2003 Volkswagen Jetta Review: A Satisfying Combination of Power and Comfort

Gilbert Smith
Jan 19, 2023

The 2003 Volkswagen Jetta isn’t as powerful as a Dodge Neon, as convenient as a Corolla, or as versatile as a Civic. But, for the price, it’s an excellent blend of all of the above.

Front angle view.
likeFilled The Good
Powerful engine options and luxury-lite interior outclass most compacts, and the car has gone from slightly-overpriced to very-affordable over the years.
dislikeFilled The Bad
The back row is a bit tight, and the car is a jack-of-all-trades: Good at everything, excellent at nothing.

Is the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta a Good Used Car?

  • Overall Rating 8/10 – A very well balanced car with generous safety and entertainment features.
  • Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – If you’re in the front row, this is one of the most comfortable cars on the market, and there’s plenty of cargo space thanks to fold-down seats. But the back row is pretty tight.
  • Reliability 7/10 – The powertrain and engine will probably reach 250,000 miles. The window buttons, transmission control modules, air conditioners, and wiring might not.
  • Safety 8/10 – Sure, it’s dated. But this is about as safe as cars got back in 2003, with excellent IIHS ratings and cutting-edge-for-the-time features.
  • Gas Mileage 7/10 – The V6 engine averages 21/31 miles to the gallon, city/highway, which is pretty good for a car bordering on muscle territory.
  • Value 8/10 – There are better family cars and there are sportier compacts, but if you need a daily driver with a bit more oomph in the gas pedal, this is a hard deal to beat.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Juan M
A small 5 speed manual car sedan that gets the car done.
My car is grey with window tints on 19 inch rims lowered on coils with long beach styles wheels with a five speed manual transmission. The car has a lot of miles on it but it gets the job done. The car is a fun little car that is keeps a smile on my face.
accountCircle Marianne M
Diesel is the only way to go in my opinion. They might cost a bit more to buy but the fuel mileage is awesome.
I love my vehicle because it gets between 45 and 50 mpg. It has been a very good car for running around in. I really don't have any complaints about it. It has over 200,000 miles on it.
accountCircle Pete C
2003 Jetta tdi diesel fuel economy.
Love the fuel performance and ease of driving, I would like to get a newer tdi. Have had some problems with electrical and door latches.
accountCircle Lana C
Absolutely love it. Will never give it up.
Fifty miles to the gallon! My Volkswagen has more than 250 thousand miles and is still going strong. There are signs of ware and tare of course but the engine is still good, turbo is still working and all the running gear is still in good shape. I have had to do some minor repairs to this car but I will never give it up. I love it!
accountCircle John M
Fun to drive. Very reliable. Dollar for dollar worth the purchase.
Fun Car to drive. Very dependable. Recall problems at first but, been resolved. Still drive today.
accountCircle Sabrina M
It will run forever as long as you take care of it.
It gets really good gas mileage, it is very reliable. It's just a great family car.
accountCircle Joanne P
Carl the Jetta that lives on your nerves
Drives great even with an issue with the transmission. Occasionally dies but starts right back up. Stalls more often than justified.
accountCircle Artem B
Its very safe, has outstanding air bag system and its very cheap to own and maintain
Awesome car would definitely recommend it to everyone, very reliable. Its 2003 and its saved my butt numerous times

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Todd G
I already did.i would like free coins please
Door handles and windows are junk Everything is broke. Tube for oil dipstick broke. Cheap materials
accountCircle Victoria Y
Great gas mileage if your in a budget or a student traveling to and from work or school.
It's a great car for a young student or single person. Gets the best gas mileage on the freeway and in the city. But it has electrical problems, maintenance is expensive, and it's a very compact car. Not for people with children or families unless you own more than one vehicle.
accountCircle Kelsey Y
It is gray I actually hate this car nothing good to say about it.
My radiator overheating and has done so twice in the past year. The car is very low to the ground and is not reliable for dirt roads. The ball joint is bad. The out lit dies all the time. Headlight battery dies. Just a terrible car in general. And now there is something wrong with the transmission.
accountCircle Maria V
The transmission is bad and it is quite expensive to repair.
At first I loved my car however, I noticed faults. The car is very comfortable but it is not spacious. My car now has had a problem with the transmission and it is expensive to change. I thought that the only problem it had was that but when it was taken to the mechanic there were multiple problems with it. I am now not sure if I should fix it up or buy a new car. I also say this because my friend too had a problem with her transmission of the same model.
accountCircle Vanessa L
My radio doesn't work, it's an old car, my ac takes a long time to work.
It's a used car my dad bought for me. I don't like it because it's always have something wrong with it. We always spending our money's on it. I like it because at least I have my own car.
accountCircle Tammi G
Great gas mileage and runs good
Jetta gets good gas mileage. I get around 300 miles per tank. The seat heaters are a big feature that helped sell me on the car. Car runs and drives nice. I haven't had any issues except needing a new alternator. The trunk has a lot of room. Heater and air conditioner works great. The seats aren't very comfortable for long trips.
accountCircle Christine C
Good for awhile, then the check engine light came on for the coolant system 5 years ago then never turned off.
My 2003 Jetta was my dream car, and a dream it was! Until the German engineering eventually took hold - the check engine light has been on for the last 100k miles with no obvious solution.
accountCircle Tim S
It is super fun and you fall in love with VW.
It is been a great car but the engine light is always on and the ac is broken. It is fairly reliable but I do suggest you buy it from a certified seller instead of a private seller.

What Do Critics Say About the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta?

Consumer Reports found the automatic transmission and turbo engine a bit “uneven” in performance, and they noted that the rear seat is a bit tight. But they were overall impressed with the high-end interior and advanced safety equipment, praising the Jetta as feeling much more expensive than it really is.

Kelley Blue Book users found the Jetta fun to drive, fuel-efficient, and endlessly reliable. Unreliable accessories and cramped back seats earned a few jeers.

Edmunds liked the powerful engine options, comfortable ride, and overall premium build quality, inside and out. They were less enthused about the tight backseats and steeper-than-average sticker price.

What Common Problems Does the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta Have?

Seating is a major issue in the 2003 Jetta, and not just because the back row is a bit tight. There are more than 100 seating complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with many drivers reporting the car’s seats catching fire with the seat heater on.

Additional electrical issues see air conditioners and power windows failing, and fuse boxes melting. In total, issues with electrical features make up more than half of the car’s 460 total NHTSA complaints.

The Jetta’s powertrain comes with a long life expectancy, but there are several reports of the transmission’s control module failing. This can result in jerking, difficulty shifting, and engine stall, with permanent transmission damage taking place if the issue isn’t addressed.

The 2003 Jetta has just 4 recalls on file with the NHTSA, which is pretty good for a twenty year old car. But with so many electrical problems being reported you’ll want to check every switch and dial on the test drive. Most of these accessories are cheap enough to fix, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be used to haggle the price down.

How Long Will the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta Last?

Volkswagen fans will tell you that a VW can last up to a half million miles. In theory, that may be true. If you buy it brand new and if you never delay an oil change and if you’re an expert driver, maybe. If the previous owner did their job, you might hit 300,000 on the original transmission, but realistically you can bet on 250,000 miles.

According to RepairPal, you should expect to spend around $449 a year maintaining older Jettas, with the most expensive common repair being a new rack and pinion system, at around $1,912.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is pretty good for 2003. The entry level GL comes with a cassette player, CD changer, and eight speakers. Just remember, this was twenty years ago. Don’t hold your breath for Bluetooth connectivity.

Safety technology is dated but generous. While the Jetta predates rearview cameras and lane keep assist as common features, it is available with traction control, full airbags, anti-lock brakes and electronic stabilization.

Is the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta a Good Value?

The 2003 Jetta is a pretty good value. On release you could make the argument that the car was a tad overpriced, but over the years the sticker price has come down considerably. A mid-range Jetta typically lists at around $3,595, which is about what you’d expect to pay for a twenty year old compact.

While the 2003 Jetta can’t compete with newer vehicles for onboard features, the ride is comfortable and smooth, the interior is high quality, it’s fun to drive, and it’s got that classic VW engineering under the hood. If you can find one in good shape with under 160,000 miles, that’s a pretty good deal at under four grand.

What are the Different Models of the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta?

The 2003 Jetta is available in five trim levels with the GL and GLS both being sold in Wagon models, and the rest being Sedan exclusive.

The entry-level GL features:

  • Power windows and door locks
  • Cruise control
  • Manual air conditioning
  • Woven cloth seating
  • Comfort bucket seats
  • Premium audio system with eight speakers and CD player

Next up is the GLS, adding:

  • Velour seat trim
  • 15 inch silver aluminum wheels
  • Tilting glass sunroof

The mid-range Wolfsburg Edition adds:

  • Anti-lock brakes
  • Traction control
  • 16 inch silver BBS aluminum wheels

The high-end GLI features:

  • Leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob

Finally, the top-of-the-line GLX adds:

  • Rain sensing windshield wipers
  • Leather seat trim
  • Fog lights
  • Automatic climatronic air conditioning
car
GL Sedan
180 HP 26-26 MPG
car
GL Wagon
90 HP 40-40 MPG
car
Wolfsburg Sedan
180 HP 26-26 MPG
car
GLS Sedan
90 HP 40-40 MPG
car
GLS Wagon
90 HP 40-40 MPG
car
GLI Sedan
200 HP 25-25 MPG
car
GLX Sedan
200 HP 26-26 MPG

What Engines Come In the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta?

  • The 2003 Jetta’s entry level engine is a 2.0L inline-four delivering 90 horsepower and 122 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine averages a very impressive 42/49 miles to the gallon, city/highway. It’s paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission and configured in front wheel drive. This is available in the GL and GLS models.
  • Next up is a 1.8L i4 delivering 180 horsepower and 173 lb.-ft. of torque. 24/31 miles to the gallon, front wheel drive, and paired to a 5-speed automatic. This is available in the GL, GLS, and Wolfsburg,
  • In the GLI and GLX you’ll find a powerful 2.8L V6. 200 horsepower, 195 lb.-ft. of torque, 6-speed manual, and front wheel drive, averaging 21/29 miles to the gallon. This gets us pretty close to muscle car territory.

What Colors Does the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta Come In?

How Comfortable Is the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta?

The 2003 Jetta is fairly comfortable. The front seats are comfortable and the ride is smooth. The back seat is a little tight if you’re packing three adults shoulder to shoulder, but suspension complaints are scarce, so the shocks and struts have held up well over the years.

How Much Storage Space Does the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta Have?

The trunk holds 13 cubic feet of cargo. In a sedan, you can fold the seats down and go up to 34 cubic feet. In a wagon, you can get 51.9 cubic feet of space, which almost brings us into compact SUV territory.

For the wagon, that’s enough to haul a few smaller items if you’re moving or buying furniture. Nightstands, small chairs, maybe a coffee table. The sedan is more limited in this regard, but with either model you won’t have to strap room fans and bicycles to the roof.

Centered wide dash shot

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The 2003 Jetta was part of the A4 generation, the 4th-Gen version of the car which ran from 1999 to 2004.

1999: Also known as the Volkswagen Bora, the 4th-Gen Jetta was styled after the Passat, with smoother curves becoming a staple of the VW brand moving forward.

2000: 2000 was kind of a placeholder year for the Jetta with no major redesigns after the 1999 relaunch.

2001: The Jetta got some minor equipment upgrades for 2001, but no substantial new features or under-the-hood tweaks.

2002: Volkswagen introduced a turbocharged 180 horsepower i4 for the GLS in 2002.

2003: No major changes for 2003, but the car got some new cupholders and backlit buttons.

2004: The GLX trim was dropped for 2004, and a diesel-powered 1.9L engine was introduced.

How Does the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta Compare to the Competition?

The 2003 Jetta’s closest competition is probably that year’s Toyota Corolla, which tends to price about the same at the entry-level and mid-range trims. The Corolla is a little more spacious and versatile, making it the better family car, but it lacks any high-end performance model like the GLI and GLX.

The 2003 Dodge Neon would be a fair comparison, with a potent 215 horsepower SRT-4 trim level. The SRT-4 is legitimately an entry-level muscle car, but it also costs about $1,500 more than the GLI, coming out to around a hundred bucks for every extra horse.

If you’re looking for a family car, the Corolla is the better option. If you’re looking for a muscle car, the Neon is more powerful. But a Jetta GLI does a nice job splitting the difference between efficiency and power.

Ranks #15 Small Cars by Owners

1
car
4.5
2
car
4.35
15
car
3.91

Do Owners Recommend the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta?

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Cara G on March 14, 2021
Big enough for a small family and good on gas.
The only bad thing is if work needs to be done under the hood hard to get to most things have to take some much off just to get to one part. But changing anything under is easy. Axel came out easy and went back in easy. Very roomy in the car and drives good.
accountCircle Josh Fisher on March 1, 2021
Great car for young enthusiasts! Has character u won’t find in modern cars and is easy to repair and mod!!
I absolutely love my Jetta, I bought my 2003 Wagon as my first car when I turned 16. As time progressed I realized how amazing the car truly is. There are faults with it. There’s no such thing as a car with no faults, the tranny slips however it’s very common. But one of the biggest reasons why I love my Jetta is because it has character. Far more character then you will ever find on any new cars. And even tho the tranny slips they don’t die so u can just keep running it. Overall 4/5 excellent purchase for a first time driver and excellent purchase for a young car enthusiast
accountCircle Michael M on February 26, 2021
It is a good gas saving car
No mechanical issues except a funny squeaking noise i hear when i start it. The interior is falling apart. But it drives fine
accountCircle jessica h on January 27, 2021
It still runs and it is over 15 years old. It was a great investment
The car is a great performance car. It is good on gas and easy to find parking spots. It's a nice car with a good budget
accountCircle Lauren C on January 5, 2021
Great car with a few flaws
It's been very reliable, but parts are expensive and the interior cloth is starting to get stained. Handles well, not very powerful but powerful enough.
accountCircle Laura P on December 19, 2020
Long lasting car that will never leave you stranded dependable
My rim is currently bent. Other than that it's a good car great gas comfortable. I wish I had windows tinted but I will eventually get around to it
accountCircle Randal R on December 16, 2020
One of the best details about this vehicle is the safety features. The subframe is solid and for a 15 year old vehicle to have front and side airbags, 4 for the driver and 3 for the passenger, is amazing. I'm sure the newer ones are even safer. The doors are solid for side impact protection in addition to the air bags. This is the main reason I considered buying it to start with.
Vehicle is reliable, comfortable, sporty, gets good mileage for a turbo car, hasn't had many problems with down time or repairs and overall a very great deal for the money I've spent on it so far. It's 15 years old and still drives great, looks good and very dependable. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone considering buying one. Overall I believe it is one of the best vehicles Volkswagen has to offer!
accountCircle Lynn P on December 9, 2020
It has very good gas mileage.
Since this was my first car, I like how reliable it has been. I like how compact it is and the gas mileage. There have been a few recent issues with my car that I do not think reflect the car make or model as a whole, but I do wish my car had more horsepower.
accountCircle Artem B on December 4, 2020
Its very safe, has outstanding air bag system and its very cheap to own and maintain
Awesome car would definitely recommend it to everyone, very reliable. Its 2003 and its saved my butt numerous times
accountCircle John B on December 2, 2020
TDI fuel mileage
Yes especially the TDI engine
accountCircle Juan M on November 8, 2020
A small 5 speed manual car sedan that gets the car done.
My car is grey with window tints on 19 inch rims lowered on coils with long beach styles wheels with a five speed manual transmission. The car has a lot of miles on it but it gets the job done. The car is a fun little car that is keeps a smile on my face.
accountCircle Jay S on October 28, 2020
The car is very reliable.
Reliable car, easy and fun to drive. Never had any major problems with it. Could use a bit more giddy up in the power.
accountCircle Jane H on October 25, 2020
Zippy, reliable, fuel-efficient ride.
My VW Jetta is a delight to drive. Very maneuverable and zippy. It has been a reliable ride for the past 16 years, with no more than the usual maintenance and parts replacement one would expect. Gas mileage is great. Comfort is comparable to other good quality compact vehicles.
accountCircle Valery S on October 20, 2020
A great little car high performance and style.
Its held up well. No major issues. It get great gas mileage. 50 miles per gallon. I take really good care of it as it looks like a brand new car. It's an older car but is mistaken for a new car. Great body style. I don't drive it a lot not many miles but wouldn't trade it for a different car.
accountCircle Shadd R on September 29, 2020
Doesn't break down and the gas mileage is great
It been a good car it doesn't burn much gas and runs really good
accountCircle Forrest B on August 16, 2020
The sun roof might start leaking.
It's a great little car. I like that it's good on gas. I dislike the maintenance. No complaints over all.
accountCircle Tim S on August 13, 2020
The repairs are expensive so I would suggest you get something new used or new from VW.
Really great car but it has always had the engine light on and runs kinda funky. It had lasted me a long time.
accountCircle Angela A on August 11, 2020
Runs well up to lots of mileage with minimal cost due to repairs
Recently bought this car and it has been great!!! Drives super!!
accountCircle Jessica L on July 23, 2020
The car is very reliable for the price.
I love that it has not given me any major issues since I bought it in 2015. I hate that the logo is missing in the front. I love the mileage. I hate the look of the model. I love the radio in it and the engine. I dislike the manual lights.
accountCircle Kaitlynne W on July 14, 2020
It has good gas mileage and it's very dependable. It's good for travel and has had very few minor issues.
This car is very convenient for commute and having a family. It's dated and I would like to get one with more modern technology.
accountCircle trish c on June 28, 2020
That it runs very well and it gets very good fuel economy
Comfortable, good fuel economy, very spacious, but it is older and i wish it was awd or 4wd, and that the seat heater in the passenger seat worked
accountCircle Gabrielle L on June 28, 2020
Consumer satisfaction with this vehicle is above average.
Great gas mileage. Runs well and it is small. Can fit in many places and parking is easy with it. Not great for off-road nor super hilly roads however.
accountCircle Jason S on June 5, 2020
I hardly ever any issues with this car. It's really reliable.
I really enjoy my Jetta, it's been very reliable for me. It's your basic everyday car. But with good trunk space. Not to bad on mpg though the city, even better on Hwy. Have lots of room to fit company. If I were to ask me if they should buy one. I would tell them yes. Most issues with the car is cheap. Just be sure to keep up on the maintenance.
accountCircle Arthur E on June 4, 2020
The car is not that big so if you have a tall family you guys might not fit.
The vehicle is trustworthy and fast, but has minor issues often I guess from the age but other than that it is very reliable and will surely get you around.
accountCircle gub F on May 16, 2020
Reliable and cheap.' good mileage
Like gas mileage and it's cheap. Don't like that it's cheap
accountCircle Pete C on May 15, 2020
2003 Jetta tdi diesel fuel economy.
Love the fuel performance and ease of driving, I would like to get a newer tdi. Have had some problems with electrical and door latches.
accountCircle Nicole C on May 14, 2020
It's not great at going up big hills so be prepared.
I love how small it is so I can park easily and get great gas mileage. I don't like how much repairs cost and how often they are needed. I like how spacious the truck is and that seat folds down to open the trunk up.
accountCircle Christine C on April 9, 2020
Good for awhile, then the check engine light came on for the coolant system 5 years ago then never turned off.
My 2003 Jetta was my dream car, and a dream it was! Until the German engineering eventually took hold - the check engine light has been on for the last 100k miles with no obvious solution.
accountCircle Todd G on March 27, 2020
I already did.i would like free coins please
Door handles and windows are junk Everything is broke. Tube for oil dipstick broke. Cheap materials
accountCircle John M on March 7, 2020
Fun to drive. Very reliable. Dollar for dollar worth the purchase.
Fun Car to drive. Very dependable. Recall problems at first but, been resolved. Still drive today.
accountCircle Kelsey K on February 9, 2020
It's a seriously dependable car, I can't believe we've had it 15 years!
I like that it gets me where I need to go! I don't like that the air conditioning is broken and I'm always worried something else is going to go. I like that it's compact and has great steering/turning radius. The trunk is huge for such a small car
accountCircle Tammi G on February 7, 2020
Great gas mileage and runs good
Jetta gets good gas mileage. I get around 300 miles per tank. The seat heaters are a big feature that helped sell me on the car. Car runs and drives nice. I haven't had any issues except needing a new alternator. The trunk has a lot of room. Heater and air conditioner works great. The seats aren't very comfortable for long trips.
accountCircle Ang N on January 28, 2020
My Jetta experience has been great overall
This is a really great car. It is fun to drive and gets excellent gas mileage. The Jetta's performance and reliability has been good overall. One of the main problems I recently started having would include trouble getting the car to start when it is cold outside.
accountCircle Candy S on January 26, 2020
The amazing and outstanding Volkswagen Jetta gli
The 2003 Jetta gli is an absolutely amazing car. It has style, class, comfort and dependability that anyone married with children or single fresh into college would want in a car. I wouldn't hesitate at all to drive my silver beast of a Jetta across the country
accountCircle Meghan D on January 2, 2020
Reliable, fuel efficient, and zippy!
I really loved this car when I bought it years ago. Very reliable and good mpgs. Unfortunately with age every bit of plastic seems to break. Knobs, latches, locks stopped working. Trunk won't open, AC broke, all the upholstery is falling apart. Headliner sagging and the glue on the door panels has dissolved and leaves a big mess. Still running good besides all the interior cosmetic issues. Tail lights repeatedly short out when it rains.
accountCircle Zoe M on December 25, 2019
A cool feature of my car is the review mirror heaters
I love my car. There are a lot of things about my car that are a little different than most American engineered cars. It took me a while to get used to a lot of the features, but once I did it was wonderful! The whole dash is oriented towards the driver's side and that is a nice feature.
accountCircle Karen K on December 21, 2019
It is a very dependable car. It looks like it is going to fall apart any second but it keeps on going.
I have a love hate relationship with my car. I love how it drives and I feel safe in it also. But I hate the cost of repairs and also that everything is falling apart inside of it.
accountCircle Marceline F on December 2, 2019
The doors freeze shut in the winter too and cannot be opened. But mostly reliable if you have a good mechanic and can afford repairs to keep it running and save on years of car payments.
Mostly dependable, have had many repairs because of its age. Dislike the windows freezing during the winter and then the mechanism breaks and the window falls into the door and has to be taken into the shop.
accountCircle German N on November 23, 2019
Comfort. Is the best part of my vehicle because it has and offers reliability.
Very reliable easy to drive in comfort great interior rides good no complaints normal issues like any other brand I made the right choice because is good in gas mileage family is happy when we all ride together.
accountCircle Norbert L on November 15, 2019
It get really exceptional gas mileage in city and on hwy
I like that it is good on gas,reliable and we'll engineered. I don't like that it's slow,has a weak horn and the parts are expensive
accountCircle Joan G on November 14, 2019
Not to turn too heavy, major key.
It gets very good gas mileage, it also gives a very comfortable ride and is very reliable.
accountCircle Gabriela V on November 12, 2019
Volkswagen Jetta model 2003.
Really good on gas lasts me a very long time. Pretty reliable car gets me places. It is enough space, trunk is pretty spacious as well. The only problem I have is that the alarm does not work properly it works when it wants to. Other than that it has lasted me quite some while with low maintenance to it haven't really need to put in a new motor or anything so really grateful for that.
accountCircle Greg A on November 5, 2019
2003 Volkswagen Jetta 5 speed manual.
Good mpg. Durable engine and trans. Good city car (parking, tight roads, etc. ). Volkswagens are generally prone to electrical issues but I haven't experienced any serious ones. Light behind the fan switch, blinker lights. Just little stuff that can be fixed with a new fuse. Over all a pretty decent commuter car or first car for a high school student.
accountCircle Mary R on October 1, 2019
Good gas mileage. Too small for multiple people.
I like the gas mileage and how long the car holds up. It runs just as well as when I bought it despite putting over 50 thousand miles. It is small so that makes it uncomfortable for multiple people to ride. But the trunk is spacious. And it has seat warmers, a moon roof, and a sunroof.
accountCircle matt s on September 30, 2019
That it is a great car and fun and amazing and that butterflies are great too
This is a waste of time for sure. Are you going to read it? Seriously.
accountCircle Marianne M on September 20, 2019
Diesel is the only way to go in my opinion. They might cost a bit more to buy but the fuel mileage is awesome.
I love my vehicle because it gets between 45 and 50 mpg. It has been a very good car for running around in. I really don't have any complaints about it. It has over 200,000 miles on it.
accountCircle Kelsey Y on September 15, 2019
It is gray I actually hate this car nothing good to say about it.
My radiator overheating and has done so twice in the past year. The car is very low to the ground and is not reliable for dirt roads. The ball joint is bad. The out lit dies all the time. Headlight battery dies. Just a terrible car in general. And now there is something wrong with the transmission.
accountCircle Page B on September 12, 2019
Used Volkswagen Jetta runs good, few electrical problems
This is a reliable car. I bought mine used so it came with some problems. The doors don't lock Every time I use the key fob but it does set the alarm so that will go off if someone tries to get in my car. The sunroof likes to open itself sometimes, just enough to be annoying. Other than that it's been a really good car. Handles great and gets good gas mileage. AC gets cold fast so that's a huge plus for summer time. Everything is electric so it's super convenient
accountCircle Madison C on August 22, 2019
Long lasting and reliable!
Since my car is older, it has recently started to act up a little bit. Although 300,000 miles will do that to you!! There has been two battery replacements and we just had to replace the alternator belt (?). But the overall car has been reliable and something I can count on.
accountCircle Danica P on July 10, 2019
This car gets great mileage and is reliable.
My car has been extremely reliable. It is a diesel engine and I usually get about forty to fifty miles per gallon of fuel. I have owned it for a few months and I have not had any issues aside from the emergency brake getting stuck on. But all it took to fix that was a little bit of lube underneath the car. It is very nice inside and everything works perfectly.
avatar Gilbert Smith
Gilbert Smith is a New Mexico-based automotive journalist who enjoys writing about cars, trucks, and SUVs. He is a longtime contributor to Vehicle History and a member of the site's original content team when it launched.