2008 Volkswagen Jetta Review: Budget Friendly Entry-Level Luxury Compact Car

Alex Showalter
Jul 29, 2022

The 2008 Volkswagen Jetta lasts around 200,000 miles with some relatively minor brake system and oil issues. At $4,357 to $5,694, it’s a good value for an entry-level European sedan.

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likeFilled The Good
The overall build quality is better than other compact cars, the suspension is extremely smooth and the engine is peppy for its size.
dislikeFilled The Bad
Fuel economy is lagging behind rivals, the stereo system is very basic and parts costs are higher than average if anything does break.

Is the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta a Good Used Car?

  • Yes, 2008 is a good year for the Jetta. Owner reviews praise the comfortable cabin, long-lasting engines, and decent performance.
  • Interior quality is very good with nice materials used throughout the cabin for the price. The technology is a bit outdated though, and is missing features like bluetooth.
  • Reliability ratings are excellent. Models from 2007 and 2008 are great choices, with more problems showing up in 2009.
  • Performance is average from the standard 5-cylinder engine, but the turbocharged 4-cylinder is a bit quicker.
  • The Jetta is reasonably safe for a compact car, earning 4 out of 5 stars overall in government crash test ratings, and the lowest score is 4 stars in the front impact score.
  • Fuel economy is average at up to 25 MPG combined, and it gets around 362 miles of range from the 14.5 gallon tank.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Shelly O
Jetta - a highly reliable car, fun to drive, and tons of storage, but more expensive than American cars when it comes to tune ups and replacing parts.
I have owned my Jetta for 8 years and it has been a very reliable car. The back seat is a little cramped for adults for long trips. Trunk is ginormous! I don't like that it only takes synthetic oil, so oil changes are expensive. Also, the cloth ceiling and arm rests have started to sag, which is unsightly.
accountCircle Damian A
Blue volkswagen jetta. Perfect condition runs great
The alignment is off. The calipers need to be changed. It's a good car. I've had it awhile now. Very good on gas. Takes forever to get parts ordered for it though. Comfy not too small. Fits 5 people easy. Electric windows. A.c. Still works. Other than that's it's a pretty good car. Still thinking of trading it in though.
accountCircle Cassandra B
My car is great car for people with small families. I love my car.
The o2 sensor had to be replaced. Along with the airbag sensor. I also had to replace a brake pad sensor. The car handles very nicely and it is a comfort to drive. I have taken it on a few long distance trips and it was great on gas mileage and I was very comfortable driving.
accountCircle Bonnie S
It is standard and leather interior with a nice sunroof.
Like the make. VW are always reliable well built cars. I like the color the comfort and it is great on gas.
accountCircle Chris B
In my car (2008) you need to realize the car rolls as if it's a stick shift car. It's something you have to get use to for sure
Great vehicle. Expensive to maintain however. Good reliability. Have a 2008 Jetta Wolfsburg-turbo Ed and look fwd to getting a newer Jetta.
accountCircle Katie H
Best car I have ever owned.
Extremely reliable, fuel efficient, fully loaded, cannot ask for a better car when your daily commute includes the drop off line at school and then a 20 mile drive to work every morning.
accountCircle Muthulakshmi R
Easy to handle for new drivers like me because of the compact size
Myself being a new driver, my car is easy to drive, though old model. Does not have built in Bluetooth, have to connect using an external Bluetooth.
accountCircle Ryan F
German engineering is some of the best you can buy for a vehicle.
My Jetta is a very reliable and solid 4 door sedan. It has no performance issues or problems. It's a very durable and long lasting vehicle so long as you take good care of it.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Sara M
Used VW Jetta Super Small
Actually not a bad little car, just not roomy enough. Manual transmission, which is a pain and it does not handle the snow well.
accountCircle Sarah W
It drives smoothly, and is enjoyable to drive.
I don't like that maintenance is expensive. The car computer system directs everything. I do like the way it drives.
accountCircle Robert M
It will costa lotto get it fixed but I am told that they do last long.
Can only take it to certain places to get it fixed.. The parts are expensive.. The car is to small but I do love the way it drive. I was never told that the parts for a foreign car would cost so much..
accountCircle Avery L
It is a good car for getting around town. It is not extremely comfortable for driving long distances, and the AC takes a while to cool the car down.
My jetta is a little small. I recently moved and it was difficult to fit furniture in. I like that it is easy to drive and gets decent gas mileage. It has been relatively dependable since I got it about 5 years ago. I dislike that it does not have an aux cord hook up.
accountCircle Wendell c
The most important thing that others should know about my car is that it is dependable.
I like the German engineering. The suspension is tight. The 2.5 liter 5 cylinder engine has good power. It has great trunk space. I dislike the exterior styling. I think it is bland. Right now I have a problem with the sunroof popping up on It's own.
accountCircle Jesus A
Great daily driver, fun to drive.
My 2008 Volkswagen Jetta se is a great vehicle. It is my first car and has great characteristics. The fuel economy is good, and the overall drivability of the vehicle is awesome. The sports mode on it, works great and, as well as the semi-automatic. The engine is good, I haven't had any troubles with it, the suspension is good as well. The interiors are leather and are of good quality, the entertainment system sounds and operates perfectly, the only inconvenience would be the AUX connection that is in the glove box.
accountCircle Sharon C
Drives well with comfortable seats.
I bought mine used. Air conditioner does not cool and takes about 10 minutes to actually start cooling. Heat works well. Head liner pulling from the ceiling. Drives and handles well. Good on gas. Comfortable heat available seats. Does not break smoothly. Defrost takes too long to work. Not happy with cup holders in back seat that are attached to the pull down armrest. Back seating is comfortable. Large trunk with lots of room.
accountCircle Callie J
It is reliable and has had no major issues.
Has 160, 000 miles on it and still runs fine. Just replaces the brakes at 140, 000 for the first time. My only complaint is that it is very difficult to change the oil yourself on the car as it takes a special key to open the oil compartment. The Jetta has been a reliable car for the ten years I have had it with no major breakdowns.

What Do Critics Say About the Volkswagen Jetta?

  • Consumer Reports says the 2008 VW Jetta has better power and handling than before, and has high owner satisfaction scores.
  • Edmunds gives the VW Jetta a 4.6/5 praising the excellent build quality, but Edmunds doesn’t like the average fuel economy.
  • Kelley Blue Book users rate the VW Jetta 4.5/5 and enjoy the affordable German luxury, but owners don’t like the higher maintenance costs.

What Common Problems Does the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta Have?

The most common problems with the 2008 Jetta include brake system issues, excessive oil consumption, and the ignition not recognizing the key. Overall, the problems are fairly minor compared to issues found on other compact cars from 2008.

Brake system issues, leading to a loss in brake pressure, show up on some Jetta models at around 21,000 miles. The source of the problem is usually caused by the brake master cylinder having a failure. Replacing the assembly costs around $300. There was also a recall covering it in 2020.

Excessive oil consumption is another issue reported by owners at around 120,000 miles. Many owners simply check the oil regularly and add oil as needed, while others choose to replace the spark plugs which can help reduce oil loss, and costs around $200.

Ignition system issues where the computer doesn’t recognize the key also show up at around 65,000 miles. The main problem is with the ignition switch in the vehicle, and replacing it for around $400 fixes the issue.

There are 6 recalls, which is an average number for a compact car from 2008. The most serious recall is for the water pump, which can cause the engine to overheat if it fails.

How Long Will the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta Last?

A well-maintained 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should last around 200,000 miles, which is about 100,000 miles less than top competitors like the Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are a bit higher than rivals as well, at $523 per year, according to Repair Pal.

Since most 2008 Jettas have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace the HVAC blend door for $500, transmission shift cable costing $600, and the sunroof motor which costs $650.

accountCircle jessica y

I have been told by many other people that Volkswagen cars are not good and that they constantly break down. I have not had this experience and have driven my car for the past 124,000 miles.

accountCircle Cynthia M

Yes, it is reliable. As I stated previously, the only major problems I have had with the car was when I had to replace the transmission a few years ago.

accountCircle Melissa M

Yes, this has been a very reliable vehicle, with minimal problems. I have only had one issue with it in over 120,000 miles.

accountCircle Corinne G

The 2008 VW Jetta is an extremely reliable car. In 11 years, I have had no major issues at all. This vehicle is still running wonderfully after 180k miles.

accountCircle Bayleigh C

Some problems with the breaks but that was fixed. The air conditioning and heat take a while to kick in and the seat heaters actually got so hot they burned through my leather seats.

accountCircle Mary Jane K

Yes, the Jetta is a very reliable car and it's great on gas. I haven't had any major problems with my car just a few repairs that were regular maintenance.

accountCircle Harold S

Lately I have had some issues, but that is to be expected at 150,000 miles. I have definitely gotten good use of this car.

accountCircle Linda B

Yes it’s reliable. It has a few minor problems here and there but nothing too bad. Such as lights go out quite frequently and I am often adding oil and coolant

How Much Is the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta Worth?

Blue book values range from $4,357 to $5,694, which makes the Jetta similarly priced to other compact cars including the Honda Civic and Mazda3. When new, the price range was $16,990 to $22,900. Depreciation is worse than average, losing about 12% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Volkswagen Jetta?

There are three main models of the Jetta offered for 2008. The fifth generation of the Jetta was introduced for the 2006 model year, with a complete redesign coming in 2010.

S is the entry-level model with:

  • 16-Inch Steel Wheels
  • Cloth Seating
  • Cruise Control
  • Power Windows & Locks
  • Keyless Entry
  • 8-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm Jack

SE is a step up, adding:

  • 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Sunroof
  • Heated Front Seats
  • 10-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo
  • Satellite Radio

SEL is the flagship model and adds:

  • 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Leather Sating
  • Premium 10-Speaker Stereo System
  • Unique Metallic Interior Trim
car
S Sedan
170 HP 25-25 MPG
car
SE Sedan
170 HP 25-25 MPG
car
Wolfsburg Sedan
200 HP 26-26 MPG
car
SEL Sedan
170 HP 25-25 MPG

What Engines Come In the Volkswagen Jetta?

  • The base engine is an average 2.5L-5-cylinder which makes 170 horsepower and gets up to 24 MPG combined.
  • An available upgrade is the slightly more powerful 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder making 200 horsepower, which gets up to 25 MPG combined. Performance is okay, taking 7.7 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Volkswagen Jetta Come In?

How Big Is the Volkswagen Jetta?

The 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is an average compact car that is similar in size to the Ford Focus or Nissan Sentra. Passenger room is excellent throughout the cabin, and adults easily fit in the backseats with plenty of legroom.

Cargo space is above average  for a compact car with 16 cubic feet of room in the trunk, which is enough space for 4-5 suitcases.

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How Does the Volkswagen Jetta Compare to the Competition?

The compact car market is a very competitive one and the Jetta falls near the middle of the group, but offers a higher quality interior than its Japanese rivals.

The Toyota Corolla is a competitor which costs about $800 more. Ownership costs are lower on the Toyota Corolla, but the VW Jetta offers a higher quality interior for the money. We recommend the Toyota Corolla, since it lasts a bit longer, but both are dependable choices.

The Volkswagen Passat is another competitor from VW, which costs about $1,200 more. Passenger and cargo space are both better in the VW Passat, but the VW Jetta has a better steering feel. We recommend the VW Jetta since it’s cheaper to own, unless you need extra room found in the Passat.

Ranks #13 Small Cars by Owners

1
car
5
2
car
4.56
13
Tie
car
4.15

Do Owners Recommend the Volkswagen Jetta?

accountCircle jessica y

Yes. It has been reliable the entire time I have owned it. I enjoy the power the vehicle has when I drive it and the way it handles.

accountCircle Cynthia M

Yes, it is a good vehicle. While it is a small car, it feels sturdy with good weight. It is reliable and I have had few problems with it. I did have the transmission replaced about 4 years ago which was disappointing. Now the interior roof lining is falling down. While that is annoying and unsightly, it does not affect the how the car performs.

accountCircle Melissa M

Yes, I have loved driving it since I purchased it. I have had minimal problems with the vehicle. It is very reliable.

accountCircle Corinne G

The 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It is going on eleven years and it has been so reliable and given few to no engine problems. This vehicle has 180k miles on it and it certainly has a lot of life still in it. If the years that followed are just as good as mine, then I would recommend the Jetta 100% to anyone.

accountCircle Bayleigh C

It is a great vehicle you get good gas mileage for how old it is and mine is in great shape and only needs a little repair here and there.

accountCircle Mary Jane K

I love my VW Jetta, I have had no major issues with my car aside from the usual maintenance. If I purchased another car, it would definitely be another VW.

accountCircle Harold S

Absolutely! It is spacious and feels like a much more expensive car. It handles well and the interior is simple but classy.

accountCircle Heidi L

Yes, it drives well and is great on gas. The only thing is I hate how if something needs fixed I can only bring it to a Volkswagen dealership and not somewhere else like a local shop

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Wendy J on March 19, 2021
Little red reliable never lets me down.
I love my Jetta, the gas mileage is amazing. Its small but has so much room. I can't fit 5 adults easy. It has heated seats that make winter manageable. It is a 5 speed and the only time I have ever wished it was not is in major cities with lots of traffic lights. She is my baby and has never let me down.
accountCircle Avery L on March 12, 2021
It is a good car for getting around town. It is not extremely comfortable for driving long distances, and the AC takes a while to cool the car down.
My jetta is a little small. I recently moved and it was difficult to fit furniture in. I like that it is easy to drive and gets decent gas mileage. It has been relatively dependable since I got it about 5 years ago. I dislike that it does not have an aux cord hook up.
accountCircle Stephanie G on March 7, 2021
I do not really recommend if you plan on doing a lot of commuting.
I purchased my vehicle used. With three previous owners. I has one accident on record and looked pretty presentable while it was on the lot. After purchasing however I realized there were issues with the ac unit and with the interior material of the vehicle.
accountCircle Callie J on February 15, 2021
It is reliable and has had no major issues.
Has 160, 000 miles on it and still runs fine. Just replaces the brakes at 140, 000 for the first time. My only complaint is that it is very difficult to change the oil yourself on the car as it takes a special key to open the oil compartment. The Jetta has been a reliable car for the ten years I have had it with no major breakdowns.
accountCircle Glenn R on February 4, 2021
It gets great mileage, and it has very few issues compared to other cars.
I've had a 2008 Jetta since 2011, which was previously owned by my brother. It's been a great car, and I have very few complaints.
accountCircle Muthulakshmi R on February 2, 2021
Easy to handle for new drivers like me because of the compact size
Myself being a new driver, my car is easy to drive, though old model. Does not have built in Bluetooth, have to connect using an external Bluetooth.
accountCircle Marie g on January 15, 2021
It's a very dependable car.
I like the fuel economy of it. I don't like how small it is. I would like to upgrade to a suv in the next year.
accountCircle Libby B on December 29, 2020
It is very expensive to have it serviced.
I like that it's a smooth drive. I hate how expensive it is to fix anything that breaks. I like the car looks sleep and stylish.
accountCircle Susan G on December 22, 2020
It handles well. It is easy to park.
Like the size, seats are comfortable. Dislike-it was used & has 144,000 miles on it. Like the ac. Trunk is a good size. Dislike-have trouble getting child car seats attached in back seat.
accountCircle Deb G on December 8, 2020
It is very safe and sturdy. In other words, it feels nice and heavy while driving. Some cars are built so cheaply and they feel like tin cans driving down the road, but my VW Jetta is very well made and I feel safe while driving it.
I have loved my Black VW Jetta since the first moment I test drove it. It has a gold stripe on the side, a small spoiler, and the interior is a beautiful beige. I have had trouble with the paint eroding on the spoiler, but it is due to the extreme heat of Florida. It has been very dependable and safe and it has great gas mileage.
accountCircle Cassandra B on December 3, 2020
My car is great car for people with small families. I love my car.
The o2 sensor had to be replaced. Along with the airbag sensor. I also had to replace a brake pad sensor. The car handles very nicely and it is a comfort to drive. I have taken it on a few long distance trips and it was great on gas mileage and I was very comfortable driving.
accountCircle Ebony L on November 2, 2020
I love my gator blue Jetta.
Well I brought my Jetta used in 2016 with almost 90, 000 miles on it. So far it hasn't given me any problems. I really love that I can let chair up a little higher to see better. I do not like that the air vents are set to a certain position without being able to change them. They aren't stuck it's just the way the car was made.
accountCircle Justin p on October 18, 2020
Jerks when it drives or acceleration
It doesn't have a smooth ride. I don't like the leather seats. The air doesn't work that well
accountCircle Ryan F on October 16, 2020
German engineering is some of the best you can buy for a vehicle.
My Jetta is a very reliable and solid 4 door sedan. It has no performance issues or problems. It's a very durable and long lasting vehicle so long as you take good care of it.
accountCircle Emily X on October 15, 2020
This is a very comfortable car.
This car is super comfortable, both for the driver and for passengers, and is very easy and fun to drive. It drives very smoothly and adapts to how you drive (how you accelerate and how you break). I have not had any problems with it and find it to be very reliable.
accountCircle Silvia T on October 12, 2020
The way it drives it's awesome
I love the way it drives and the color I'm really happy that it's mine & I no longer have car payment
accountCircle Sarah W on October 6, 2020
It drives smoothly, and is enjoyable to drive.
I don't like that maintenance is expensive. The car computer system directs everything. I do like the way it drives.
accountCircle Rebecca S on October 5, 2020
My Jetta is super sporty!
Jetta's are sporty cars that are fun to drive and comfortable on long car rides. I have only had to have new brakes, new tires and oil changes to my Jetta and I have had it for ten years. I have used my Jetta like a truck at times because the back seats fold down and I can load 8” 2x4’s into the cat through the trunk. I will definitely buy another VW in the future.
accountCircle Page T on October 1, 2020
It is highly reliable and very fun to drive.
I love the clean design on the exterior and interior of my vehicle. My car is older (2008) but I absolutely prefer it to the newer cars. Inside I have leather, moonroof, radio and simple air/heat controls. It is very functional and does not have all the unnecessary computer/technical stuff new cars have. Plus I love the color and it is very responsive to drive. No complaints.
accountCircle Damian A on September 8, 2020
Blue volkswagen jetta. Perfect condition runs great
The alignment is off. The calipers need to be changed. It's a good car. I've had it awhile now. Very good on gas. Takes forever to get parts ordered for it though. Comfy not too small. Fits 5 people easy. Electric windows. A.c. Still works. Other than that's it's a pretty good car. Still thinking of trading it in though.
accountCircle Jenna S on September 2, 2020
The vrooming Volkswagen. This car has the ability to speed your life up.
The performance part of a Jetta is lovely. It is very reliable. The only problems would include no AUX cord or charging port which I have heard is a problem with many Jetta's. The steering wheel is a bit stiff so it takes some adjustment but as far as performance when driving it is very nice and easy to use. Always dependable.
accountCircle Ulysses L on September 1, 2020
My volkswagen jetta has good horsepower and durable interior.
My Volkswagen Jetta, has a good suspension than any car that I have ( Suzuki forenza ) or (Nissan versa). I have to provide maintenance because is quite an old car but I really like my car. The car does not get rust in the wheels as much.
accountCircle Em P on August 31, 2020
Cute and cozy Volkswagen Jetta with huge trunk and AUX cord port.
I love my car. It is everything I wanted when I started shopping for a car. It has cloth seats with heat warmers up front, a huge trunk (we fit a 55" flat screen TV in the trunk w/ lots of room to spare), gets pretty decent gas mileage, and is an all around cute car to drive. So far I have been really pleased with it. I also really wanted a AUX cord port and it has on which I love. I have only had one mechanical issue so far (knock on wood) and one small part had to be replaced but overall it has been super reliable.
accountCircle Elizabeth P on August 28, 2020
The interior roof is known to fall.
I like the updated interior, the music system, and the speed, I do not like that I do not have a aux cord.
accountCircle Chance L on August 25, 2020
The unknown facts of a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta.
My vehicle has really served its purpose for the most part. It handles well and gets me from point A to point B. The fact that it has a wide body also helps me in the sense of being able to turn well. I am very happy with Volkswagen. My only negatives are the fact that it is an '08 model so it is older. It is appearance needs work but as far as performance I am very delighted with it.
accountCircle Danielle D on August 6, 2020
Her name is phoebe because she can be a little quirky sometimes.
It's a great car. The mileage is really good, and drives great on highways. My car though is having a bit of trouble when it comes to locking doors though, so sometimes I have to do it manually. Even though the car can only seat 5 people (seatbelt wise) it is very spacious and there is quite a lot of legroom, even in the back seats.
accountCircle Alicia W on July 31, 2020
The care is really fun to drive.
The car has had virtually no problems. The only problem that I can foresee is changing the transmission fluid since the transmission is sealed but VW came out later to say that the fluid does actually need to be changed if the car starts to shift hard.
accountCircle Emeri S on July 26, 2020
It's fun! It handles well and sometimes you don't realize how fast you're going. It gets good gas mileage, too.
I really like my Jetta. It's quick and handles well. One thing I dislike is that it has a lot of blind spots. There are a lot of air bags throughout the car, and the location of them makes it difficult to see. Other than that, it's been a pretty great car.
accountCircle Morgan M on July 18, 2020
The most important thing is that the car is a manual.
The car is reliable and in great condition. It is a good family car, but the payments are a little expensive.
accountCircle Cindy C on July 13, 2020
This car is good for any age!
Very reliable and safe. Heated seats and a sunroof. Nice pick up and a smooth ride. Hardly any problems, just routine work. Nice looking car, sporty look but not that sedan look. The trunk is so big for just a smaller size car. Fits four people comfortably plus all the luggage if needed.
accountCircle Valerie S on July 1, 2020
You can roll down all the windows from the outside by turning the key into the drivers side door. Really helps in the summer heat!
I like my car because of the value. I like that it offers all the features (leatherette seats, sunroof, heated seats) at a lower price point. It's been a great vehicle for me for the past 10 years.
accountCircle Corey H on June 26, 2020
Seats are uncomfortable and the interior is rather small.
I like the way that it drives and handles on the road. I do not enjoy the seats and the interior that are uncomfortable. I will be getting larger car next time
accountCircle Elaine P on June 17, 2020
It is a great size, mile fuel is amazing.
Love the size. Love the color. Love the interior with the leather seats. Hate that is foreign, parts are more expensive.
accountCircle Chris B on June 5, 2020
In my car (2008) you need to realize the car rolls as if it's a stick shift car. It's something you have to get use to for sure
Great vehicle. Expensive to maintain however. Good reliability. Have a 2008 Jetta Wolfsburg-turbo Ed and look fwd to getting a newer Jetta.
accountCircle Justine C on June 5, 2020
The most important this is probably that it's well made. I've owned it for 5 years and I'm just starting to have small issues.
I think my car is cute and I love the sun/moonroof. The A/C isn't great; I've taken it to 2 mechanics and they say that's just how it is. It's also starting to have electrical issues. The sunroof will sometimes open itself and the doors won't always lock.
accountCircle Austin L on June 2, 2020
I love the engine and transmission. I love how it drives, it's steering feel. I wish it had sportier suspension.
It's 5 cylinder engine is astounding. It has great power delivery and sound. It's reliable.
accountCircle Kathryn F on May 17, 2020
It's expensive to fix but keeps for a long time!!!
I like how my car rides and the quality gas mileage I receive. I've not had many large issues with the 10-year old model, which is great! This being said, I want a newer car. I also don't like how low it rides to the ground, and the discomfort of my seats during longer trips.
accountCircle Sadie S on May 4, 2020
Classy and Sporty: A Hidden Gem
This car is a driver's car. It's comfortable and sleek on the inside and out. Daily driving is fun and smooth around town and reliable on the highway, and sports mode is a thrilling little feature! This car is sporty and responsive and I've received many compliments from passengers and onlookers- most of which compliment on the modern style and unexpected acceleration power. I bought this car for a reliable and fun daily driver as I work and go to classes. I get excited to slide into it's comfortable leather seats (which are heated and plush) and turn up the volume on sturdy speakers. Speaking of speakers, the stock speakers are not bad at all- I installed a bass subwoofer in my trunk for some added boost and now my music sounds great.
accountCircle Jacob D on April 12, 2020
It is reliable with decent fuel economy.
Nice, comfortable interior, aesthetically appealing body shape. Decent gas mileage. Engine seems to be in good shape for how old the car is.
accountCircle Day W on April 6, 2020
High scores in every department.
Comfortable size, adequate power, excellent storage, minimal mechanical problems, common pleasant styling, reasonable price.
accountCircle Kevin B on March 28, 2020
Great gas mileage. 30+ on the highway.
I like the comfortable interior. Its very easy to drive. My only complaint is with the adjustable seats being manual and not power.
accountCircle Bonnie S on March 21, 2020
It is standard and leather interior with a nice sunroof.
Like the make. VW are always reliable well built cars. I like the color the comfort and it is great on gas.
accountCircle Michael C on March 18, 2020
The car has one of the best transmissions in the car industry.
No complaints. The transmission is very efficient and the shifts are very quick. The fuel efficiency is very nice also.
accountCircle Noah M on March 8, 2020
Great car at it is peak. Just as reliable now.
Really nice car with a lot of room inside. Definitely comfortable with heated seats and a sun window. It has a great acceleration but can be hard to control. The most issues would be the tire pressure sensor and how often you need to change the sparkplugs, depending how often you drive. Other than that, it maintains well. The coolant is the quickest fluid that needs to be changed. It has a CD drive and an auction connector so it helps to have a cable at all times. There a lot of space in the trunk, it even comes with a spare tire.
accountCircle Lilith G on March 5, 2020
My Jetta has a moonroof.
My car is a bit loud when it runs do to its age. It has very touchy breaks and the gas pedal does not allow me to accelerate quickly sometimes. Overall, it runs great however. The gas mileage could be better but it is an excellent starter car. Definitely would recommend.
accountCircle james L on March 4, 2020
Some VW Jetta Repair Issues
The interior cloth has a tendency to need replacement, there has been a problem with the oil pump which is a costly repair, it is too low and gets caught on the undercarriage by the steel rebar that can be extended up above the cement parking barriers.
accountCircle Katie I on February 29, 2020
Good first car for new but experienced driver
No major mechanical issues. Drives very smooth. Very comfortable. Back seat not very large, can comfortably fit a car seat however. No fancy extras however the sunroof is a bonus. Weird vent that faces the windshield, good for deicing but served no other purpose, keep it closed in the summer to cool car faster.
accountCircle Erica D on February 20, 2020
Easy to handle - gets good highway mileage. Love the moon roof!
It has held up very well for a 10 year old car. Nothing much needed in major repairs - keeping up with maintenance keeps her running well.
accountCircle Katy S on January 29, 2020
Just make sure that it is the right size that you want.
Just the cylinders going out. Makes the car not stop as easily and does not accelerate well. Wish it had more gas mileage, that would be nice.
accountCircle Sue A on January 21, 2020
Its my first car, and it's not luxury but it gets me to and from work.
Its old.. The transmission slips.. It has cosmetic damage on one door.. I like it because it belonged to my deceased daughter.
avatar Alex Showalter
Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.