Oscar Navarro Nope.. Most people that say VWs are unreliable have never even owned one.. I have one at 166k miles and not a single problem. About 3 of my friends have one, too.. And they love their cars.
I happen to love the styling and lines on this car. Reminds me very much of the Audi A4 shape and it is a much better looking car up close and in person than photos and videos make it look. One of the reasons I bought this car is because Volkswagen doesn't overdo it with technology that I'll never use, such as lane departure warning and a hundred knobs all over the place. It's classy, European and simple. Other compact cars in its class are overdone both inside and out.
A few years ago, I sold a sports car in order to start saving lots of money. I bought an '04 Jetta 2.5 with 100k miles from a local high school girl for a couple grand. I was just looking for a cheap commuter and no payments. That Jetta turned out to be one of the funniest, most practical vehicles I've ever owned. I fell in love with VW after that. Last week I bought a '14 Jetta SE and I love it so much. I am a German car enthusiast for life now, I think. The car is just so smooth, elegant, simple. I knew I wanted the 1.8L because of the fuel economy. I was a bit worried it might feel sluggish. This is not the case at all! The car gets up to speed pretty quickly, and the auto trans shifts like a dream. I can't even imagine ever needing the 2.5L. The only complaint I have so far is the Aux jack. Sometimes I have to play with it, or plug/unplug my ipod a few times for the car to recognize it (this could possibly be my aux cord though).Overall, I am very happy with this car, thus far. Truth is, I ultimately wanted a Golf, because I think they are super rad, but this was a smarter choice right now. I saved a lot going with the Jetta, and should be able to pay it off fairly quickly. The Golf R will come later!
4 years later still great review! I’m driving 2015 Jetta Sport and love it! Impressive 42mpg on highways is a true and after wild engine noice is a little bit annoying especially during the start stop traffic. New 2019 doesn’t look good at all and VW after Passat n Tuareg is killing another sedan on US market! Shame on you VW!
This engine is the best fit for the Jetta. This engine actually produces 189hp and 204 ft/lbs of torque as measured by APR. Proof that VW under-rates their performance figures.
In a motor trend video they tested an Alpina B7 and an Audi S8 (My dream car) and the Audi claimed to make 520 hp and 481 lb-ft of torque and when they tested it, it made 575 hp and 506 lb-ft of torque with the 20% all wheel drive drivetrain loss. Its got something to do within the VW group. Not to mention the Alpina/BMW claimed more HP and Torque than the Audi and actually, the Audi made over 65 more HP at the wheel. Basically Audi and VW group FTW! Show less
I bought a 2010 Jetta Wolfsburg(2.0 turbo), and I googled an APR dyno video, and they estimated something like 220 actual crank hp. It's rated at 200-207 depending on year and TFSi vs TSI engine.
I drove MANY cars, probably all of them, in this class before buying the 2014 Jetta SE. Not one, in my opinion, came close to the Jettas solid, hunkered down ride and handling. Its certainly not the cheapest in the class, but for my money, it couldn't be touched. And with the sunroof and 18" optional wheels, it's quite sharp looking as well.
And did the electronics fail yet? The Jetta Sportswagen was the vehicle I was going to get until I learned that they STILL haven't fixed the darn electronics!
That's why VW is failing there is no value in its vehicles. Bare bone models are expensive and option packages are ridiculously priced. Nobody is gonna buy a $25k to 30k Jetta
PremierAutoMan86 Paid 21k for my Jetta Sport, Turbo engine, LED lights, soft interior, leatherette heated seats, quiet ride, smooth ride, great acceleration, rearview camera, 17 inch black alloy rims, rear spoiler, etc. I have zero complaints, actually, I might be in love.
You can get a Jetta GLI for about the same money as a V6 Accord or Camry. Probably not QUITE as reliable as a V6 Accord, but just as quick with DSG and ever so slightly better on gas and more fun to drive fast. Just make sure it's always under warranty as the VW/Audi 2.0 TSI engines tend to develop bad carbon buildup and such.
Tall drivers rejoice. I just spent a couple of days with this new Jetta (Avis rental-the standard SE for $18,895) and it has loads of drivers legroom. Unlike the Focus/Civic/Mazda3/ ect. ect. this "compact" car actually fits tall drivers very comfortably. I am 6'4 with a 36'in inseam, and I had enough legroom to comfortably do a NYC-Philly (and back) road trip in complete comfort. My legs were actually stretched forward, not splayed out like in others compact sedans.The Jetta feels a lot like a FWD Audi A4, but with a slightly less potent engine. Just remember to keep the transmission in "sport" mode. The Jetta is not exciting like the Focus, but the improvements have made it a credible alternative to the "normal" choices in the compact car class. It might actually now deserve the name...Jetta. And it's the only choice if you have long legs.
I wish VW didn't go for the cheap Jetta in the first place. Now, they are trying to fix it back, but the Jetta reputation has been dameged in the past few years.
Completely agree. I am a diehard VW fan but the 2011 model, well it was crap. I wouldn't even stand near one. In 2012, yeah they improved with nicer interiors and more features, but still not good. In 2013, not much changed and I still wouldn't buy it. In 2014, I would go for it in a heartbeat. My uncle has a 2012 Jetta and it handles very nicely. It is fun. I wouldn't buy a mk6 Jetta though. The mk7 Golf is months away now, and it has gotten over 12 awards in Europe within the first two months after it's release. So excited for it.
I agree too. You used to be able to tell a Jetta from a block away, now it’s hard to tell it apart from it’s competitors even if they are parked side by side. Cheapening the interior wasn’t a smart move either. And now they wonder why sales are lagging?
JohnzCarz Yup. Although I do like the styling. Looks like an A4 from the back but the front is a bit plain. And no, cheapening its interior was the worst thing they could do to a car that had a the "Premium Compact" title. That quickly went to the 2012 Focus and its been jumping around ever since. It's weird because VW is the 3rd largest car manufacturer, yes? That would lead you to believe that they make the 3rd most amount of money. However, they make more money than all of GM, Chrysler Auto Group, and all of Ford Motor Company combined in the whole world. If they're making that much money, why are they skimping with the Jetta? And I was talking to a VW salesman a few days ago and he said they lose 2 million dollars on every Bugatti Veyron they sell and the only gain $19 from every Jetta they sell, 19!! So, either the Golf is being sold like nothing else in Europe or anywhere else, or VW is doing robbing banks or something.
Joel Peñaló Oh yeah. I kinda want a Jetta because of that massive trunk and backseat along with the 1.8t. The mk7 golf will be worth a look too. I have a mk4 jetta vr6 and am tired of putting premium gas in while doing all highway driving and getting no better than 35mpg. A new car will be coming soon for me.
Getting rid of my old 2002 Honda Civic for one of these and can't wait the plain interior doesn't bother me haha it looks a decade newer than my last one!!
Purchased a 2014 SE for my wife liked it so much i recently purchased 2015 sport model. The Jetta is a great value both cars have the 1.8T engine, gas mileage is great, and the cars have plenty of power. Timed myself at 7 second 0-60. I have owned toyotas, nissans and hondas. None drive as well as a VW off the showroom. I also own an audi A4. I f u want performance buy German. If u want gadgets buy a kia or hyundai but u will be buying a new car in 4 years.
jldude84 “Um, no.” Well, yes! “Modern VWs are every bit as good as a Toyota.” Modern VW’s are the worst ever VW’s, and not even come close to Toyota or Honda. “I know this because I have 5 years of personal experience on the matter, do you?” I have statistical data to prove you wrong regardless to your personal experience. Also I have information about how VW conduct business i.e. A bunch of crooks. Just because of that aspect VW can not even come close to Toyota.
Wow that's expensive. For 27k you can get a new Mazda 3s Grand Touring with dual climate control, LED DRL, Bi-Xenon's, Bose sound system, and a funner car to drive.
Of course VWoA wont bring these options over from Europe... In the U.K. you aren't limited for options like in the U.S. Pretty much every engine is even available for any model outside the U.S. Pretty sad if you ask me.
Loved the 2.5 vw engine 5 cylinder it was a good engine and great car had a 2006. Also a 2014 with the 1.8 also a good car. But suggest you have it serviced by vw. Not uncle Frankie the local mechanic to avoid a lot of misery. Nobody but vw touches my vw. Also had a 2000 Jetta with the vr6. A real bomb on he highway. No problem with my 2024
I just want a car that's fast, has a good gear box and lets me drive it and doesn't try to tell me what to do. I'm sure the SE will be fine 0-60 in 7 seconds is fast enough for me and it's a VW it will run forever.
VW electronics cost a plenty when they fail which they inevitably always do over time. Also my brother bought a Jetta and it leaked trans fluid just after he bought it new...
why the hell does he say high trim level for a decent engine? just go up to the se and you get the 1.8t, 16in wheels as opposed to 15in, leatherette seating as opposed to cloth, and a better sound system. the upgrade from the s to the se is only 2000. he also mentioned the transmission not liking stop and go traffic, and you can make the car much cheaper by not buying the over crapified sel and going for an se with a manual
I say it's clean, classy and not overdone unlike so many auto makers who are doing trying to out do each other. To each there own. Opinions are like ________, everybody has one.
BandanaP I think it looks grown up and not overcompensating for anything, classy. To each their own though, if you wanna look like boy racer you certainly can.
I don't think that I have to go full blown "boy racer" to think the Jetta is a boring, slab sided German snoozefest. You're acting like it's all or nothing.
Not Jealous I own 3 V-dubs....giving them their props, read and comprehend. Just purchased the 2015 Jetta Sport and its Unitronic tuned thats just my daily driver/commuter so like I said READ....The other 2 don't see rain only dry pavement get ur game up before u try to come at someone!
Leasing a 2014 passat tsi...the engine is a marvel , hopefully it won't be plagued with carbon deposites that direct injection engines produce. Now for the car, paint and electronic are horrible ... Stay away and buy a kia instead . I'm seriously disappointed...also vw of america doesn't really think these issues are worth fixing, bad experience at dealer . just my opinion .
***** i just bought the 1.8t for >17500 (-taxes, fees). one of my friends insisted the mazda3 was just about the same speed... no its not. getting off the ramp to hw is so smooth and fast for its class its scary
I always "want" to like VWs, but I never do. Problem is they tease with a totally decontented base model, and things that would be standard on other cars jack the price up. I like the bland styling, but the driving is more bland than the looks. And I guess Germans like an upright steering wheel cuz even at full tilt and full telescope I can't reach the wheel. So I kind of gave up on trying to like them. Plenty of cars around I can truly enjoy.
Wait...So i could get a nicely optioned Jetta,...or a new 2015 Audi A3 sedan. I think we see where VW/Audi is going with this. I'm still going to wait for the new gen Golf to come to America.
If VW wants people to buy their cars they have to STEP UP THE STYLING. Most all vw look boring. They need to find something that makes that unique and cool. Look at dodge and toyota, they have signature led taillights and grille and i see whose cars everywhere
It's not the same 1.8t used in MK4's. The new one is 16 valves while the other was 20 valves. Hopefully heads won't be to expensive like they were for the 20 valve. Idiots don't change the belts on the 20 valves and wonder why their car is broken lol.
J Segal Chains do need replacing.... They usually last for around 100,000 miles before they stretch out to far and start making clanking sounds. Also the chain tensioner's go bad... Toyotas definitely break. Seen more newer Toyota's on the side of the highway than any other manufacturer lately.
You yourself started by saying that timing belts MUST be changed and in my experience you are correct about belts. My experience with Toyotas is they can go 150,000 miles before they need ANY service beyond oil, tires, brakes. I have a 2003 Corolla with 300k- original timing chain. The damn things just go and go and go.
J Segal Hmmm. Chains are suppose to be changed as well. No parts in cars are what manufacturers consider "lifetime". "Lifetime" of a vehicle to the manufacturer is 100,000 miles sometimes less. Don't be surprised when your chain tensioner or chain snaps and ruins your engine someday. You have been warned.
I think the jetta is still a great looking car! For all the haters out there why don't u stick to ur corollas and civics cause u prolly can't even afford a jetta.
Leasing a 2014 passat tsi...the engine is a marvel , hopefully it won't be plagued with carbon deposites that direct injection engines produce. Now for the car, paint and electronic are horrible ... Stay away and buy a kia instead . I'm seriously disappointed...also vw of america doesn't really think these issues are worth fixing, bad experience at dealer . just my opinion .
