Volkswagen Jetta Review

2011 Volkswagen Jetta SEL Sedan

New Models

Used Models

  • 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Sedan View photos
    2010 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel Used TMV from $19,523 Find Used Inventory
  • 2010 Volkswagen Jetta SEL Sedan View photos
    2010 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Used TMV from $15,013 Find Used Inventory
  • 2010 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen SE Station Wagon View photos
    2010 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon Used TMV from $16,483 Find Used Inventory
  • 2008 Volkswagen Jetta SEL Sedan View photos
    2009 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel Used TMV from $18,688 Find Used Inventory
  • 2008 Volkswagen Jetta SEL Sedan View photos
    2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Used TMV from $14,436 Find Used Inventory
  • 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SEL Station Wagon View photos
    2009 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon Used TMV from $16,014 Find Used Inventory
  • 2008 Volkswagen Jetta Exterior View photos
    2008 Volkswagen Jetta Used TMV from $12,858 Find Used Inventory
  • 2007 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0T Sedan View photos
    2007 Volkswagen Jetta Used TMV from $10,506 Find Used Inventory
  • 2006 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 4dr Sedan View photos
    2006 Volkswagen Jetta Used TMV from $9,434 Find Used Inventory
  • 2006 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 4dr Sedan View photos
    2006 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel Used TMV from $14,172 Find Used Inventory
  • 2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon View photos
    2005 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel Used TMV from $10,626 Find Used Inventory
  • 2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan View photos
    2005 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Used TMV from $7,011 Find Used Inventory
  • 2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon View photos
    2005 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon Used TMV from $7,470 Find Used Inventory
  • 2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan View photos
    2004 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel Used TMV from $9,388 Find Used Inventory
  • 2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan View photos
    2004 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Used TMV from $6,002 Find Used Inventory
  • 2004 Volkswagen Jetta Exterior View photos
    2004 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon Used TMV from $6,282 Find Used Inventory
  • 2002 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Sedan Shown View photos
    2003 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel Used TMV from $8,099 Find Used Inventory
  • 2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan View photos
    2003 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Used TMV from $5,163 Find Used Inventory
  • 2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Wagon View photos
    2003 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon Used TMV from $5,457 Find Used Inventory
  • 2002 Volkswagen Jetta Exterior View photos
    2002 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel Used TMV from $7,328 Find Used Inventory
  • 2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan View photos
    2002 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Used TMV from $4,717 Find Used Inventory
  • 2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Wagon View photos
    2002 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon Used TMV from $4,891 Find Used Inventory
  • 2001 Volkswagen Jetta Exterior View photos
    2001 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel Used TMV from $6,658 Find Used Inventory
  • 2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLX 4dr Sedan 5M View photos
    2001 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Used TMV from $4,154 Find Used Inventory
  • 2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Wagon 4A View photos
    2001 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon Used TMV from $4,989 Find Used Inventory
  • 2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan View photos
    2000 Volkswagen Jetta Used TMV from $3,778 Find Used Inventory
  • 2000 Volkswagen Jetta 4 Dr GL Sedan View photos
    2000 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel Used TMV from $5,583 Find Used Inventory
  • 1998 Volkswagen Jetta 4 Dr GT Sedan View photos
    1999 Volkswagen Jetta Used TMV from $2,775 Find Used Inventory
  • 1998 Volkswagen Jetta 4 Dr GLX Sedan View photos
    1999 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel Used TMV from $4,415 Find Used Inventory
  • 1998 Volkswagen Jetta 4 Dr GL Sedan View photos
    1998 Volkswagen Jetta Used TMV from $2,323 Find Used Inventory
  • 1998 Volkswagen Jetta 4 Dr TDI Turbodsl Sedan View photos
    1998 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel Used TMV from $3,826 Find Used Inventory
  • 1997 Volkswagen Jetta 4 Dr GL Sedan View photos
    1997 Volkswagen Jetta Used TMV from $1,883 Find Used Inventory
  • 1997 Volkswagen Jetta 4 Dr GLS Sedan View photos
    1997 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel Used TMV from $2,590 Find Used Inventory
  • 1997 Volkswagen Jetta 4 Dr GL Sedan View photos
    1996 Volkswagen Jetta Used TMV from $1,602 Find Used Inventory
  • 1996 Volkswagen Jetta 4 Dr GL Sedan View photos
    1996 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel Used TMV from $1,999 Find Used Inventory
  • 1995 Volkswagen Jetta 4 Dr GL Sedan View photos
    1995 Volkswagen Jetta Used TMV from $1,264 Find Used Inventory
  • 1994 Volkswagen Jetta 4 Dr GL Sedan View photos
    1994 Volkswagen Jetta Used TMV from $1,309 Find Used Inventory
  • 1993 Volkswagen Jetta 4 Dr GL Sedan View photos
    1993 Volkswagen Jetta Used TMV from $1,287 Find Used Inventory
  • 1991 Volkswagen Jetta 4 Dr GL Sedan View photos
    1992 Volkswagen Jetta Used TMV from $945 Find Used Inventory
  • 1992 Volkswagen Jetta 4 Dr Carat Sedan View photos
    1992 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel Used TMV from $1,111 Find Used Inventory
  • 1991 Volkswagen Jetta Coupe Used TMV from $874 Find Used Inventory
  • 1992 Volkswagen Jetta 4 Dr Carat Sedan View photos
    1991 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel Used TMV from $875 Find Used Inventory
  • 1992 Volkswagen Jetta 4 Dr Carat Sedan View photos
    1991 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Used TMV from $852 Find Used Inventory
  • 1990 Volkswagen Jetta Coupe Used TMV from $773 Find Used Inventory
  • 1992 Volkswagen Jetta 4 Dr Carat Sedan View photos
    1990 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel Used TMV from $808 Find Used Inventory
  • 1992 Volkswagen Jetta 4 Dr Carat Sedan View photos
    1990 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Used TMV from $793 Find Used Inventory

Few small cars have the following of the Volkswagen Jetta, VW's best-selling model in the United States. The name, says VW, refers to the Atlantic jetstream, "combined with the luxury and power of a modern jetliner." For much of the Jetta's recent history, this small sedan and wagon has appealed to buyers with its upscale design and strong turbocharged engines. The latest Jetta steps away from this approach somewhat -- it's now cheaper but less distinctive -- but new or used, the Jetta should be a solid pick.

Current Volkswagen Jetta
The Volkswagen Jetta sedan has been redesigned for 2011. There is a Sportwagen version available, but it is considerably different and thus covered in a separate review.

There are five trim levels available: base, S, SE, SEL and TDI. The base car is a stripper that doesn't even come with air-conditioning or a radio. As such, you'll likely want the S, which kindly grants those aforementioned items plus keyless entry. Both these lower trims are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces a scant 115 horsepower. Stepping up to the SE and SEL gets you a 2.5-liter five-cylinder good for 170 hp.

Besides the engine, these upper trims have access to more standard and optional features. A Sport package can be added to the SEL, which features a sport-tuned suspension and more aggressively bolstered seats. 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 impressive fuel economy. A six-speed manual or Volkswagen's DSG dual-clutch automated manual transmission are available.

In reviews, we haven't been overly impressed with the current VW Jetta. While cheaper than before, it's also less distinctive, offering little more than a  ho-hum driving experience and a merely adequate interior design. If you're the kind of shopper who values getting the most stuff for your money, then this new Jetta will certainly appeal. And it's still one of the better small sedan choices out there. But if you previously liked the Jetta for its upscale persona, this new model will disappoint.

Used Volkswagen Jetta Models
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.

Read the most recent review for 2011 Volkswagen Jetta

Research Models

Advertisement

New Car Resources

Advertisement

Advertisement

Recently Viewed

    Select your vehicles
    Hosted by uCoz