city and long trip i have gotten numbers above 40 mpgs (using a real data logger). The car come pack of little features must people dont even know about. The is almost matinance free, 10k mile oil change, no timming belt change ever, it uses a map system,means less sensor.

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  FIRST VW PROVES COMFORTABLE, QUIET, QUICK - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By openwheeler - May 17 - 5:04 am

  Picked it up 5/31 and this Candy White with Corn silk/Black accent interior has proven to be a handsome, comfortable second family car. Critics of the interior materials were too harsh. The leatherette is more attractive and comfortable than we expected. Just returned from a round trip to PGH. My 6 foot plus son did not find the rear seats tiring or cramped. Very smooth ride and honestly quieter than our Accord on the road. The engine is a bit "throaty" but the slight rumble doesnt sound weak or cheap. Solid feel. In S mode you get all the kick you need for passing fun. Low end torque takes a bit of getting used too but that comes quickly. Confident handling. Touch screen radio is cool.

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  Awesome commuter car!! - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Happy Camper - March 8 - 10:33 pm

  Bought the car for commuting. 150 miles a day, 30 miles back roads and 120 miles Interstate. I do not drive this car gently, 75/85mph depending on the traffic flow on the interstate. Summer 42-45MPG, Winter 39-42MPG. I do run winter tires on the car in the winter and summer tires in the summer. I have seen 50MPG keeping the speed below 70mph, and I have seen 60MPG on country roads doing less then 60mph. I have the 6 speed manual transmission, Fender stereo with navigation. Now the car has 100,000 miles on it and is still running strong! I have changed the Oil, oil/air filters and tires, that is it. Now its time for new rear brakes and a new battery, thats it. For $25,000 I think it has been a awesome car!!

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  Awesome commuter car!! - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Happy Camper - March 8 - 10:31 pm

  Bought the car for commuting. 150 miles a day, 30 miles back roads and 120 miles Interstate. I do not drive this car gently, 75/85mph depending on the traffic flow on the interstate. Summer 42-45MPG, Winter 39-42MPG. I do run winter tires on the car in the winter and summer tires in the summer. I have seen 50MPG keeping the speed below 70mph, and I have seen 60MPG on country roads doing less then 60mph. I have the 6 speed manual transmission, Fender stereo with navigation. Now the car has 100,000 miles on it and is still running strong! I have changed the Oil, oil/air filters and tires, that is it. Now its time for new rear brakes and a new battery, thats it. For $25,000 I think it has been a awesome car!!

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  Happy VW Convert - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bustoff - March 6 - 6:00 am

  Purchased my TDI Jetta 4 door with premium after test driving everything else out there. That includes BMW 328i. This cars ride is ALMOST as good as the BMW...for 15-20k less...not to mention the cost to insure, maintenance and fueling up with premium and getting significantly less mpg with the BMW. 5 months old and just broke 6,000 miles. Averaged 44.3 mpg from bay area to San Diego...less than one tank of diesel. NO DIESEL SMELL detected. Handles great; plenty of power-had trouble keeping it under 80 on I-5.

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  Good... but... - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bigal11 - November 13 - 12:14 pm

  52k miles. Nice look, cheap interior. Doesnt feel or sound as solid as my German built 13 TDI Golf. Ventilation controls feel frail. No mechanical problems yet but fear of the fuel pump issue lurks. Generally we like the car but wouldnt buy it again. MPGs the same as my traded 08 Civic 5sp, so no advantage using pricy diesel ar paying VW service rates. Particulate filter is a joke. Burning raw fuel without contributing to forward motion hurts efficiency. Whats up with the $12/qt oil? VW owns the arbitrary spec and charges for access to it. Truthfully, I wish I could have my Red 01 Jetta again. Better materials, better MPGs, simpler, better ride and handling qualities.

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  Clear upgrade from my last Jetta except in a few areas - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By golf_jetta - July 10 - 12:25 pm

  I bought my first Jetta in 2006 back when they were giving away free electric guitars with each purchase. That was the cheapest Jetta they had and people were blown away by how nice the interior was. Fast forward to 2011 where you find me buying the 2012 Jetta TDI because I drive 2 hours each day and I want better fuel economy and an automatic. On balance this is a great car. The motor is peppy and the automatic is very smooth. I love the diesel, if you are going to get the Jetta then I recommend you get the automatic with the 2.0 TDI. My suggested improvments are long, but they are really quibbles and should not deter you from purchase.

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  Worth every penny - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By asj2012 - June 24 - 6:49 am

  I have owned my Jetta TDI for almost 2 months and have 3k miles on it - and I have only good things to say about it. Since fuel efficiency was my goal, I decided to buy the TDI in a 6-speed manual transmission. (Note: I also preferred the manual over the automatic because the automatic felt like I was driving a golf cart). At first I was nervous about getting the manual because I had owned the Nissan Altima Coupe manual and it was horrible to drive that I traded it in after 1.5 years for an xterra. The manual transmission in this car is a breeze to drive. The clutch isnt super tight and the gears are easy to master. The interior has lots of upgrades and accommodations. Fun, classy car!!

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  Solid. Fun. Worth Every Penny! - 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
  By fistofstone - May 13 - 9:09 pm

  I have owned two VWs previously, a 1995 Golf and a 2000 Jetta, and was mostly satisfied. The 2012 Jetta TDI, however, has completely blown me away. I simply cannot say enough great things about this car. The low end torque that is referred to in most of the professional reviews, paired with the manual transmission, has to be experienced to be believed. Simply put, driving this car is pure enjoyment. The interior plastics are not as high-quality and warm as I have come to expect from VW - but they are tastefully and intellegently laid out. The stereo system is fantastic; it sounds great and it is easy to use. If you really like to DRIVE, I would highly recommend this car.