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Volkswagen Jetta Review: Difference between revisions
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==High Points== | ==High Points== | ||
*Available in four transmission options | |||
*Available in four transmission options | *TDI offers outstanding gas mileage | ||
* | *Easy to reach controls | ||
*More spacious rear cabin | |||
*Reasonably priced at ($17,900-$24,800) | *Reasonably priced at ($17,900-$24,800) | ||
==Low Points== | ==Low Points== | ||
* | *Automatic transmission a bit sluggish | ||
*Sound system could use some work | *Front legroom and elbowroom a bit limited | ||
* | *Sound system could use some work | ||
*Loud engine might be offputting for some | |||
*More generic styling; less European feel | |||
==Performance and Handling== | ==Performance and Handling== | ||
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*2.5L 5-cyl. [[automatic transmission|automatic]] - 22/30 | *2.5L 5-cyl. [[automatic transmission|automatic]] - 22/30 | ||
==Safety | ==Safety== | ||
The [http://www.safercar.gov NHTSA] awarded the 2006 [[Volkswagen Jetta|Jetta]] some impressive marks, scoring it a 4-star performer in both front crash tests and rollover and giving it 5 stars for its side-impact tests. This earned it a tie for 1st place in [http://www.autos.com/autos/rankings_safety?cat=passenger_cars&segment=compact_cars&rank=safety&year=2006 Autos.com's] Compact Car category for safety. | The [http://www.safercar.gov NHTSA] awarded the 2006 [[Volkswagen Jetta|Jetta]] some impressive marks, scoring it a 4-star performer in both front crash tests and rollover and giving it 5 stars for its side-impact tests. This earned it a tie for 1st place in [http://www.autos.com/autos/rankings_safety?cat=passenger_cars&segment=compact_cars&rank=safety&year=2006 Autos.com's] Compact Car category for safety. | ||
==Reliability and Maintenance | ==Reliability and Maintenance== | ||
As a new model which only debuted in 2005, the latest generation of the [[Volkswagen Jetta|Jetta]] is still a bit too fresh to provide accurate reliability information. | |||
==Interior and Comforts== | ==Interior and Comforts== |
Revision as of 15:59, 25 September 2006
The Volkswagen Jetta made its American debut in 1980 after achieving widespread popularity in Europe. It proved to be a smart move for the German automaker, as the US eventually became its largest market for the model, averaging around 140,000-150,000 sold here annually. In 2005, the Jetta, essentially a Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit with a trunk, was completely redesigned to be bigger and more powerful than it has ever been before in hopes that its gradually dwindling sales would be rekindled.
See also the main fact sheets for the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta.
High Points
- Available in four transmission options
- TDI offers outstanding gas mileage
- Easy to reach controls
- More spacious rear cabin
- Reasonably priced at ($17,900-$24,800)
Low Points
- Automatic transmission a bit sluggish
- Front legroom and elbowroom a bit limited
- Sound system could use some work
- Loud engine might be offputting for some
- More generic styling; less European feel
Performance and Handling
If at all possible upgrade to GLI or the 2.0T edition. The standard version misses the extra horsepower. Otherwise all optional tranmissions run and shift great, yet since it's completely redesigned the final verdict will have to wait.
Handles great and sticks to the pavement and reminds us the greatness in German engineering.
Gas Mileage
Gas mileage will differ, based on your choice of engine and drivetrain. According to figures listed at FuelEconomy.gov, the Jetta's numbers for fuel efficiency are as follows:
- 1.9L TDI Diesel manual - 36/41
- 1.9L TDI Diesel automatic - 35/42
- 2.0L 4-cyl. manual - 23/32
- 2.0L 4-cyl. automatic - 25/31
- 2.5L 5-cyl. manual - 22/30
- 2.5L 5-cyl. automatic - 22/30
Safety
The NHTSA awarded the 2006 Jetta some impressive marks, scoring it a 4-star performer in both front crash tests and rollover and giving it 5 stars for its side-impact tests. This earned it a tie for 1st place in Autos.com's Compact Car category for safety.
Reliability and Maintenance
As a new model which only debuted in 2005, the latest generation of the Jetta is still a bit too fresh to provide accurate reliability information.
Interior and Comforts
Not much complaints, everything is within an arms reach. Options include a navigation system, leather upholstery, power seats, automatic climate control, a six-disc CD changer and, on the GLI only, 18-inch wheels.
Exterior
The frontend has been redesigned to perfection just a hint of chrome. Body is sleek in styling and available in several colors.
Styles and Options
The Volkswagen Jetta is available in five trims, the value edition, 2.5, TDI, 2.0T and the sporty GLI.