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Volkswagen Jetta - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta ranks 7 out of 36 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 82 published reviews and test drives of the Volkswagen Jetta, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Jetta has good power, great safety features and comfortable seating, plus a brand new diesel trim that's earning positive attention for its smooth performance and high gas mileage.

According to our analysis, there's little that's not to like about the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. It offers an impressive level of cachet and substance for its class, plus it has outstanding safety scores and comfortable seating working in its favor. VW adds to the Jetta's appeal by finally unveiling the heavily anticipated TDI trim -- a diesel Jetta proves a diesel car doesn't have to be smelly, noisy and slow. 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 there are other cars you could consider before signing on the dotted line. Like many Volkswagens, the Jetta's reputation has been tarnished by a second-rate reliability history. In this economy purchasing a car that's going to last awhile is important, so the Honda Civic might be a better choice. The Civic's performance has long been considered one of the most satisfying of the class.

Another car with plenty of sport qualities is the Mazda3. Just redesigned for the 2010 model year, the 3 has outstanding power on the road, a high-class cabin and comfortable, supportive seating.

Unlike many Volkswagens, the Jetta has abandoned many of the distinctive design traits that VW loyalists love. While on the VW lot, check out the New Beetle's classic rounded shape. Also keep in mind the VW Jetta SportWagen, or the performance-tuned GLI.

• "A cut above the generic four-door sedan, the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta borrows mechanical components from the upscale Audi division, provides an exceptionally strong safety rating and a list of standard and optional equipment rarely found in this class." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "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. ... The refined TDI vanquishes any pre-conceived notions about diesel engines. It's smooth and quiet, yet still fun to drive, while boasting fuel economy similar to that of many gas/electric hybrid cars." -- Consumer Guide
• "The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta remains the only discount-price European sedan. This year's return of the wagon and TDI models makes the Jetta an even more attractive choice." -- Edmunds
• "I find the 2009 VW Jetta TDI's lack of exceptionalism exceptional. This car is ordinary, routine, a mean of averages, a flat line on life's electroencephalogram. It is non-provocative right down to its brake shoes. Find the most common of gardens, and the Jetta is that garden's variety. And that's amazing." -- Los Angeles Times
• "I've always thought of the Volkswagen Jetta as a small starter car best suited for a single person. After test-driving the 2009 Jetta TDI, I can happily admit that I was wrong. This car is great for hauling around the family." -- Mother Proof
• "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 - 8.4 (Very Good)

Test drivers are impressed with Volkswagen's ability to engineer a smooth and quick diesel engine for its TDI trim, while still reserving high praise for the other trims' carryover performance specifications. Popular Mechanics says it best: "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." Read More

Jetta Exterior - 7.8 (Good)

Critics generally like the 2009 Jetta's style. But as CNET notes, "Gone are the boxy corners and the rectangular lights" -- so the car might not be to your liking if you'd prefer a more traditional VW style. Read More

Jetta Interior - 8.4 (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. Kelley Blue Book says, "Overall, the interior is attractive and refined, with materials and finish that are tough to match in the category." The 2009 Jetta also offers optional equipment rarely seen this side of $30,000. Read More

Jetta Safety - 9.4 (Excellent)

The Jetta has competitive safety features and sound safety scores from the federal government and insurance industry to assure potential buyers. Not only that, but the sedan was selected as an IIHS "Top Safety Pick" for performance in front, side and rear crash tests with electronic stability control. Read More

Jetta Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 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 2009 VW Jetta has a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty, and powertrain coverage for the first five years or 60,000 miles. Read More