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Volkswagen Jetta

EPA MPG: 38 mpg
Average Retail Price
$2,825 - $4,075

RECALL ALERT:
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

With its comfortable ride and quiet, high-quality interior, the Jetta Wagon feels as substantial as cars costing much more. It is quick and has plenty of cargo space. Further, the VW has good safety equipment and its crash-test results are commendable. However, power delivery with the turbo engine and automatic transmission is uneven and the rear seat is very tight.

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2002 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2002 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

$2,825 - $4,075
economy-icon
EPA MPG 38 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$2,775
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$2,775 - $3,425
economy-icon
EPA MPG 28 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,025 - $4,825
economy-icon
EPA MPG 34 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$2,850
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    wagon
    sedan
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
Front
Engines Available
  • 1.8-liter 4 turbo (180 hp)
  • 1.9-liter 4 turbodiesel (90 hp)
  • 2-liter 4 (115 hp)
  • 2.8-liter V6 (174 hp)
  • 2.8-liter V6 (200 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 5-speed manual
  • 5-speed automatic
  • 4-speed automatic
  • 6-speed manual
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2019-
Current Generation

The seventh generation Jetta has easy-to-use controls, great fuel economy, good cabin room, and the availability of upscale features. The 147-hp, 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that's coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission feels a bit sleepy at times, but delivers responsive acceleration upon demand. Fuel economy is excellent at 34 mpg overall, matching VW's diesel offerings from a decade ago. The ride is absorbent but can be too tender over sharp bumps. Handling is competent but a bit dull. The cabin is relatively quiet for a compact sedan. Most versions come with faux leather seats and automatic climate controls, giving the car an air of premium ambience. For 2022 the Jetta gets a 1.5-liter turbo four cylinder engine instead of the 1.4-liter turbo.  A new Sport trim line replaces the R-Line. Also, in 2022 AEB with pedestrian detection, and blind spot and rear cross traffic warning became standard equipment. For 2025, ACC and LCA come standard.

2011-2018
2011 Redesign Year

The 2011 redesign brought a more spacious rear seat, along with cheaper interior materials and handling that wasn't as crisp. Ultimately the gasoline-powered 2011 Jetta scores too low for us to recommend it. (The car has been improved gradually since then.) The diesel-powered Jetta TDI is a more appealing car; however, it is also one of the VW models called into question for emissions test violations. If you're considering one of these, make sure it passes smog before you buy it. A 37-mpg hybrid debuted in 2013. New for 2016 is a refined and energetic 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that got 32 mpg overall in our testing.

2005-2010
2005 Redesign Year
A beautifully finished and sharp-handling premium small car, the Jetta has long been a jewel. Normally aspirated and turbocharged four-cylinder engines, a gruff five-cylinder, a thrifty turbodiesel, and a six-cylinder powerplant have all been offered. Further, the VW has good safety equipment and its crash-test results are commendable. Before its 2006 redesign, the backseat was particularly cramped, but the car rode beautifully. For 2006, the Jetta grew larger, and the base four-cylinder was replaced by a five-cylinder with more torque, though its character is somewhat gruff. The turbodiesel wagon we tested with a manual transmission averaged an impressive 36 mpg.
1999-2004
1999 Redesign Year

A 1999 redesign improved an already capable car and gave the Jetta new styling. This latest version offers a host of well-designed interior touches but also a tighter rear seat. A wagon model was added for 2001. Four, turbo-Four, turbodiesel, and V6 engines are available. The Jetta is a practical, relatively inexpensive car with a responsive 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a supple ride, and a comfortable interior. The sporty GLX packs a powerful V6, but even the plainer GL and GLS versions offer excellent handling and responsive steering.