Volkswagen Jetta has been marketed over five generations variously as the Atlantic, Bora, City Jetta, Jetta City, Fox, GLI, Jetta, Sagitar, and Vento.The Jetta nameplate derives from the German language word for 'jet stream', reflecting the period in Volkswagen's history when it named its vehicles after prominent winds.
Volkswagen Jetta Sedan 2010 SPECIFICATIONS:
Body style(s): 4-Door SedanComplete specifications of Volkswagen Jetta
Colors: Black,Blue Graphite Metallic,Candy White,Platinum Grey Metallic,Reflex Silver Metallic,Salsa Red,White Gold Metallic
Fuel Capacity:(gal) 14.5
Mileage(est)(city/highway): ~ 30/41 depending on the variant
Price Onwards: $17,735
Volkswagen Jetta US
Volkswagen Jetta Worldwide
Volkswagen Jetta Review:
Few small cars have the following of the Volkswagen Jetta, VW's best-selling model in the U.S. The name, says VW, refers to the Atlantic jetstream, "combined with the luxury and power of a modern jetliner."
Early models were homely and underpowered, but a successful mid-1990s redesign established the Volkswagen Jetta as the compact sedan of choice for up-and-coming buyers in their 20s. This model's subtly upscale cabin accommodations, fun-to-drive demeanor and VW-cool styling set it apart from mainstream economy cars. The availability of a diesel model called the TDI meant that the Jetta could be very fuel-efficient as well. Later, Volkswagen added a Jetta wagon, which proved popular with young families.Recently, VW noted that the average Jetta buyer was now in his 30s and likely in need of more room. So the company made the fifth-generation model (2005 to present) considerably larger, transforming it from a compact into a midsize car. In the process, styling cues and handling characteristics were softened, giving the Jetta a more conventional look and feel.
Current Volkswagen Jetta
The current Volkswagen Jetta sedan is available in S, SE, Wolfsburg Edition, TDI, TDI Cup "Street" Edition and SEL trim levels, while the wagon (Sportwagen) comes in S, SE and TDI only. All S and SE models, as well as the SEL sedan, are powered by a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder. A five-speed manual is standard with this engine, while a six-speed automatic is optional. Wolfsburg Edition Jettas get a turbocharged 2.0-liter four good for 200 hp; a six-speed manual transmission is standard here, and VW's "DSG" dual-clutch automated manual transmission is available.
The Jetta TDI features a 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine that utilizes VW's new clean diesel technology, making this car compliant with all 50 states' emissions requirements. Also available with either a six-speed manual or DSG, the diesel produces 140 hp and a healthy 236 pound-feet of torque, and yields up to 41 mpg on the highway.
The Volkswagen Jetta sets itself apart from domestic and Japanese economy sedans by offering a distinctly European interior and feel to the driving experience. Features are also plentiful. Even the base S trim comes with such niceties as stability control, heated seats and eight-way-adjustable heated front seats with power recline, while the SE features upgrades like a sunroof, heated front seats and a 10-speaker stereo. Further luxuries can be had with the SEL trim and through stand-alone options such as a hard-drive-based navigation system. The Wolfsburg Edition is essentially a Jetta SE with the turbocharged engine, while the TDI Cup "Street" Edition adds bigger wheels and brakes, sport seats and the suspension from VW's GTI.
In reviews, our editors have praised the current Jetta for its cabin furnishings, which have a premium feel. We've also found fit and finish to be above average. The ride is smooth and quiet, and adults won't mind riding in the backseat, though it's not as spacious back there as in a mainstream family sedan. Overall, this is a practical, well-appointed car that's well worth considering if you're in need of a sedan for under $25K.
Used Volkswagen Jetta Models
The present-generation VW Jetta marks the fifth iteration for VW's venerable four-door. It was introduced for 2005, overlapping with the previous generation for one year, and the sedan was the only available body style until the debut of the Sportwagen in 2009.
The initial 2.5-liter five-cylinder base engine made only 150 hp, while trim levels originally included the Value Edition, 2.5, TDI, 2.0T and GLI. 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) will return mileage in the 40s. The TDI was absent until its reincarnation in 2009.
In 2008, VW reorganized the trim levels, upped the base engine's output by 20 horses and made the GLI its own distinct model within the VW family. Features like stability control and heated seats were optional on models from 2008 and earlier, and the optional navigation system wasn't hard-drive-based and lacked touchscreen functionality. Prior to 2010, the Sportwagen could be equipped with the SEL trim, which along with several feature updates, also came with the turbocharged engine found in the Wolfsburg Edition. That year also brought slightly revised instruments, climate controls and radio, along with standard Bluetooth and optional iPod integration. The TDI Cup "Street" Edition was also added to the Jetta trim roster.
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 '01. It was also an entertaining car to drive, and like the current model, 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.