The 2006 Volkswagen Jetta was criticized for its excessive price tag on release, but, as a used vehicle, the Value Edition offers a first-class driving experience at a budget-car price. You’re not going to find a better deal on a classier car.
Is the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – The worst thing you can say about the Volkswagen Jetta is that it spreads itself a bit thin across its various engines, from practical to sporty to efficient. But, it does it all better than most.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – A 2006 VW Jetta offers one of the most comfortable cabins in its class, and certainly the most comfortable for under four grand.
- Reliability 8/10 – Classic Volkswagen engineering makes for a car you might be driving a decade from now with proper maintenance.
- Safety 8/10 – Anti-lock brakes are included as a standard feature, which wasn’t always the case in 2006.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – This is one of the most fuel-efficient 2006 compacts available.
- Value 9/10 – The Value Edition is arguably the best deal on the market in this category, and a budget-friendly alternative to a high-maintenance luxury car.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta?
Consumer Reports found the 2006 model Jetta to be roomier and more powerful than earlier models, with sharper handling. But, they note that all of that comes with a stiffer ride than you had with the 2005 edition.
Kelley Blue Book users give the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta a decent 83% recommendation, praising the fun driving feel, the appealing design, the powerful engines, and the long-lasting powertrain. The biggest problem drivers cite is that the cost of frequent small repairs will add up quick.
Edmunds were impressed by the Jetta’s powerful turbo engine, the high-end interior trim materials, the generous standard safety features, the excellent crash test scores, and the above-average build quality. They note that the sticker price was a bit high on release, but this has come down quite a bit in the ensuing years.
What Common Problems Does the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta Have?
Around half of the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta’s 579 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration complaints have to do with powertrain issues. Drivers are reporting transmission shudder at various speeds, possibly having to do with a 2009 recall for loose driveshaft screws and damaged gearboxes.
Electrical issues make up around one in six of the complaints on file with the NHTSA, with drivers reporting power switches for windows, door locks, and fuel doors becoming inoperative due to issues with the wiring harness.
A number of drivers have reported the airbag light coming on at random. There have been no airbag recalls thus far, which suggest that, in many instances, this may be an electrical malfunction rather than an issue related directly to the airbags. But, worth inspecting either way.
The 2006 Jetta has just 6 recalls on file with the NHTSA. A low number for a car this old, but on par for a Volkswagen.
How Long Will the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta Last?
Volkswagens can last for hundreds of thousands of miles with adequate care with some Jetta drivers reporting half a million miles on the original engine and transmission. A used 2006 Jetta will probably reach 250,000 before the more expensive repairs start to pile up.
Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $609, with the most expensive common fixes including new radiator hoses starting at around $604, and new engine mounts at $526.
There is 1 problem I have had with this vehicle and it is a fan in the air conditioning. It buzzes because it hits something else in the vehicle, it makes a buzzing noise for a few moments then stops.
Yes it is very reliable. My car had a few problems like it has an oil leak and I have had to replace the battery once but it is getting close to 200,000 miles and I haven't had to do much repair in the last 5 years.
No, this car has given me no trouble and has never required repair. Only the necessary oil changes and cleanings.
I have had the car for I believe 3 years, nothing too costly has broken. Minor repairs mostly like tires, belts and once an axel (most expensive) runs great, average gas mileage and quick to speed when in a hurry to get somewhere.
The main problem is the previous owner paid to fix the blower for heat/air conditioning and it still doesn't work. Also one speaker doesn't work.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2006 Jetta is very good for the model year. Even the Value Edition sedan includes an MP3 player, with higher trim levels including 6-disc CD changers and up 10 speakers.
Safety technology in the Jetta is excellent for 2006, with anti-slip regulation and anti-lock brakes included as standard features.
Is the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta a Good Value?
The 2006 Volkswagen Jetta is a very good value. The entry-level Value Edition typically lists at around $3,460 with more standard features than you’ll find in some sedans’ high-end trim, and the high-end TDI Special Edition typically sells for around $5,419.
A Volkswagen requires specialized maintenance in many areas, so repair costs are slightly higher than the industry average, but nothing close to what you’re paying to keep a BMW or a Mercedes running. The Jetta gets excellent fuel economy, so that easily makes up the extra money you’re spending on repairs.
What are the Different Models of the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta?
The 2006 Volkswagen Jetta is sold in six different models, ranging from the entry-level Value Edition to the 1.9L Diesel variant.
In the base Value Edition you’re getting:
- Manual air conditioning
- Remote keyless entry
- Premium cloth seating
- Heated mirrors
- Anti-lock brakes and traction control
The 2.5 Sedan adds:
- Leatherette seat trim
- Fold-flat passenger seat
- 6-disc CD player with 10 speakers
The TDI is basically the same as the 2.5 when it comes to features, but it’s powered by the same 1.9L diesel engine found in the Diesel edition.
The turbocharged 2.0T features:
- Heated front seats
- Fog lights
- 2.0L turbocharged inline-four engine
The GLI features the same engine and features as the 2.0T, plus some cosmetic differences like red brake calipers, and the Diesel has all the same features but powered by a 1.9L diesel engine.
What Engines Come In the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta?
- The Jetta’s standard engine is a 2.5L straight-five delivering 150 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. of torque at an average miles-per-gallon of 22/30, city/highway. The 2.5L is paired to a 5-speed automatic transmission in front wheel drive.
- Turbo Jettas are powered by a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four delivering 200 horsepower and 207 lb.-ft. of torque at 25/32 miles to the gallon. This is paired to a 6-speed automatic in front wheel drive.
- The TDI and Diesel models are powered by a 1.9L turbo-diesel inline-four delivering 100 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque at an impressive 36/42 miles to the gallon. This is paired to a 5-speed direct-shift gearbox transmission in front wheel drive.
What Colors Does the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta?
You won’t find many complaints for the 2006 VW Jetta when it comes to comfort. Drivers report a smooth ride with 55 inches of shoulder room and a first-class cabin experience. Even the Value Edition offers a classier ride than you’ll find in some luxury cars.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta Have?
The 2006 Jetta offers 16 cubic feet of trunk space, which is more than enough for the needs of most sedan drivers. You won’t be moving much furniture with your Jetta, but the trunk can pack up to five or six medium suitcases.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The 2006 Volkswagen Jetta was the second model year for the car’s 5th Generation, classified as the A5 version of the car.
2002: The turbocharged inline-four model was new for 2002.
2003: No big changes for 2003, but the car did get some new cupholders and backlit buttons.
2004: The 1.9L diesel model was introduced for 2004.
2005: Volkswagen relaunched the Jetta for 2005 with a slightly larger platform offering more interior space than ever before, and introducing multi-link independent rear suspension to the car.
2006: The sporty GLI model was introduced in 2006.
2007: 2007 saw the return of the Wolfsburg Edition Jetta, along with a new Apple iPod adapter and improved cruise control.
How Does the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta Compare to the Competition?
The 2006 Value Edition Jetta is hard to beat if you’re looking for a really good sedan at a great price. But, the reliable, low-maintenance 2006 Toyota Corolla comes fairly close, typically selling at about a thousand dollars more than a comparable Jetta.
Beyond that, you’ve got the classic Honda Civic, which delivers a sportier driving experience overall, but tends to sell for a couple grand more than a 2006 Jetta.
Where the Jetta really excels as a used car is in offering a luxury-lite experience at a rock-bottom price. You’re simply not going to find a classier cabin or a smoother drive in this price range.
Do Owners Recommend the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta?
Yes, this is a wonderful vehicle! Perfect size car for a college student. It gets great gas mileage and runs great in the winter.
Yes, this car is very reliable if it is taken care of properly and kept up. I bought this car used and have been driving it now for about 5 years and it is still going strong. Pretty good gas mileage too.
Yes, it is a reliable vehicle that gets good gas mileage and has good interior features such as seat warmers. I have never had any engine problems with this car and it has never needed work done at a shop.
Yes I think so, there a lot of features that work well for me. First off its a 5 speed manual transmission, sunroof, auto locks\windows, sleek and smooth body style (2003) with a CD deck, rims etc. It's a four door which also works well for me and my family of four!! It's also decent on gas mileage and usually not too pricey for parts; when repairs are needed. The 2003 Volkswagen Jetta 4 door sedan is by far one of my top five cars.
So far it has been a good reliable vehicle. I have only had it for 8 months now and only started driving it on a regular basis in the past 2 months.
