Volkswagen Jetta Review

The Volkswagen Jetta made its American debut in 1980 after achieving widespread popularity in Europe. It proved to be a smart move for the German automaker, as the US eventually became its largest market for the model, averaging around 140,000-150,000 sold here annually. In 2005, the Jetta, essentially a Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit with a trunk, was completely redesigned to be bigger and more powerful than it has ever been before in hopes that its gradually dwindling sales would be rekindled.

See also the main fact sheets for the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta.

High Points

 * Available in four transmission options
 * TDI offers outstanding gas mileage
 * Easy to reach controls
 * More spacious rear cabin
 * Reasonably priced at ($17,900-$24,800)

Low Points

 * Automatic transmission a bit sluggish
 * Front legroom and elbowroom a bit limited
 * Sound system could use some work
 * Loud engine might be offputting for some
 * More generic styling; less European feel

Performance and Handling
The latest Jetta is over 300 pounds heavier than the last, and the added weight can, at times, be felt in hard acceleration. However, the 2.0T and GLI trim levels, new for 2006, are powered by 2.0L 200hp engines, which serve well in mitigating the effects of the Jetta's increased size, and the size and weight themselves contribute to a more solid feel to the ride. A large part of the investment in the Jetta went toward increasing structural integrity. The stronger structure forms not only a more solid grounding for suspension and drivetrain components, it helps reduce unwanted noise from being transmitted into the cabin.

The other element that was considered most critical in the design of this typically performance-oriented car was the suspension. This is, without question, the best handling front wheel drive car Volkswagen has ever produced yet. Replacing the old solid-beam axle with the new four-link rear suspension (with telescopic gas-filled shock absorbers, coil springs and stabilizer bar) means reduced body roll, better contact between the wheels and the pavement, and improved ride quality. This is an amazingly balanced car, with little or no sense that the front end is doing the work of both pulling and steering the car.

The choice of engine will make quite a bit of difference in the performance of your Jetta. The aforementioned 2.0T and GLI will provide the power most will want. The 2.5 and Value Edition are both equipped with a less powerful 2.5L 150hp engine that will still get the job done, but won't feel as sporty or fun as the 2.0T or GLI. Lastly, the TDI is the way to go if the rising cost of gas has been a major issue for you; the super fuel-efficient TDI gets up to 42mpg on the highway with the automatic transmission. So whether you're looking for some punch to your ride or pining for the fuel economy of a hybrid without the cutesy looks, the Jetta has something you'll probably enjoy.

Gas Mileage
Gas mileage will differ, based on your choice of engine and drivetrain. According to figures listed at FuelEconomy.gov, the Jetta's numbers for fuel efficiency are as follows:


 * 1.9L TDI Diesel manual - 36/41
 * 1.9L TDI Diesel automatic - 35/42
 * 2.0L 4-cyl. manual - 23/32
 * 2.0L 4-cyl. automatic - 25/31
 * 2.5L 5-cyl. manual - 22/30
 * 2.5L 5-cyl. automatic - 22/30

Safety
The NHTSA awarded the 2006 Jetta some impressive marks, scoring it a 4-star performer in both front crash tests and rollover and giving it 5 stars for its side-impact tests. This earned it a tie for 1st place in Autos.com's Compact Car category for safety.

Standard safety features include front and rear anti-roll bars; 4-wheel anti-lock brakes with traction control (optional for the Value Edition); front, side, and side-curtain overhead airbags with occupancy sensors; and side-impact bars. Rear side-impact airbags are optional for all trims.

Reliability and Maintenance
As a new model which only debuted in 2005, the latest generation of the Jetta is still a bit too fresh to provide accurate reliability information.

Interior and Comforts
The dimensions of the newest Jetta are larger in every direction, so the first thing you'll notice is its improved roominess both in the cabin and the trunk. The only space where this is in question is the center of the rear seat, as is often the case. Because of a fold down center console/armrest and the raised hump between the two passenger seats, headroom here is an issue.

However, the overall interior quality of materials and sophistication of presentation combine to create an upscale environment that belies the toned down exterior. Guages are bright and easy read and controls are also easily accessed. Even the lowest trim level, the Value Edition, comes standard with such options as cruise control, climate control, a 10-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo system, and a telescopic tilt steering wheel. Move up in trim, and you'll get everything from wood/leather/chrome accents, sunroof, leather interior, an improved stereo system with an in-dash 6-CD changer, and a systems monitor.

Exterior
There has been some talk amongst reviewers about the newly redesigned Jetta, which was unveiled in mid-2005. The rounder countours of its body and relatively tame stylings have drawn comparisons to Japanese models, like the Toyota Corolla. It's very likely that with this new look and increased dimensions in every direction, Volkswagen may be looking to move from marketing the Jetta towards younger drivers to marketing it towards younger families. It's a car that still looks attractive and fun, but also denotes an air of practicality, something equally driveable by college kids or their hip parents.

Volkswagen accomplishes this by stretching the length of the sedan by seven inches, and while it's still a hair taller than its predecessor, it maintains sleekness with a sloped, aerodynamic cabin that appears shorter and more pulled to the back than it actually feels inside. The grille remains distinctively Volkswagen with chrome accents, but the rear sits a bit high from the back, and if the Corolla comparison holds any water, it's in the taillights.

The Value Edition is the only one without silver alloy wheels, and while mud flaps, a rear wing, and rocker panel extensions are optional for all trims, the GLI is the only one to receive fully body-colored bumpers and black grille moldings (minus the chrome on both counts).

Styles and Options
The 2006 Jetta comes in five trim levels: the Value Edition, 2.5, TDI, 2.0T, and sporty GLI. Three engines and four different transmissions are available, depending on trim.

For starters, the Value Edition, as its name would indicate, comes with the most basic of features. Its engine is a 2.5L 150hp inline 5-cylinder, powering a 5-speed manual transmission. Premium cloth seating, cruise control, telescopic tilt steering wheel, and power locks/windows/heated mirrors are standard, while a trip computer, navigation system, rear spoiler, and 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission are all available options.

The 2.5 shares the same engine and transmission as the Value Edition, but sports a few more conveniences. It's the first of the trims to include standard Stability Control and 16" silver alloy wheels. The interior seating is leatherette and the stereo system receives an upgrade from the base setup to a premium system with an in-dash 6-CD changer.

The TDI is the super fuel-efficient diesel Jetta, getting up to 36/41 mpg with the standard manual transmission. Its engine is a 4-cylinder diesel with only 100hp but 177 ft-lbs of torque at a low 1900 rpm. Other than that, it shares the same features as the 2.5.

The 2.0T is the first of the two high-power Jettas. It's equipped with a 2.0L 200hp inline 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. Some of the features that are optional on the previous three trims come standard here, such as heated driver and front passenger seats, steering wheel mounted stereo controls, a trip computer, and leather steering wheel and shift knob coverings.

The GLI is also powered by the same engine and transmission as the 2.0T, but its features are geared more towards a sporty performance. It rides on a sport suspension and 17" silver alloy wheels draped in performance tires and hugs its passengers with sports seating. The GLI is the only model to come standard with a body-colored bumper (as opposed to the chrome accents) and black grille moldings.  Otherwise, interior comfort options remain consistent with the 2.0T and TDI.

Main Competitors

 * Honda Civic
 * Mazda Mazda3
 * Toyota Prius
 * Toyota Corolla
 * Nissan Sentra
 * Ford Focus

Community Sites

 * VWvortex.com
 * VWfixx.com
 * JB car pages: Volkswagen Jetta
 * myturbodiesel.com Jetta TDI FAQ and "how to" VW Jetta TDI FAQ and "how to" list
 * TDIclub.com
 * 2011 Volkswagen Jetta Review