2001 Volkswagen Jetta/Golf: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Side curtain airbags are newly standard for '01, and Jetta's sedan is joined by a wagon body style. Golf shares Jetta's platform, interior, and powertrains and comes as a 2-dr and 4-dr hatchback. Engine offerings are a 2.0-liter 4 cyl, a turbo 1.8-liter 4 cyl in 1.8T models, and a V6. TDI Golfs and Jettas use a turbodiesel 4 cyl but aren't sold in California or New York. All are available with manual or automatic transmission and all have standard ABS, front torso side airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags. The wagon is a first for Jetta in the U.S. and offers all engines but the diesel. Firm GTI-type sport suspension is a new option for Golf 1.8T and V6 Jettas, and 17-inch wheels are now available on selected Jetta and Golf models. Steering wheel audio controls are newly available, too. A 1.8T Wolfsburg Edition Jetta sedan bowed midyear with sport suspension, unique alloy wheels, sport front seats, and special trim.

COMPETITION

A perennial favorite, the Honda Civic, is new and better than ever. We love the wide range of bodystyles, engines, and equipment. Civic is a solid car that has good performance, a nice ride, and a high degree of civility. New last year was the Ford Focus. Though we loved almost everything about the Focus, we were reluctant to rank it a Best Buy because it was new from the ground up. After a year of living with a ZTS model, we can say that the reliability is good. Focus ranks a notch below Civic in some areas but costs less. Topping the crowded Recommended list are the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. They easily could be Best Buys as they are better than the Civic in many ways. However, they are also the most expensive cars in this segment. Other Recommended choices include the no-frills Dodge Neon and Toyota Echo, the slightly-upscale Nissan Sentra, and the roomy Mazda Protege. If you are looking for a budget buy, the Hyundai Accent offers a lot for your dollar, however, it's not as refined as more-expensive competitors.