2009 Volkswagen Jetta Review: A Reliable Year For The Popular Compact Car

Alex Showalter
May 31, 2022

The 2009 Jetta lasts around 200,000 miles with some brake and engine complaints. At $4,594 – 6,922, it’s an excellent value for shoppers looking for an entry-level German car.

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likeFilled The Good
Interior materials are luxurious, there’s more cargo space than rivals and the engines are powerful.
dislikeFilled The Bad
Base engine fuel economy is lower than rivals, the cabin is noisy and ownership costs are high.

Is the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta a Good Used Car?

  • Yes, 2009 is a good year. Owner reviews like the peppy engine, compact size, and upscale interior for the price.
  • Reliability ratings are average. Jettas from 20072010 are all okay, with engine problems showing up on the 2011
  • Performance is average from the base engine, but the turbo motor is relatively quick.
  • The Jetta is a reasonably safe car, getting 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests.
  • Fuel economy is phenomenal at up to 32 MPG combined.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Ben B
Maintenance costs can run high especially with sensors or computer parts.
I have had issues with oxygen sensors and other computer chips. Other than these issues my car is great. Seats are comfortable, drives great on side streets and highways. Definitely would recommend a Volkswagen to anyone.
accountCircle Katie W
VW Jetta, great car but can be pricey to fix.
It is a great car but when something goes wrong it can be expensive to fix because of the German parts. But overall it has been a great car. Oil changes are expensive, had to replace the breaks but other than that I have had no issues with it. I would recommend it but maybe a newer year would be better.
accountCircle Randy p
It is a great value for the price I paid. All the bells and whistles available in 2009.
It is sporty, peppy, has a lot of great features. I like the gas mileage it gets. The only thing don't like is it doesn't have the newer features.
accountCircle Mary K
Low maintenance and great gas mileage.
Rides well. Low maintenance. Great gas mileage. Nice looking, comfortable. No complaints at all. I would buy another one.
accountCircle Hannah D
Smooth rider Volkswagen sedan.
My car is very reliable and has heated, comfortable seats for long trips. This is my second Volkswagen and I cannot seem to get away from them. I would suggest a Volkswagen for either a family car or even a young driver it being a heavier car and much safer in an accident if that would occur.
accountCircle Kim J
My VW Jetta Tdi gets excellent fuel mileage. I average 40 MPG!
The VW Jetta is such a fun car to drive besides being dependable and safe. I have owned several Jettas and got wonderful service from them all. My favorite was 2003 Jetta Tdi and got over 300,000 miles. I am hoping to get that many or more from my current Jetta.
accountCircle christine p
I love my Jetta because it is standard and has a lot of power.I recently found the aux plug and get great music. It is beginning to rust terribly so I'm unsure of the quality of the paint.
More controlled driving with a standard, very powerful v6.
accountCircle Betty E
Volkswagen Jetta: a reliable choice.
Very reliable and comfortable to ride; excellent gas mileage. Engine has good pickup for passing and anti lock brakes function very well. Large trunk and fold down back seats accommodate loads on shopping trips. Easy to maneuver into tight parking spaces.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle claudia h
It has a sunroof and it is the only good thing about it
Many issues with engine light, brakes and the key gets stuck in the ignition twice cost over $300 to fix each time
accountCircle Erica L
Volkswagens have terrible air conditioning. They're cheaply made, over prices, and have tons of problems from day one.
The air conditioning is basically non existent. I live in the south and it takes forever for the air conditioner to kick in. It also dies after being on for about 30 minutes. We over paid a lot for this vehicle. I hate everything about it.
accountCircle Shen D
VW is an expensive car to fix if anything goes wrong with it
It's always got something wrong with it. It has turned out to be very expensive and i can't wait to get rid of it
accountCircle Mikey E
Awful Jetta Transmission Caput
For starters, the car's fuel efficiency is terrible. The market is saturated with this 2009 model and thus the resale value is low. Oh, and at 81,000 miles my transmission failed and I had to have a new one put in. The new transmission is worth more than the actual car.
accountCircle Steve W
Do not buy a Jetta if it is more than 2 years old.
Most of the electronics and abs system (s) began breaking down all at the same time around the 8 year mark. Replacement parts are extremely expensive (overpriced) unless you go with non-oem parts and that is only if you can find them.
accountCircle James E
Volkswagen Jetta - solid and economical.
Drives/handles well. I have had problems with the electric system (headlights, tail lights). I rarely use the sunroof, but it is nice to know its there. The sound system is solid. Wish there were more options electronically (e. G., Bluetooth). Gas mileage is solid. I also enjoy the satellite radio. Wish it handled better in the snow.
accountCircle Jessica J
My Chevy is very dependable.
There is a lot of recalled parts that I have had to take it in to be replaced. I feel like parts of the car weren't made well.
accountCircle Anni D
Easy to drive and reliable.
Definitely some maintenance issues we've come across, but overall reliable. Easy to drive but the cab is not really big enough for a family of 4. Pretty comfortable seats, though the seat heater in the passenger seat has gone out. Overall solid vehicle that gets good mileage and is easy to drive.

What Do Critics Say About the Jetta?

  • Consumer Reports says the Jetta has an improved interior and performance, but below average owner satisfaction scores.
  • Edmunds gives the Jetta a 4.6/5 liking the strong engines, but disliking the smaller backseats.
  • Kelley Blue Book users rate the Jetta 4.5/5 and enjoy the well-built interior, but don’t like the poor steering.

What Common Problems Does the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Have?

Problems found on the 2009 Jetta include brake system issues, stalling engines, and some electrical damage.

Brake system problems including ABS module failures are the most common problem, showing up at around 100,000 miles. Volkswagen addressed the problem with a recall in 2016 that replaced failed modules.

Stalling engines are mentioned by some owners at around 105,000 miles. The coil packs are a weak spot and fail sooner than on some brands. Replacing the coils is fairly affordable, at about $250.

Electrical issues leading to a melted fuse box show up on some cars at around 50,000 miles. Owners replace the fuse box and check for any grounding issues, costing around $600.

There are 7 serious recalls on the 2009 Jetta with the most important ones being for fuel lines, and brakes which increase the risk of injury.

How Long Will the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Last?

A properly maintained 2009 Jetta will last around 200,000 miles, similar to other compact cars including the Toyota Corolla from the same year. Repair Pal estimates regular ownership costs to be higher than rivals, at $637 per year.

Most Jetta models from 2009 will have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should be prepared to replace items including the power steering pump for $700, boost sensor costing $180, and blower motor resistor which costs $150.

accountCircle Betty E

Very reliable. With routine maintenance it has been a very good vehicle. Easy to maneuver in and out of parking spots and comfortable to ride in.

accountCircle Ed W

As I mentioned it has been a very reliable vehicle. It has only required routine maintenance, nothing extraordinary, in the time I have owned it. I would gladly buy a Volkswagen again and intend to.

accountCircle Andy G

It has problems now, but only because it is 10 years old. Some problems, yes. Definitely some problems. They are related to the age of the vehicle.

accountCircle Alexia V

It is mostly reliable but is not good in the snow which is unfortunate because I live in New England where it snows often.

accountCircle Christine P

As previously stated, it is generally reliable. I have not done the upkeep as I should have. Now it needs knock sensors, brakes, and possibly shocks. Rest is cosmetic. I also need to address rust. But I live in New England.

accountCircle Kim A

It is very reliable. There have been a few electrical issues and fan issues. The doors do not always stay locked, and the fan broke.

accountCircle Jan S

I have not had any problems with my Jetta, I have kept up on all maintenance (oil changes tire checks and recently put new plugs and coils in it).

accountCircle Alyssa P

I've not had any problems with mine. It's very reliable and a low maintenance vehicle as well. I highly trust this automobile.

How Much Is the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Worth?

Blue book values range from $4,594 – 6,922, making the Jetta about $700 less than other compact cars including the Honda Civic or Mazda3. When new, the price range was $17,515 to $23,540. Depreciation is similar to rivals, losing about 12% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Jetta?

There are five models of the Jetta available. Technology was updated for 2009, with a complete redesign coming for the 2011 model.

S is the entry-level model with:

  • 16-Inch Steel Wheels
  • Velour Seating
  • Cruise Control
  • Keyless Entry
  • 8-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System With 3.5mm AUX

SE is a step up adding:

  • 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Sunroof
  • Leatherette Seating
  • Leather Steering Wheel
  • Upgraded 10-Speaker Stereo System With Satellite Radio

SEL is a popular choice which offers:

  • 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
  • 12-Way Power Driver’s Seat
  • HomeLink Garage Door Opener
  • Steering Wheel Mounted Stereo Controls

Wolfsburg Edition offers some upgrades including:

  • Unique 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Upgraded Engine
  • Black Exterior Trim

TDI is a fuel-efficient choice which has:

  • 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Diesel Engine
  • No Sunroof
car
car
car
car
Wolfsburg Sedan
200 HP 25 MPG
car
car
car
car
TDI Loyal Sedan
140 HP 33 MPG

What Engines Come In the Jetta?

  • The base engine is an average 2.5L-5-cylinder which makes 170 horsepower and gets up to 24 MPG combined.
  • A step up is the powerful 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo, which makes 200 horsepower and gets up to 25 MPG combined. Performance is okay, taking about 8.3 seconds to go 0-60 MPH.
  • For efficiency there is a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo diesel which makes 140 horsepower, but gets up to 32 MPG combined.

What Colors Does the Jetta Come In?

How Big Is the Jetta?

The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car available as a sedan and hatchback and is similar in size to a Mazda3 or Ford Focus. Passenger room is cramped in the back seats of the car, but the interior materials are higher quality than rivals.

Cargo space is excellent, offering 16 cubic feet of room in the trunk of the sedan, which will fit 4 suitcases. The hatchback has 32.8 cubic feet of room with the seats up, and increases to 66.9 when folded flat.

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How Does the Jetta Compare to the Competition?

The Volkswagen Passat is a rival costing about $500 more. Passenger space is better in the Passat, but the Jetta is more fun to drive. We recommend the Passat since it’s a more practical vehicle in the same price range.

The Honda Civic is a competitor which costs about $700 more. Performance is better in the Civic, but the Jetta has a higher quality interior. We recommend the Jetta for 2009, but the competition is much closer in other years.

Ranks #18 Small Cars by Owners

1
car
4.86
2
car
4.64
18
Tie
car
4.17

Do Owners Recommend the VW Jetta?

accountCircle Betty E

Yes, great gas mileage and comfortable car. Has been a very reliable vehicle and I enjoy driving it.

accountCircle Ed W

Yes it was a good vehicle in it is time. In fact it is a great vehicle when you consider price. Over this time it has only needed routine maintenance and still handles well.

accountCircle Andy G

Yes I say so. It is a good vehicle, yessir. Definitely a good vehicle. That is a good one. Vehicle is great! Good vehicle, yes good vehicle. I like it.

accountCircle Alexia V

Overall yes it has been reliable vehicle however it recently has been very bad in the snow which I am not happy about.

accountCircle Christine P

It is a great vehicle. I love that it is a standard. It has had a recall and now needs some work done but it had always been reliable and fun to drive.

accountCircle Kim A

I think it is a good vehicle. It has lasted me a long time, and it has not needed very many repairs. It drives well, and it is comfortable.

accountCircle Jan S

I love my Jetta it has been a good car, runs great, has had a few recalls which were easily taken care of, gets good gas mileage 30 mpg in town 34 mpg on highway trip the sport gear makes it fun to drive, seats are comfortable making road trips fun as well.

accountCircle Lily C

It's a very reliable automobile in my opinion. It's a great gas saver. I trust it to get me anywhere. I've not been let down at all with this purchase. I definitely recommend to others.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Ristorma L on April 3, 2021
It has lasted a long time and hopefully will last a lot longer.
It is a good vehicle that has had minimal problems. Since it's an older model it doesn't have a lot of technological features. Has good power.
accountCircle Anna F on March 26, 2021
It's reliable and doesn't need maintenance very often.
I like my vehicle because it's very reliable, has good gas mileage, and is pretty good looking. However, I wish it was a hybrid or a plug in hybrid. I also would like a nicer brand of car.
accountCircle Cam D on February 26, 2021
If you do not want to spend thousands of dollars in car repairs, buy this car!
I previously bought an older year (2000) of a Volkswagen Jetta and got into a bad wreck that involved a three car pile up. The car behind me had it is front end smashed in, my car had a minor dented bumper, and the car in front of me was totaled! That is when I realized that a Volkswagen is the most reliable, safest car choice to go with! I later upgraded to a 2009 and it was the best car decision I have made so far. The car in general feels like you are getting a luxury car for a fraction of the price and it is electric windows and heated seats were a major upgrade from my older model. The interior seats are nice and comfortable. The back seat is spacious enough to fit two big boys and a bulky car seat nicely. The trunk is huge! I cannot tell you how many times I was able to fit pieces of furniture or boxes when moving in the trunk with no problems. The only bad thing about this model is the antenna is way too long. Sometimes it is a pain to take it off and put it back on again after a car wash. I do wish it was a short small one or an electric retractable antenna, but if that is my only complaint, I'll take it! I have had this car for ten years and with regular oil changes, it is still going strong! I love my Volkswagen Jetta and hope to upgrade again in the near future! I would recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a safe, reliable, possibly life saving car for you and your loved ones at an affordable price.
accountCircle Connie H on February 23, 2021
Maximum reliability and comfort.
The reliability is good to excellent in all capacities. Comfortable interior and gives good gas mileage. No problems with the car at all. Excellent gas mileage and driving it is reliable to get you from point A to point B ( no problems with the vehicle at all ).
accountCircle Vanessa W on February 20, 2021
It gets great mileage and has quick pick-up.
It is the most comfortable car I've ever had. I wish it didn't take the most expensive gas. I love the mileage it gets, and I don't have to get oil changes very often.
accountCircle Ashton L on February 10, 2021
It is great on gas mileage.
I like that my car gets 20-25 mpg. I also like that it does not take much money to fill it up. I dislike that when something goes wrong it costs a lot of money.
accountCircle claudia h on February 7, 2021
It has a sunroof and it is the only good thing about it
Many issues with engine light, brakes and the key gets stuck in the ignition twice cost over $300 to fix each time
accountCircle Kel L on January 29, 2021
It is a reliable car and fun to drive. It gets good gas mileage.
It isn't very reliable and sporty. I like to drive it. It is a great car.
accountCircle Katelyn K on January 3, 2021
Runs well with fair amount of mileage
This car is very reliable. I have about 136000 miles on mine and it is still running well. With synthetic oil I am able to go about 10000 miles before needing another change.
accountCircle Kim J on January 1, 2021
My VW Jetta Tdi gets excellent fuel mileage. I average 40 MPG!
The VW Jetta is such a fun car to drive besides being dependable and safe. I have owned several Jettas and got wonderful service from them all. My favorite was 2003 Jetta Tdi and got over 300,000 miles. I am hoping to get that many or more from my current Jetta.
accountCircle Matthew S on December 2, 2020
It eats tires every 2 years. Also has electrical issues.
Like the design and features. The fuel economy is great as well. Hate the maintenance costs, foreign parts are more expensive than domestic.
accountCircle Blanca R on December 2, 2020
Great design and economic.
My car performs great even when I forget to take it to the shop for long periods of time, my car is a stud and I believe that makes it more economical on gas, I use it to drive around long distance and I have never had an issue on tires. The seat warmers are a lifesaver on cold times.
accountCircle Jonathan H on November 29, 2020
My car has great gas mileage and amazing handling. I honestly look forward each to driving to work because of how much fun it is to drive.
It has a 5 cylinder 2.5 liter engine which outputs about 170 horsepower. When I throw it into sport mode, the car feels less like an economy vehicle and more like a performance sports car.
accountCircle Steve W on November 9, 2020
Do not buy a Jetta if it is more than 2 years old.
Most of the electronics and abs system (s) began breaking down all at the same time around the 8 year mark. Replacement parts are extremely expensive (overpriced) unless you go with non-oem parts and that is only if you can find them.
accountCircle Jonathon Y on November 8, 2020
It is very reliable, but can be costly if something goes wrong. Be sure to check for recalls!
I own a 2009 White Volkswagen Jetta. I really enjoy the sun roof and bright interior. The color, sunroof, and interior all help it feel very cool on a hot NC afternoon
accountCircle Katelyn N on November 2, 2020
The interior is very luxurious looking compared to even newer cars in the same class. And it is so comfortable to drive
I love Volkswagen in general. But I love that my car has a good size trunk, and I like the power it has. I do wish it had a larger back seat. It is difficult to have a car seat in the back.
accountCircle Jess H on October 18, 2020
Ten amazing years: this vehicle gets you the most bang for your buck.
Its 10 years old and it's starting to have engine troubles. I think my transmission is starting to go, I have trouble when my car goes to shift gears. It is an automatic, but it seems as though when I start to get above 40 mph it has issues. Its ten years old though and still kicking.
accountCircle susan t on October 15, 2020
It has a roomy trunk that can fit lots of things
I like that the trunk is roomy, the seat materials, easy to handle, reliable. Don't like the high maintenance fees, not gas efficient, and leaky sunroof problem
accountCircle Ben B on September 6, 2020
Maintenance costs can run high especially with sensors or computer parts.
I have had issues with oxygen sensors and other computer chips. Other than these issues my car is great. Seats are comfortable, drives great on side streets and highways. Definitely would recommend a Volkswagen to anyone.
accountCircle Lisa C on September 4, 2020
Some issues but lots of space.
It is a very reliable vehicle, nice and large with lots of storage but still maneuverable and speedy. Recently I have been noticing a ticking noise when going between 25 and 40 miles per hour. This seemed to occur after I got the front axle replaced. Also as of last week the heater blows cold air when set on the face level vents, but warm or hot air when set on a different vent. It is very confusing. But my kids fit in the backseat nicely and rarely reach across to get handsy with one another.
accountCircle Melissa L on September 1, 2020
It handles great on the road. It has amazing power.
I don't like how expensive it is to get parts to fix it. I love how great it handles and how amazing the car feels.
accountCircle Michael B on August 31, 2020
They should try to buy American instead, the repairs for the car are much too expensive for the cost of car
It's a diesel motor. It gets great gas mileage. Repairs are too expensive. Car is comfortable enough.
accountCircle Kayla F on August 3, 2020
Jetta se very reliable car.
I have had my car for a few year now and own it. I really do like my Jetta a lot but to get it fixed or repairs seems to be more than what I have spent in the past with other cars that I have owned. It rides smooth and I love my heated seats so much! I do not think I would ever get another car without heated seats. I haven't had many problems with my car thus far just typical wear and tear. I am not sure if I would buy another Jetta in the future but I do like the one that I currently have. I would say the biggest down fall would be repair cost though otherwise no other complaints.
accountCircle Pepper P on August 2, 2020
At the most, takes $45 to fill up the tank from empty.
I love my car! Very fuel-efficient, great mileage, good engine! My only complaint would be some of the dealership people I have dealt with. But other than that, great car!.
accountCircle Kelsey I on July 29, 2020
Reliable and safe Volkswagen Jetta!
I have never had a problem with this vehicle. It is spacious, reliable, great gas mileage, and had never broken down!
accountCircle Heidi S on July 22, 2020
Its size and proportions are perfect.
I love it because it is a cute car and it is short, so I can parallel park it easily (I live in a big city). The interior - everything is in the right place, and the steering wheel and pedal placements are perfect (I am sort, so it is hard to find cars that can accommodate my lack of height). The dash is exactly the right height - not too high. The car has been super reliable. I have owned it for several years. The only thing I dislike about the Volkswagen is the high cost and difficulty in getting repairs. For some things you have to take it to a dealership, which is extremely inconvenient. However, the dealerships do give you loaner cars to drive while they're servicing your vehicle, which helps to offset the inconvenience.
accountCircle Randy p on July 18, 2020
It is a great value for the price I paid. All the bells and whistles available in 2009.
It is sporty, peppy, has a lot of great features. I like the gas mileage it gets. The only thing don't like is it doesn't have the newer features.
accountCircle Katie W on July 12, 2020
VW Jetta, great car but can be pricey to fix.
It is a great car but when something goes wrong it can be expensive to fix because of the German parts. But overall it has been a great car. Oil changes are expensive, had to replace the breaks but other than that I have had no issues with it. I would recommend it but maybe a newer year would be better.
accountCircle Shayla S on June 16, 2020
2009 Volkswagen Jetta, general performance.
It does not have very much power but great gas mileage and very reliable. The interior is a bit cheap but nothing extreme or expensive to fix. The Bluetooth connection to your phone makes it easy to talk on the phone or listen to music hands free.
accountCircle Natasha A on June 10, 2020
Incredibly sturdy and reliable car. The trunk space is very large.
The car had significant blind spots, so I needed to add other mirrors for switching lanes. It lacks an auxiliary input, and has outdated Bluetooth.
accountCircle Ellen C on June 2, 2020
Great car
I am so glad I did not jump on the bandwagon of turning in my 2009 Jetta TDI. I did get the upgrade and the mileage is not as good as it was before. I have had it for five years and have had to do just basic maintenance. It is super reliable, I live in New England where the weather can go from one extreme to the next, and this car has never let me down. It now has over 140,000 miles and still runs like a charm.
accountCircle Jenna G on May 19, 2020
It has over 200,000 miles.
It has good gas mileage, and is pleasant to look at. The seats got hot in the sun, however, and I have had issues with the air conditioning.
accountCircle Selena L on May 12, 2020
To freeze or sweat: Volkswagen Jetta 2009.
The car has always functioned well on the road and done it is job in smoothly getting me places and keeping me safe. One of my annoyances has always been the ac. In the winter I freeze, in the summer I sweat. It does a terribly slow job of heating and cooling and does not put out much except noise. My passenger mirror recently fell off after having the car for a few years out of nowhere. The interior felt has worn down on its own, especially in the back slightly blocking my vision out my back window. The wheel was easily dirtied and discolored. Besides these minor issues it has been a good car.
accountCircle Margaret M on April 25, 2020
Sad vehicle with a lot of problems due to being overused.
It is a used car so the back door does not lock, the seats have stains. The engine just had to have $700 worth of repairs which was a big dent in my income. The engine also has a hard time starting and the air conditioning makes a loud hissing noise. I probably would like the car if I bought it new but it has 140,000 miles on it and has seen better days.
accountCircle Xavier R on April 20, 2020
Gas mileage and seat warmers are great. Rides smoothly and is great on speed! Picks up speed quickly.
I like the seat warmers during the winter along with the milage it is great. I also love how the seats recline all the way back. The only thing I dislike is that there is no Bluetooth connection.
accountCircle Hannah D on April 9, 2020
Smooth rider Volkswagen sedan.
My car is very reliable and has heated, comfortable seats for long trips. This is my second Volkswagen and I cannot seem to get away from them. I would suggest a Volkswagen for either a family car or even a young driver it being a heavier car and much safer in an accident if that would occur.
accountCircle Erica L on April 7, 2020
Volkswagens have terrible air conditioning. They're cheaply made, over prices, and have tons of problems from day one.
The air conditioning is basically non existent. I live in the south and it takes forever for the air conditioner to kick in. It also dies after being on for about 30 minutes. We over paid a lot for this vehicle. I hate everything about it.
accountCircle Mary K on April 7, 2020
Low maintenance and great gas mileage.
Rides well. Low maintenance. Great gas mileage. Nice looking, comfortable. No complaints at all. I would buy another one.
accountCircle Jennifer B on April 7, 2020
It's fast and fun to drive even with your kids in it. Also it's small enough to find a parking spot for
I love how fast it is and I am very comfortable driving it. The reason why I couldn't give it 5 stars is because of the of a recall that I first complained about to the dealer's mechanic and they said nothing was wrong but then I got a recall letter. I feel that Volkswagen's quality has really gone down hill especially when it comes to servicing the car you bought from them.
accountCircle Mikey E on April 6, 2020
Awful Jetta Transmission Caput
For starters, the car's fuel efficiency is terrible. The market is saturated with this 2009 model and thus the resale value is low. Oh, and at 81,000 miles my transmission failed and I had to have a new one put in. The new transmission is worth more than the actual car.
accountCircle Stacy E on April 5, 2020
Reliable, comfortable car.
Very comfortable seats, solid build, and reliable. My number one need in a car is comfort, as I spend a lot of time on the road. I have the station wagon, and I love that I can fold the back seats down perfectly flat and have tons of room for the dog and her dog-stairs. This vehicle communicates politely through the dashboard lights and icons. Mechanically sound, no major issues in the 18 months that I have owned it. A cooling fan did break this summer after too many hours standing still in 100 degree heat in dc traffic. Not too expensive to fix. We get along very well!
accountCircle Alan R on April 4, 2020
Good on gas and runs great. It also has a good radio.
It has great gas mileage. Runs smooth. I don't like the cost of repairs. It also costs a lot for oil. Its a all around solid car.
accountCircle Sarah K on March 27, 2020
It accelerates very smoothly.
It is a decent car. It is small and compact which I love. It accelerates very smoothly. I had some issues with a misfiring cylinder which was kind of hard to fix because of the type required. I do have engine trouble every now and then but I have put a lot of miles on it considering I have only had it for about three years. Overall it is a good car and I'd recommend.
accountCircle James E on March 11, 2020
Volkswagen Jetta - solid and economical.
Drives/handles well. I have had problems with the electric system (headlights, tail lights). I rarely use the sunroof, but it is nice to know its there. The sound system is solid. Wish there were more options electronically (e. G., Bluetooth). Gas mileage is solid. I also enjoy the satellite radio. Wish it handled better in the snow.
accountCircle Chloe G on March 11, 2020
The heated seats are my favorite.
The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is honestly a really good first car. It is really good on gas and it is very reliable. The se sedan has heated seats and a really nice air conditioner. The only flaw is that it does not have Bluetooth, but it does have an aux cord, so you can still listen to your favorite music while driving around.
accountCircle Shelby C on February 22, 2020
It works well, I like driving it, and it looks unique.
I've had this car for about a year and it's way better than my past cars. It drives smoothly and accelerates quickly. The inside of the car is stylish and it gets good mileage. Wish it was higher off the ground.
accountCircle Hari A on February 19, 2020
Best investment I have made.
I honestly love my Jetta. It is a rebuilt title but we installed a brand new transmission which was pretty much the only wrong thing about the car. It runs very smoothly. The leather seats are intact, feels like a brand new car. Also, very cost efficient when it comes to fueling.
accountCircle Nicholas M on February 13, 2020
VW Jetta: all purpose soldier.
I love my Jetta. It is been with me through the most hectic time of my life, graduating high school and moving to a different state and then back again. It is trudged 100, 000 miles through the New England rain, sleet, snow, and blizzards. It has an amazing sound system and tons of space for passengers as well as generous trunk space. It also has a sport mode with faster acceleration, as well as a manual shifting mode.
accountCircle Chris D on February 11, 2020
2009 Jetta car for the working class
Fun car, not too many problems to speak of, changing the oil or doing the brakes is a breeze in comparison to some of the other cars I've worked on
accountCircle Anni D on December 29, 2019
Easy to drive and reliable.
Definitely some maintenance issues we've come across, but overall reliable. Easy to drive but the cab is not really big enough for a family of 4. Pretty comfortable seats, though the seat heater in the passenger seat has gone out. Overall solid vehicle that gets good mileage and is easy to drive.
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.