The Volkswagen Jetta is one of Volkswagen’s core models in America. Since its introduction in 1979, more than three million have been sold here, accounting for about a sixth of global sales. In that time the basic premise has stayed the same—a no-nonsense compact sedan based on the VW Golf/Rabbit that’s solid, practical, and affordable.
Volkswagen’s growth has been due in no small part to the success of the Golf hatchback (initially badged as the Rabbit in the U.S.) but it wasn’t as popular here as it was in Europe, so a sedan made sense. That’s essentially what the Jetta is, although later versions have diverged more from the Golf in terms of looks and tech. Now into its seventh generation, today’s Jetta remains a solid, sensible car, just like its forebears.
Changes over time have reflected wider trends—two-door models were available for the first- and second-generation cars, while each successive Jetta model increased in size and gained more high-tech features. Sporty Jetta GLI models have been available since 1984, and a Jetta wagon was sold for a number of years. In general, though, the model range has remained fairly small. Gas engines have been the big-sellers, but diesel engines have also been offered, and a hybrid was available between 2012 and 2016.
Our buying guide looks at how the VW Jetta has changed over time, which models are available and how much you can expect to pay.
Volkswagen Jetta Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Volkswagen Jetta Pros and Cons
- Volkswagen Jetta Generations
- Seventh Generation (2018-present)
- Sixth Generation (2010-2018)
- Fifth Generation (2005-2010)
- Fourth Generation (1999-2005)
- Third Generation (1993-1999)
- Second Generation (1984-1992)
- First Generation (1979-1984)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Volkswagen Jetta years are the best?
No Jetta is immune from problems, but if you’re looking for the best reliability and value, then a late version of the sixth-generation model could be a good option. The latest, post-2019 model benefits from being the newest, and some cars will have some of their manufacturer warranty remaining, but data from carcomplaints.com suggests early versions are prone to transmission issues.
What are the worst Volkswagen Jetta years?
Data from carcomplaints.com shows that 2019 is a bad year for Jetta reliability, due to the transmission issues we just mentioned, but the sheer number of problems cited for 2009-2011 cars suggests these are the worst to choose if you want to avoid problems.
Is a used Volkswagen Jetta a good deal?
The Volkswagen Jetta can be a good deal if you choose a car that’s been well maintained. All versions feel solid and reassuring to drive, have a large trunk, and most models are well-equipped.
Volkswagen Jetta Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good value for money
- All versions have a large trunk
- Latest model is comfortable and fun to drive
Cons:
- Reliability record is nothing to write home about
- Limited range of engines
- Older versions aren’t the most exciting cars to drive
Volkswagen Jetta Generations
Seventh Generation (2018-present)
The latest, seventh-generation Volkswagen Jetta picks up where the last one left off, as a four-door sedan with a U.S.-centric look and feel, clean-cut styling, and an emphasis on value. It’s slightly larger than its predecessor, and although it actually has a smaller trunk, remains a practical family car.
The engine lineup is simple, to say the least. Initially, the only option was a 1.4-liter ‘TSI’ gas engine making 147 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed manual transmission as standard or an eight-speed automatic as an option. In 2020, the latest Jetta GLI model joined the range, with a 228-horsepower 2.0 and a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG transmission. As always, the GLI is a sportier take on the Jetta, with a limited-slip front differential to maximize traction through corners, and a range of cosmetic upgrades. From the 2020 model year onwards, a new 1.5 TSI unit with 158 horsepower became the standard Jetta engine.
As you’d expect, this is the most advanced Jetta yet, with a wealth of features as standard, or optional when new. From the get-go, even the base model featured automatic LED headlights, alloy wheels, air conditioning, a multifunction steering wheel, touchscreen infotainment system, and a rear-view camera as standard. All but the base versions have had a blind-spot monitor and Rear Traffic Alert, while top-spec models have adaptive cruise control. Trim levels have changed over the years and include S, SE, R-Line, SEL, SEL Premium, Jetta Sport, and GLI.
A mild update for the 2022 model year featured design changes such as new front and rear bumpers, as well as the addition of a new Sport trim level. A bigger upgrade took place in autumn 2024, and included new front and rear styling, a new dashboard design and the latest Volkswagen infotainment system. All models now feature rain-sensing windshield wipers, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, wi-fi capability via VW’s Car-Net system, and a range of driver-assistance features known as IQ.Drive. They also have Travel Assist—a lane-assist function that can keep the car centred in its lane on the highway. Core models have an eight-speed automatic transmission, but the Jetta GLI sticks with a six-speed manual as standard.
The seventh-generation VW Jetta has a solid, quality feel inside, but its reliability record is nothing special, and early models can suffer from transmission problems. Warranty cover from new is an industry-standard four years or 50,000 miles.
Prices for a Jetta of this era start at $7,500 for high-mileage models, or $9,000 or so for a car that’s covered less than 80,000 miles. The MSRP of a new Jetta ranged from just under $22,000 to almost $33,000 for the Jetta GLI, as of January 2025.
Sixth Generation (2010-2018)
The sixth-generation Volkswagen Jetta was the first to depart almost entirely from the Golf in its design, with a completely bespoke body (available only in four-door sedan form). Longer and slightly lower than the previous model, it was more spacious and its wheelbase was almost three inches longer.
Unusually, this Jetta was designed to cost less than its predecessor. Today you might call it “de-contented”, since most models initially had twist beam rear suspension, whereas all versions of the previous car had more sophisticated independent rear suspension. The initial engine lineup was carried over from the previous model, and it was already starting to feel old in its predecessor, so there was no progress there. The gas options were a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 114 horsepower or a 2.5-liter four-cylinder unit that made 170 horsepower. The sole diesel option was a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 140 horsepower. The 2013 model year saw the return of the sporty Jetta GLI model, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 200 horsepower, a six-speed manual transmission and independent rear suspension. A 170-horsepower 1.8-liter turbocharged gas engine replaced the 2.5 from the 2014 model year onwards, while power for the higher-powered 2.0 was boosted to 210 horsepower. Independent rear suspension became standard for all models, too. The main innovation for the sixth-gen Jetta was the new Jetta Hybrid model, which combined a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 27-horsepower electric motor and a seven-speed DSG transmission.
A mid-life update for the 2015 model year freshened the interior and exterior design. The long-running 2.0-liter base engine was replaced by a turbocharged 1.4 with 150 horsepower, while the diesel was dropped for the 2016 model year. The Jetta Hybrid was discontinued soon afterwards, leaving the 1.4, the 1.8, and the 2.0 turbo models to see out the model’s lifespan.
The trim levels for this Jetta shifted about over time. For the most part, they were engine-based, being simply Jetta, TDI or Hybrid, with various option packs available. The GLI model was always a standalone trim level, though, and S, SE, and SEL trims were also available towards the beginning and end of the model run. Standard equipment improved over time, but even the earliest base models had power side mirrors, stability control, manual air conditioning, and front, side and curtain airbags. A rear-view camera became standard across the range for later models, with high-spec versions gaining advanced driver assistance features such as a blind-spot monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, and Forward Collision Warning with emergency braking.
The sixth-generation Jetta didn’t do much for the model’s reputation for reliability. Data from carcomplaints.com paints a rather unflattering picture, with engine problems a common complaint, especially for earlier versions.
The entry price for a used Volkswagen Jetta of this era is about $3,500. That bags you a high-mileage car, and if you want one with less than 80,000 miles on the odometer, you’re looking at more like $6,000. Late, low-mileage Jetta GLIs can cost $20,000 or more.
Fifth Generation (2005-2010)
Along with its curvier styling, the fifth-generation VW Jetta was significantly bigger than the car it replaced—nearly seven inches longer, two inches wider, and with more than two inches extra in its wheelbase. All that translated to a much more spacious interior, making this Jetta better suited to families. As with the previous model, there was also a roomy wagon version, called the Jetta SportWagen, for those who needed more space.
This Jetta has a range of updated engines that provided more power than before. Base versions had a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine with 150 horsepower, and there was also a 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit with 200 horsepower. The diesel option was as before, a 1.9-liter unit with 100 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, with a five-speed auto an option for all but the 2.0, which has an optional six-speed automatic. A 2.0-liter diesel with 140 horsepower replaced the 1.9 from the 2009 model year, and power for the 2.5 gas engine was increased to 170 horsepower.
Volkswagen Jetta trim levels for this generation included base, 2.5, 2.0T, TDI, GLI, S, SE, SEL. Base models were a touch… basic, but all versions came with heated and powered side mirrors, climate control, cruise control, remote central locking and front, side, and curtain airbags. Options included dual-zone automatic climate control, a power sunroof, power-adjustable driver’s seat, and side airbags for the rear seats.
Although the fifth-generation Jetta feels like a well-built car it doesn’t have a great record for reliability. Engine and transmission problems can surface, while electrical faults are reasonably common, and the interior trim seems to wear out easily.
The fifth-generation Jetta has not held its value well. At the lower end of the market, prices are very similar to those of the fourth-generation model, with high-mileage cars starting at about $2,500 and sub-100,000 mileage equating to a starting price closer to $5,000. Even later, high-spec versions don’t often fetch more than $10,000.
Fourth Generation (1999-2005)
Volkswagen gave the Jetta a much sleeker look in its fourth-generation form, with a bespoke sedan profile rather than the “hatchback-with-a-trunk” look of previous models. In fact, this was the first Jetta to have entirely different rear doors to the Golf hatchback on which was based. There was a greater differentiation at the front, too, with the Jetta having rectangular headlights that aligned it more closely with the larger Passat sedan. Although slightly wider than its predecessor, its overall dimensions were similar, and interior space wasn’t much improved. In most respects, though, the fourth-generation Jetta seemed like it skipped forwards two generations, with a much more contemporary look, feel and set of features. One thing that didn’t change much was the engine lineup, with updated versions of the 115-horsepower 2.0-liter and the 174-horsepower 2.8-liter V6 gas engines from the previous model. The 90-horsepower 1.9 TDI diesel unit carried over, too, but there was a new gas option in the shape of the 1.8T, with its 150-horsepower turbo engine.
An update for the 2001 model year added a new body style, with the arrival of the Jetta SportWagen—the first wagon version of the Jetta (or Golf) sold in the US. Additionally, V6 models were boosted to 200 horsepower, and became available with a new five-speed automatic transmission (other models had a five-speed manual or four-speed auto). An updated 1.9-liter diesel engine with 100 horsepower was introduced for the 2004 model year, while the V6 was replaced by a 180-horsepower version of the 1.8T towards the end of the model run.
Standard features for the Jetta of this era included air conditioning, a CD player, cruise control, ABS, and a height and reach-adjustable steering column. Dual front and side airbags were standard from the start, with curtain airbags standardized from the 2001 model year onwards. Most versions had alloy wheels, while higher-spec cars came with features such as heated front seats and stability control.
The fourth-generation Jetta has a better reputation for reliability than the models that followed it. It’s generally solid, and has less complex electrical features and engines than later cars.
Prices for high-mileage fourth-generation Jetta models start at about $2,500, and cars with less than 100,000 miles on the clock start at about twice that.
Third Generation (1993-1999)
In its third generation, the Volkswagen Jetta grew slightly, gained a more modern look, and added extra tech and safety features. Now available only as a four-door sedan, the new Jetta was introduced in 1993 and went on to be a big-seller at a time when Volkswagen had been struggling for sales in the US.
The powertrain lineup was stripped back, and the core engine was a 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit making 115 horsepower. The diesel alternative was a 1.9-liter turbodiesel with 90 horsepower that returned excellent fuel economy. A five-speed manual was standard, with a four-speed automatic transmission available as an option. There was no GLI model for this generation, and its replacement was the Jetta GLX, which had a then-new 172-horsepower 2.8-liter V6. While not as overtly sporty as the previous GLI, the GLX had a close-ratio manual transmission (an auto was an option), BBS alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and beefed-up braking and suspension systems.
Core Jetta trim levels for this generation included base, GL, GLS, and GLX. A number of limited-edition models came and went, including the high-spec Wolfsburg Edition, Jetta Jazz, Jetta City, Jetta Celebration, and the outdoorsy Jetta K2 and Jetta Trek. The Jetta GT was noteworthy for featuring some of the GLX mods but the more fuel-efficient 2.0-liter engine.
Standard equipment took a big jump forward. All models had cruise control, central locking and a height-adjustable steering column, while most came with air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, power side mirrors, and dual front airbags.
The 1993-1999 Jetta is known for being generally reliable, but even the later models are now more than 25 years old, so an individual car’s condition largely depends on how it’s been maintained over the years.
The third-generation Jetta is somewhat unloved compared with the first- and second-generation cars, so you may be able to find a tatty one for a cheap runaround. Cars in good condition will still have value to collectors and modifiers, though, so can cost a lot more.
Second Generation (1984-1992)
The second-generation Volkswagen Jetta was introduced for the 1985 model year. It was still available with a two-door or four-door body style, both of which looked rather ungainly compared with the delicately-proportioned first-generation car. It was much more practical, though, thanks to a significant increase in size. As well as useful extra passenger space it had a trunk capacity of 16.6 cu ft, which was very impressive by the standards of the time and compares well with many new cars today.
All models were front-wheel drive, while the engine lineup was very similar to that of the previous version. The gas option was a 1.8-liter four-cylinder, initially with 90 horsepower. As before, there were 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel options—a naturally aspirated version with 52 horsepower or a turbocharged version with 68 horsepower. The sporty Jetta GLI model continued, with a 100-horsepower version of the 1.8 engine, sports-tuned suspension, and a close-ratio five-speed manual transmission.
In 1987, the GLI was updated with a new 16-valve 1.8-liter engine, making 123 horsepower, while in 1988, a high-spec Jetta Carat model with the same engine as the GLI was added to the range. In 1990, the GLI received another engine upgrade, this time to a 2.0-liter unit with 134 horsepower. A new 100-horsepower version of the 1.6 diesel was introduced in 1991, and a new ECOdiesel model with lower emissions but just 59 horsepower was added in 1992.
Standard equipment for Jetta models of this era is basic by modern standards, but GLI models featured a leather-wrapped steering wheel and alloy wheels, while options included air conditioning, cruise control, and power mirrors.
The second-generation Volkswagen Jetta had a good reputation for reliability at the time, but rust is its enemy. As with any car of this age, steering, suspension, and transmission parts are likely to be worn, so a decent test drive is a must before you commit to buy.
This Jetta is a surprisingly collectible car, so prices may be higher than you think, especially for a low-mileage or restored example.
First Generation (1979-1984)
The Volkswagen Jetta sedan arrived in 1979 for the 1980 model year, five years after the Golf (then called the Rabbit) on which it was based. It was a straightforward hatchback to sedan conversion, with most parts shared other than its longer rear end. The wheelbase was the same, too, but the Jetta had a different design for the front grille and headlights, plus some slightly upgraded interior trim that gave it a more upscale feel. Available as a two-door or a four-door model, the first Jetta was—like all its successors—front-wheel drive only. A 1.6-liter four-cylinder gas engine making 76 horsepower was available from the start, and replaced by a 1.7-liter 74-horsepower unit in 1981. Alternatively, there were two 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel engines—a naturally aspirated example with 52 horsepower and a turbocharged version with 68 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission was standard when new, with a three-speed automatic as an option. All gave good mpg for their time, the diesels especially so.
In 1984, Volkswagen added the sporty Jetta GLI to the range—essentially a Golf (Rabbit) GTI in sedan form. Available only as a four-door, it featured a number of changes over the standard car to make it more fun to drive. Power came from a fuel-injected, 90-horsepower, 1.8-liter engine, while sports suspension kept it hunkered down in corners. A cosmetic makeover included bespoke interior trim, alloy wheels, black wheel arch trim, and a black panel between the rear lights.
Any first-generation Jetta is now at least 40 years old, so rust and neglect have got the better of many of them. Those that remain are likely to have been fastidiously maintained or restored, and reliability will depend on an individual car’s maintenance history.
Prices for a first-generation VW Jetta can vary wildly. You might be able to pick up a car in original condition for a couple of thousand dollars, but any modified or restored example will cost a lot more.
