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Volkswagen Jetta - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Volkswagen Jetta ranks 9 out of 29 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 86 published reviews and test drives of the Volkswagen Jetta, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The VW Jetta has plenty of power, a well-equipped interior and comfortable seating. Its diesel trim earns lots of positive attention for its smooth performance and great gas mileage. However, the Jetta commands quite a price premium over other small cars.

The Jetta offers an impressive level of cachet and substance for its class, plus outstanding safety scores and comfortable seating. Adding to its appeal is the fuel-efficient TDI diesel trim, introduced just last year. After a year driving the Jetta TDI, Automobile Magazine drivers are still pleased. They write, "Our Four Seasons Volkswagen Jetta TDI has turned the corner in its year with us, but it continues to rack up long-legged miles and evoke few complaints." 

But the Jetta’s high price means there are other cars you should consider before signing on the dotted line. With a base price around $17,500, it’s one of the more expensive vehicles in its class. Like many Volkswagens, the Jetta's reputation has also been tarnished by a second-rate reliability history. Consider the Honda Civic for a more reliable choice. The Civic costs about $2,000 less than the Jetta and offers similarly satisfying performance.

Another car with plenty of sporty qualities is the Mazda3, which also costs about $2,000 less than the Jetta. Just redesigned for the 2010 model year, the Mazda boasts outstanding power, a high-class cabin and comfortable seating.

For 2010, the Jetta gets subtle interior changes, including new steering wheels, instrument clusters, climate controls and interior trim. Bluetooth is now standard on all trim levels except the base S. Since the changes are minimal, consider buying a 2009 model. You could snag a discount as dealers make room for the new 2010s on their lots.

The 2010 Jetta comes in several trims – the base S, SE, SEL and diesel-powered TDI. A Jetta SportWagen model is reviewed separately.

• "Jetta sets the class standard for overall refinement and solidity. It's also roomy, comes with many laudable safety features, and boasts a high-quality interior." -- Consumer Guide
• "An upscale compact, the Jetta proves that just because a car is small and reasonably priced doesn't mean it has to have an economy car feel to it. Indeed, the Jetta has long been a refined, well-built alternative to the humdrum offerings more typical of the segment." -- Edmunds
• "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 - 8.4 (Very Good)

The 2010 Volkswagen Jetta boasts a smooth, nimble ride and powerful engines. Test drivers are especially impressed with Volkswagen's ability to engineer a smooth and quick diesel engine for its TDI trim. "The Jetta has always been agile and zippy, but the new, more powerful TDI gives it more oomph, allowing us to power through traffic and accelerate from stoplights with authority and a little bravado -- we totally tooled on a Toyota Prius," says Popular Mechanics. Read More

Jetta Exterior - 7.8 (Good)

Critics generally like the 2010 VW Jetta's style, and a few of them even liken its front end to a smiling face. But as CNET notes, "Gone are the boxy corners and the rectangular lights" -- so the car might not be to your liking if you prefer a more traditional VW style. Read More

Jetta Interior - 8.3 (Very Good)

To some, the Volkswagen Jetta has the best cabin in the class. It certainly makes a strong argument for that distinction with its plush materials and abundant space. The 2010 Jetta also offers optional equipment rarely available on cars in this affordable class. "The Jetta's cabin is a strong selling point, with high-grade, soft-touch materials and metallic trim,” writes Edmunds. Read More

Jetta Safety - 8.6 (Very Good)

The 2010 VW Jetta has competitive safety features and sound safety scores from the federal government. The 2009 model was selected as an insurance industry "Top Safety Pick" for its good performance in crash tests. Read More

Jetta Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)

The 2010 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). The 2010 VW Jetta’s basic warranty is good for three years or 36,000 miles. Read More