What I liked about the Volkswagen Jetta:
- Roomy back seat
- Free maintenance program
- Affordable price
What I didn't like:
- Dull interior
- Obvious cost-cutting measures
- Not quite as good to drive as the old Jetta
Who should buy the Volkswagen Jetta:
Buyers who have been interested in a Volkswagen but were put off by the high prices
Who should not buy the Volkswagen Jetta:
Volkswagen purists
Details and specs:
- Body style: 4-door sedan
- Seating capacity: 5
- Trim levels: S, SE, SEL, TDI
- Price range (including options): $16,765 - $25,295
- Model/price tested: Jetta SEL AT w/ Sport package, 24,865
- Base engine: 2.0 liter inline 4-cylinder, 115 hp, 125 lb-ft
- Optional engines: 2.5 liter inline 5-cylinder, 170 hp/177 lb-ft; 2.0 liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel, 140 hp, 236 lb-ft
- Premium fuel required? No
- Transmission: 5-speed manual, 6-speed automatic (gasoline), 6-speed twin-clutch automatic (diesel)
- Driveline: Front engine, front-wheel-drive
- EPA fuel economy estimates: 24 MPG city/34 MPG highway (2.0 manual), 23/32 (2.0 automatic), 23/33 (2.5 manual), 24/31 (2.5 automatic), 30/42 (diesel manual/automatic)
- Trunk space: 15.5 cu. ft.
- Where built:Mexico
- Standard safety equipment: Front airbags, front-seat-mounted side airbags, two-row side curtain airbags, antilock brakes, electronic stability control
- Optional safety equipment: None
- Major standard features: Power windows, mirrors and door locks, air conditioning, CD player, height-adjustable driver's seat
- Major options: Alloy wheels, navigation system, upgraded stereo with iPod input, SIRIUS satellite radio, sunroof, sport-tuned suspension, faux-leather interior, Bluetooth phone connectivity
- Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain, 12 years/unlimited mileage outer body rust-through
- Roadside assistance/free maintenance: 3 years/36,000 miles free scheduled maintenance
