The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan that has a distinctly different look and feel compared to the more popular vehicles in the category.
Few small cars have the loyal fan base of the Volkswagen Jetta, one of the automaker'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 to a Boeing, though. If anything, that's a disservice to the Jetta, which feels far roomier than any flights we've taken recently. But for much of its history, the Jetta appealed to buyers with its upscale design, refined cabin and strong engine options. Essentially, it bridged the gap between everyday compact economy cars and entry-level premium brand compact sedans, a niche almost unto itself.
But the Jetta turned a corner in 2011. In a bid for high-volume and mainstream appeal, VW cut the Jetta's price to make it a more viable option for small-car shoppers. One of the more notable downsides of the associated cost-cutting was cheaper cabin trim, yielding a more modern car, but one that was cheaper and less distinctive. That said, a new or used Jetta remains a solid pick for shoppers looking for a compact car with European flair and good performance.
Current Volkswagen Jetta
The Volkswagen Jetta is a front-wheel-drive compact sedan available in S, SE, SEL and GLI trim levels. The Jetta Hybrid is reviewed separately. The S comes standard with a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine (150 horsepower, 184 pound-feet of torque), a five-speed manual transmission, 16-inch wheels, cloth upholstery, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a four-speaker sound system with 5-inch touchscreen interface. A six-speed automatic transmission, alloy wheels and heated front seats are optional on the S.
The SE includes upgrades such as a sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a 6.3-inch touchscreen interface and VW's smartphone-integrated app services. The SEL builds on these features with highlights that include a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine (170 hp, 184 lb-ft), six-speed automatic transmission, adaptive cruise control, a cooled glovebox, a navigation system, a six-speaker audio system, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
The performance-oriented GLI comes with most of the features listed above as well as a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (210 hp, 207 lb-ft), six-speed manual transmission, 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, unique exterior details, upgraded brakes, front and rear parking sensors, and a premium Fender audio system. A six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is optional.
For 2017, the Jetta Hybrid has been discontinued.
In reviews, we've found the latest Jetta to be a refined, roomy and comfortable compact sedan. We've lamented that it lacks the more upscale interior, Euro-luxury-on-a-budget feel from Jettas of days past/ Even compared against other cars in its class from Ford, Honda and Mazda, the Jetta's cabin feels a little traditional and cheap.
But in terms of passenger and cargo space and technology, the Jetta measures up nicely. Its expansive backseat dwarfs its competitors, and with nearly 15.5 cubic feet of space, the trunk rivals those of even midsize sedans. Two available touchscreen sizes, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and VW's own suite of connected conveniences and services make the Jetta a gadget lover's car right out of the box. If you can overlook some of the chintzy plastic and interior material, 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.
Trim levels initially consisted of Base, S, SE, SEL and TDI (diesel), and the original engine lineup included a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder (115 hp and 125 lb-ft), a 2.5-liter five-cylinder (170 hp and 177 lb-ft) and the turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel four-cylinder (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. There was, however, the introduction of the Jetta Hybrid, which used a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder paired with a 20kW electric motor and seven-speed automatic transmission. Its SE and SEL trim levels basically mirrored the regular gasoline versions.
Potential buyers should note 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 peppy, more fuel-efficient turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine replacing the previous five-cylinder engine. These years also lack the availability of a rearview camera and VW's Car-Net connected conveniences and services.
Changes for 2015 included front and rear styling updates, chassis enhancements that improved crash safety scores, better interior materials, and an improved diesel engine with more power (150 hp, 236 lb-ft). The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder (and base trim level) was finally discontinued in 2016, replaced by a more efficient 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Volkswagen also discontinued the TDI trim and diesel engine after it was discovered the company had cheated in U.S. emissions testing. The diesel has returned after Volkswagen developed a software fix, but only very limited numbers have been approved for sale.
Other changes for 2016 included a touchscreen interface standard across the lineup, while more advanced driver assistance and accident-avoidance features were made optional.
Prior to the current-generation car, the fifth-gen Jetta was produced from 2005 (overlapping with the previous generation for one year) to 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 automatic 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 to 2005 and as a wagon from 2001 to 2005, was popular 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 mpg 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.
