1999-2005 Volkswagen Golf/Jetta: Road Test

Sporty road manners, a refined ride, and top-notch interiors lead the list of merits For VW's economy cars. In all models, the ride is firm but comfortable, cornering stable, steering linear with fine on-center feel. GTI and V6 models handle best with only a modest sacrifice in ride comfort, though they suffer more body lean than expected. R32 ride can grow rough on bumpy roads, but handling is fantastic. Braking on all models is terrific. With automatic, the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gas engine furnishes only modest acceleration and tepid passing response. Manual-shift models with the same engine are somewhat more sprightly, one Jetta GL took 10.8 seconds to reach 60 mph and 5-speed got a pleasing 25 mpg. V6 models have authoritative acceleration and spirited passing response, though the automatic transmission is reluctant to downshift at moderate speeds. A 5-speed GTI GLX did 0-60 in 7.6 seconds and averaged 23.5 mpg. Jettas with V6/automatic returned 18.9 to 21.6 mpg. The 1.8T turbo engine provides a nice balance between the two, accelerating from 0-60 mph in 8.9 seconds and averaging 26.1 mpg. TDI models are surprisingly sprightly around town and get terrific mileage. A 5-speed TDI Golf averaged 41.5 mpg. Finally, the rare R32 is a jackrabbit with great passing power, but managed only 18.5 mpg in our tests. Noise levels are among the lowest in the class. All engines are quiet, though the TDIs are somewhat noisier at high speeds. Interior materials and workmanship excel. Front head and leg room are exceptional. Rear seats are more subcompact-snug. Modest leg room shrinks quickly as front seats move back, though Golfs feel more spacious, thanks to their straight-back roofline. No body style is wide enough for three adults. All seats are comfortably firm. Height-adjustable front buckets are supportive on long trips. Gauges and switches are simple, logically arranged, and nicely backlit. Low audio and climate controls are tricky to adjust while driving. Rear access in 2-door Golfs far surpasses most coupes. Narrow doors make rear entry/exit a squeeze in Jettas and 4-door Golfs. Jettas have large trunks, and all have folding rear seatbacks.

Value for the Money
Though priced at the top of the small-car class when new, even base models had plenty of features as well as solid build quality. No competitor offers a V6, and few provide as much driving satisfaction. Lately we've been somewhat dissatisfied with the reliability of these cars and as a result don't recommend them to those on a tight budget.