9th Place:
Volkswagen Jetta
Overview:
The Jetta
tries not to be another economy car. With its
spacious, well-finished interior and solid feel,
it has the heft and substance of a larger car.
However, it also has the price and fuel
consumption of a midsize, rather than compact
sedan, yet still feels more like a very nice
economy car than a bargain-priced compact luxury
car. It's worth a look, but it may make more
sense to shop it against very nice discount
midsize sedans than economy sedans if you like
the space and feel of a larger car.
Driving the
Jetta:
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. However, it doesn't
feel sports-sedan engaging like a few
competitors. Though it has the largest engine in
this group, a 2.5-liter five-cylinder, it
doesn't dramatically outrun more fuel-efficient
competitors. This engine also sounds harsh under
hard acceleration, but generous sound deadening
keeps its note muffled. Wind and road noise are
also well-suppressed. Gas mileage is quite poor
for an economy car, lower than that of several
midsize family sedans.
Inside the
Jetta:
Inside, the Jetta’s front seats are large,
well-padded, and supportive, and very
comfortable overall. The rear seat is roomy,
mounted high, and well-shaped. The interior is
of impressive quality for an economy car, with
high-quality materials fitting together very
well. 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.
Jetta pricing:
The
Jetta is
expensive for an economy car at $17,913, at that
price lacking any optional equipment. Its
standard features do include active head
restraints and a trip computer.
Conclusion:
The Jetta is
more comfortable and more refined than most
economy cars, but also more expensive and less
fuel-efficient. And there is no night-and-day
difference between the Jetta and other nice
compact cars. Those seeking the heft or space of
a larger car may consider a discounted Hyundai
Sonata or Kia Optima midsize sedan, which don't
have the Jetta's agility but actually undercut
its price and fuel consumption while providing
more space and also a very nice feel. But shop
cheaper economy cars carefully before deciding
to step up to the Jetta.
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