Acceleration

Base 2.5, auto.	Base 2.5 w/Pkg. 2, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4.1

Only base 2.5 with automatic transmission made available for testing so far. Slow-revving 5-cyl needs full throttle for best takeoffs, feels taxed up long grades. Test car did 9.0 sec 0-60 mph, which falls below midpack for the class. But most around-town and highway travel is stress-free, thanks in large measure to nicely matched 6-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel Economy

Base 2.5, auto.	Base 2.5 w/Pkg. 2, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6.7

Test base 2.5 models with automatic transmission averaged 19.7 mpg in mostly city driving, 23.0-26.2 in mostly highway use. VW recommends regular-grade fuel for the 5-cyl.

Ride Quality

Base 2.5, auto.	Base 2.5 w/Pkg. 2, auto.	Class Average
7	7	4.6

Top of the class. Minor float over big moguls at speed, but otherwise absorbent, quiet, composed, even on cratered pavement.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base 2.5, auto.	Base 2.5 w/Pkg. 2, auto.	Class Average
7	7	5.4

A compact-class standout. Corners with grippy assurance, modest body lean. Responsive steering. Antiskid system a laudable safety plus for Jetta's class. Ditto the strong antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Quietness

Base 2.5, auto.	Base 2.5 w/Pkg. 2, auto.	Class Average
6	6	4

A very refined compact. Five-cyl gruff, especially at idle, but not disturbingly loud at full throttle, cruises quietly enough. Impressively low coarse-surface tire thrum. One test car exhibited intrusive wind rush from front pillars and side windows at highway speed.

Controls

Base 2.5, auto.	Base 2.5 w/Pkg. 2, auto.	Class Average
8	9	5.5

Dashboard furnishes clear gauges. Handy, intuitive controls, but cruise-control stalk not easily understood and risks confusion with turn-signal stalk. Some testers found blue/purple instrument-panel lighting too soft. High-quality interior with many soft-touch surfaces; pricey Pkg. 2 includes rich wood and leather trim.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base 2.5, auto.	Base 2.5 w/Pkg. 2, auto.	Class Average
7	7	5

Adult-size head room, even with intrusion from sunroof. NBA-worthy leg room from ultralong seat tracks. Supportive seats include height adjustment. Drivers also enjoy standard manual tilt/telescope steering wheel. Aft visibility obscured by rear headrests.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base 2.5, auto.	Base 2.5 w/Pkg. 2, auto.	Class Average
4	4	3.6

Head and leg room sufficient for smaller adults, but 6-footers will feel cramped. Bench seat impressively comfortable, but best for two adults, not three.

Cargo Room

Base 2.5, auto.	Base 2.5 w/Pkg. 2, auto.	Class Average
5	5	3.9

Generous for any size car, and up 3 cu ft from past Jettas. Large aperture, nonintrusive trunklid hinges, 60/40 split folding rear seat enhance versatility. Good small-item storage.

Value within Class

Base 2.5, auto.	Base 2.5 w/Pkg. 2, auto.	Class Average
5	4	5.8

The new Jetta is usefully roomier than its predecessor and sets the class standard for refinement, ride, interior decor, and build quality. It also offers more standard features than before, but prices are higher as well. The main drawbacks are unremarkable performance from the 5-cyl with automatic transmission, VW's subpar customer-satisfaction scores for reliability and dealer service.

Total Score

Base 2.5, auto.	Base 2.5 w/Pkg. 2, auto.	Class Average
59	59	48.6

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		34
Average Score		48
High Score		63