2008 Volkswagen Jetta [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 53 Jetta reviews and test drives.
Volkswagen Jetta - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Volkswagen Jetta ranks 9 out of 29 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 53 published reviews and test drives of the Volkswagen Jetta, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Jetta delivers excellent power, handling and extensive safety features.
The 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is a small car that gets good reviews for its sporty and fun performance, roomy interior and top-of-the-line safety features. Last redesigned in 2005, the Jetta has been largely unchanged since then. Still reviewers say it effectively competes with even the new models in the class. Others especially highlight the Jetta's good number of safety features.
The 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is available in a variety of trims, and also comes as a wagon. The Volkswagen GLI is a more performance-oriented variant of the Jetta. If you're in the market for an affordable small car, consider the Honda Civic, or one of the newest small cars, the Honda Fit.
- "The Jetta is a great--if often overlooked--small car." -- AutoWeek
- "For years, the Jetta was essentially a Volkswagen Golf hatchback with a conventional trunk, but the current-generation model debuted as a redesigned mid-2005 model. The new Jetta had much more of a contemporary look and was larger, roomier and heavier, with a bigger, more powerful base engine." -- Chicago Sun-Times
- "The comfortable and relatively spacious Jetta boasts a handsome interior and inoffensive exterior styling. The base five-cylinder is economical and competent, but pledges little excitement." -- Car and Driver
- "It's hard to come up with a direct competitor for the Jetta -- few cars offer the same combination of family-friendly cabin, fun-to-drive manner, and brand-name chic. The Nissan Sentra offers generous accommodations and legendary reliability, though it's not as interesting to drive. Mazda approaches the VW's driver appeal, but only in a slightly smaller (Mazda3) or slightly larger (Mazda6) size. The Saab 9-3 shares a lot of the Jetta's appeal; too bad it's priced ten grand higher." -- About.com
- "More luxurious and larger than the four prior generations, the new Volkswagen Jetta packs enough upscale features to appeal to upwardly mobile Golf and Jetta owners, while drawing new buyers into the fold." -- Automobile Magazine
Jetta Performance - 8.0 (Very Good)
The majority of experts agree that the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta offers solid performance for its class, and particularly good handling. Following his test drive with a Jetta SE, About.com's reviewer says, "It seemed to enjoy the drive every bit as much as I did." Continue with our full Performance Review for more reviewer opinion on the Jetta's handling, as well as information on the sedan's 2.5-liter engine. continue
Jetta Exterior - 7.3 (Good)
Most critics like the 2008 Jetta's exterior styling. Automobile Magazine says "the Jetta has taken a more mature turn with the redesigned fifth-general iteration." Still, some critics say that this Jetta is less distinctive than earlier models. Check out the Volkswagen Jetta Photo Gallery to see the additional chrome accents added under the Jetta's grille, hood and front fenders, or continue with our full Exterior Review to find out how much larger the fifth-generation Jetta is than previous models. continue
Jetta Interior - 8.6 (Very Good)
The Jetta's interior is upscale and comfortable, offering plenty of room for a compact car. In addition, several reviews note good materials and a long list of standard features for this class. Check out the Volkswagen Jetta Photo Gallery for up close images of the Jetta's dashboard and gauges, or continue with our full Interior Review for information on the sedan's well-reviewed cargo capacity. continue
Jetta Safety - 8.7 (Very Good)
Reviewers say the Jetta provides more standard safety features than is typical for its class. Additionally, the sedan has done well in government and insurance industry crash tests. Continue with our full Safety Review for information on the Jetta's long list of standard equipment. continue
Jetta Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Volkswagen Jetta reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Each Jetta is covered by a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review to read about Volkswagen's powertrain coverage. continue
