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The Jetta, like the
Nissan Sentra, is an expensive economy car that masquerades as a premium
compact. However, the Jetta’s facsimile is the more convincing. The interior
is top-notch, with comfortable seating and excellent interior quality, a
quieter ride, and better handling. In some ways, it still feels more like a
nice economy car than a luxurious one, but it’s nice enough to merit
consideration. But it is too expensive and gets gas mileage too poor (the
EPA rates it eleven miles per gallon lower than the Toyota Yaris) to be one
of the group leaders.
The Jetta has a
comfortable and commendably steady ride, but bumps can punch through more
sharply than in some of the others here. It handles capably, with quick
steering responses and little excess body roll. While it isn’t as numb as a
Sentra or a Toyota Corolla, it’s not nearly as fun to drive as some of the
others here. Though it has the largest engine in this group, a 2.5-liter
five-cylinder, it’s heavy enough that it still isn’t as quick as some of the
others here. This engine sounds harsh under hard acceleration, but generous
sound deadening keeps its note muffled. Wind and road noise are also
well-suppressed. As noted, gas mileage is not only the lowest of any economy
car except the all-wheel-drive Subaru Impreza, but that is worse than many
4-cylinder midsize sedans (including Volkswagen’s own Passat, which has a
more powerful engine than this Jetta), the V6 versions of the Chevrolet
Malibu and Toyota Camry, and the full-size V6-powered Toyota Avalon. A
turbocharged engine that offers improved power, refinement, and fuel economy
is a pricey option only offered on loaded Jettas, but not an undesirable
one.
Inside, the Jetta’s front
seats are large, well-padded, and supportive, and go back especially far for
taller drivers. The rear seat is roomy, mounted high and well-shaped.
 The
interior is of impressive quality in the recent VW tradition, with
high-quality materials that fit together well, but the previous version felt
somehow more opulent. The gauges are clear and the instrument layout is
uncomplicated. Entry/exit is very easy. Drivers are offered a
tilt/telescoping steering wheel and extra-long seat tracks to create a
comfortable driving position, but rearward visibility could be better. The
trunk is the roomiest in the group by a wide margin, comparable to many
midsize sedans.
The Jetta is one of the
most expensive vehicles in this group at $17,839, but also one of the
best-equipped. As standard equipment, it includes all the expected features
for this group, as well as a tire pressure monitor, a digital media
connection, and a full-size spare tire.
Overall, the Jetta offers
a blend of some premium qualities with some more mainstream benefits. It’s a
very nice car, but it doesn’t blow away the competition as Volkswagen would
like you to think. For the money, there are better cars, but if you are
looking for the best small car without considering price, it isn’t a bad car
for those who prioritize comfort over sport.
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