2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen

• Overall
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Specs

Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen offers a lot of usable space and one of the most refined driving experiences available in a compact wagon, at an entry price under $20,000.  Performance varies with several different engine choices, however, and some will find the European suspension too stiff for their tastes.

The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen offers a lot of hauling space combined with fuel efficiency that ranges from reasonable (with a 2.5-liter five-cylinder) to outstanding (with a clean-burning, 50-state certified 2.0-liter diesel due in August, 2008).  The ride is pleasant and most reviews call the interior well-constructed. 

• +"Bottom line: We're impressed. Once again, Volkswagen has found a way to deliver impressive German-style performance at an affordable price. Close your eyes (although we don't recommend it at speed) and there's that unmistakable, rock-solid feel you get in competitive models from Ingolstadt, Munich or Stuttgart, but for much less money. You really have to turn around to realize you're in a station wagon." -- Popular Mechanics
• "This is a sleek, nicely sized package. Given that the Passat Wagon offers only a few extra cubic feet of cargo room, one has to wonder whether the SportWagen will cannibalize some of it's larger sibling's sales. For sure, this new Jetta should cannibalize some of its crossover competition. Why roll from up high when you can swing low?"  -- Motor Trend
• "Although nobody has explained yet if we have to say 'SportWagen' with a German accent, we think it would be polite to at least try. Maybe Volkswagen thinks that Americans won't recognize the word wagon if it is misspelled and hidden behind 'Sport." Because who doesn't love sports? Go Tigers! But a wagon is what this is, and it's not all bad -- Car and Driver
• " Much about the Jetta Sportwagen didn't surprise us: the fold-flat back seat, the nicely finished interior, the slightly sporty demeanor. But we did raise an eyebrow at the five-cylinder engine's newfound liveliness." -- Automobile Magazine
• "As we expected, driving the SportWagen is like driving a Jetta -- similar ride, handling and power since many components are identical." -- AutoWeek

Jetta-SportWagen Performance - NA

Reviewers are generally pleased with the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen's performance, noting that it has sporty handling and a competent engine. "The engine revs with a typical five-cylinder thrum -- not the sexiest exhaust note on the planet -- but it pulls smartly," says Motor Trend. A full performance review is coming soon. continue

Jetta-SportWagen Exterior - NA

Most reviewers think that the 2009 Jetta SportWagen looks good.  Popular Mechanics goes as far as to "even a stock Jetta Sportwagen looks hip," which is strong praise for a station wagon.  A full exterior review is coming soon. continue

Jetta-SportWagen Interior - NA

The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen has a cabin reviewers say is upscale, comfortable and typically-Volkswagen. The SportWagen's practical design means it has plenty of cargo space. Car and Driver says, " Fold the rear seats, and there's a full 54 cubic feet of air just waiting to be displaced by dorm-room debris, Home Depot scores, and slobbering Mastiffs." A full interior review is coming soon. continue

Jetta-SportWagen Safety - NA

The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen has not been crash-tested by the government or the insurance industry. A full safety review is coming soon. continue

Jetta-SportWagen Reliability - NA

We are still compiling reliability information on the 2009 VW Jetta SportWagen. The Jetta SportWagen is covered by VW's 4-year/50,000 mile basic and 5-year/60,000 mile warranty.  A full reliability review is coming soon. continue