3/4 Front Glamour 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
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Expert's Rating

4.7Excellent

MPG 24 City / 35 Highway
Pros
  • Communicative steering feel
  • Excellent handling
  • Comfortable and supportive seats
  • Smooth ride
Cons
  • Unusually wide center console
  • Cramped back seat
, Automotive Editor -
Volkswagen still has a hit on its hands with the Jetta lineup, last redesigned for 2011. The Jetta Sedan remains the company's best-selling model in this country and competes well with the compact sedan class leaders. Key benefits include the diverse lineup, with not only a spacious four-door sedan, but also the Jetta SportWagen and the performance-tuned GLI sedan - essentially a Volkswagen GTI in the body of a Jetta. VW's US sales have been routinely hitting levels not seen since the 1970s - thanks to the popularity of models like the Jetta, as sales of the model line were up almost 44 percent in 2011 from 2010 levels. That's proof the expanded, and more affordable, Jetta lineup has struck a chord with American compact sedan and wagon shoppers.

Introduction

The rest of the Jetta line continues with most versions getting a 2.5-liter five-cylinder gasoline engine, producing 170 horsepower and mated to either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic and up to 33 MPG highway. Base S models get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 115 horsepower and the same transmissions as the 2.5. TDI models get a 2.0-liter 140-horsepower turbodiesel four-cylinder, with either a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG transmission and up to 42 MPG on the highway. The GLI gets the same transmissions, but pairs them to a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 200 horsepower and 33 MPG highway. For 2013, the GLI also gets Launch Control, a performance device seen on exotic sports cars.

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Which Style To Buy?

2013 Volkswagen Jetta
Starting price
$15,268
Shopper Popularity
30%

2013 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0L Base

Most Popular
Recommended for: Drivers who want the cheapest possible Volkswagen Jetta

The Base trim level gets the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 115 horsepower and either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. It has 15-inch steel wheels, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, power locks and windows and cloth upholstery. The Base gives the Jetta the low introductory price by skipping out on popular features such as A/C and iPod connectivity. Moving up to the Jetta S gives you remote keyless entry, air conditioning, heated power mirrors and a four-speaker audio system with an AUX input.

2013 Volkswagen Jetta
Starting price
$16,396
Shopper Popularity
7%

2013 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0L S

Recommended for: Drivers looking for the least-expensive way to get a VW and a spacious sedan

The basic S trim level gets the Jetta its low $17,470 base price. It includes the 2.0-liter 115-horsepower engine and a five-speed manual with cloth seats. The S gets power windows with one-touch up/down for all four windows, heated power mirrors, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, power locks and a CD player. Going for the S with Sunroof adds the aforementioned power sunroof, folding rear seats with center pass-through, front center armrest and cruise control.

2013 Volkswagen Jetta
Starting price
$22,528
Shopper Popularity
12%

2013 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0L TDI

Recommended for: For people who want to go green without going hybrid

Going for a TDI gains access to the sought-after 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine with the promise of 42 MPG highway. The TDI starts with an SE Convenience and adds 16-inch alloy wheels and a trip computer. TDI with Premium brings along a power sunroof, Fender audio and a touchscreen HD radio. TDI with Premium and Navigation continues with 17-inch alloy wheels, six-way power driver's seat, fog lights, navigation and keyless entry and start.

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Is It a Good Time to Buy?

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  • Deals are available on the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
  • TDI models often command higher price points
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