Volkswagen Jetta

A little bigger than most compact sedans, the Jetta is a roomy, comfortable, and practical choice. Handling is responsive, and the ride is comfortable. The refined and energetic 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivers responsive acceleration, and it returned an excellent 32 mpg overall in our testing. The 1.8-liter turbo four-cylinder is smooth and flexible, and returns a commendable 30 mpg. Opt for the GLI and you get a strong turbo 2.0-liter, a tauter suspension that delivers nimbler handling, better brakes, and a richer-looking interior. The Hybrid that got 37 mpg overall in our tests has been discontinued for 2017. Rear-seat passengers will appreciate the spacious cabin, which is roomier than most competitors'. Reliability has dropped to well below average.

The 2011 redesign brought a more spacious rear seat, along with cheaper interior materials and handling that wasn't as crisp. Ultimately the gasoline-powered 2011 Jetta scores too low for us to recommend it. (The car has been improved gradually since then.) The diesel-powered Jetta TDI is a more appealing car; however, it is also one of the VW models called into question for emissions test violations. If you're considering one of these, make sure it passes smog before you buy it. A 37-mpg hybrid debuted in 2013.

A beautifully finished and sharp-handling premium small car, the Jetta has long been a jewel. Normally aspirated and turbocharged four-cylinder engines, a gruff five-cylinder, a thrifty turbodiesel, and a six-cylinder powerplant have all been offered. Further, the VW has good safety equipment and its crash-test results are commendable. Before its 2006 redesign, the backseat was particularly cramped, but the car rode beautifully. For 2006, the Jetta grew larger, and the base four-cylinder was replaced by a five-cylinder with more torque, though its character is somewhat gruff. The turbodiesel wagon we tested with a manual transmission averaged an impressive 36 mpg.

A 1999 redesign improved an already capable car and gave the Jetta new styling. This latest version offers a host of well-designed interior touches but also a tighter rear seat. A wagon model was added for 2001. Four, turbo-Four, turbodiesel, and V6 engines are available. The Jetta is a practical, relatively inexpensive car with a responsive 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a supple ride, and a comfortable interior. The sporty GLX packs a powerful V6, but even the plainer GL and GLS versions offer excellent handling and responsive steering.