Volkswagen Jetta

The new Volkswagen Jetta delivers great fuel economy, easy to use controls, a roomy cabin, and available upscale features. The car’s combination of a 147-hp, 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission feels a bit sleepy in around-town driving, but it delivers responsive acceleration on demand. Fuel economy is outstanding at 34 mpg overall. Although its handling is competent, the new Jetta, unlike previous versions, feels a bit dull to drive. On the other hand, the Jetta’s ride is mostly absorbent, and only occasionally disturbed by sharp bumps. Along with its quiet cabin, features like faux leather seats and automatic climate control give the Jetta a premium ambience. Advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot warning are optional on the base trim, and standard on all other trims.

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. New for 2016 is a refined and energetic 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that got 32 mpg overall in our testing.

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.