2006 Volkswagen Jetta: Road Test
Archived Review
2006 Volkswagen Jetta ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $17,900 -$24,655
- Invoice: $17,049 -$22,748
Reviews & Ratings
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Volkswagen Jetta/Golf/GTI/Rabbit
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta help you decide if a 2006 Volkswagen Jetta is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| 2.5, auto. | TDI, man. | 2.0 T w/Pkg. 2, SMT | GLI w/Pkg. 2, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 4.4 |
Versions with the 2.5 engine and automatic transmission need liberal throttle for best takeoffs, feel taxed up long grades. Test 2.5 did 9.0 sec 0-60 mph. That's 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. TDI also slow off the line and in high-speed passing maneuvers, but otherwise delivers strong, penalty-free power. 2.0 T, GLI satisfyingly quick, particularly responsive in 45-65-mph range. Test GLI with manual transmission and 2.0 T with SMT both did 6.8 sec 0-60.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2.5, auto. | TDI, man. | 2.0 T w/Pkg. 2, SMT | GLI w/Pkg. 2, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 9 | 5 | 5 | 6.7 |
Test 2.5 models with automatic transmission averaged 19.7 mpg in mostly city driving, 23.0-26.2 in mostly highway use. Manual-transmission TDI averaged 40.1 mpg. Test GLI averaged 23.3 with SMT, 18.1 with manual; manual-version test included gas-eating acceleration tests. VW recommends regular-grade fuel for the 5-cyl, premium for the turbo 4-cyl.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2.5, auto. | TDI, man. | 2.0 T w/Pkg. 2, SMT | GLI w/Pkg. 2, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 4.9 |
Models with 15- and 16-inch tires are top of the class. Minor float over big moguls at speed, but otherwise absorbent, quiet, composed, even on cratered pavement. GLI, 2.0 T with 17s feels jiggly, thumpy on all but smooth roads.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2.5, auto. | TDI, man. | 2.0 T w/Pkg. 2, SMT | GLI w/Pkg. 2, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 5.6 |
A compact class standout. Corners with grippy assurance, modest body lean. TDI feels slightly more nose-heavy than other models, but has same responsive steering. GLI, 2.0 T compensate for poor ride with outstanding handling, but 2.0 has more body lean than GLI. Antiskid system a laudable safety plus for Jetta's class. Ditto the strong antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
QUIETNESS
| 2.5, auto. | TDI, man. | 2.0 T w/Pkg. 2, SMT | GLI w/Pkg. 2, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4.2 |
A very refined compact let down some by 5-cyl that's gruff at idle and in rapid acceleration, and by diesel that clatters at idle and vibrates in low-speed acceleration. Some test cars exhibited intrusive wind rush from front pillars and side windows at highway speed. Versions with 15-, 16-inch tires have impressively low coarse-surface tire thrum. GLI isolates less completely.
CONTROLS
| 2.5, auto. | TDI, man. | 2.0 T w/Pkg. 2, SMT | GLI w/Pkg. 2, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 5.9 |
Dashboard furnishes clear gauges. Handy, intuitive controls, but cruise-control stalk not easily understood, risks confusion with turn-signal stalk. Some testers find blue/purple instrument panel lighting too soft for best illumination. High-quality interior with many soft-touch surfaces; pricey Pkg. 2 includes rich wood and leather trim.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2.5, auto. | TDI, man. | 2.0 T w/Pkg. 2, SMT | GLI w/Pkg. 2, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 5.5 |
Great leg room from ultralong seat tracks. Only tallest adults will notice intrusion from sunroof housing. Supportive seats include height adjustment; GLI adds sport seats with outstanding extra bolstering. Driving position aided by standard tilt/telescope steering wheel. Aft visibility obscured by rear headrests.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2.5, auto. | TDI, man. | 2.0 T w/Pkg. 2, SMT | GLI w/Pkg. 2, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.9 |
Head and leg room sufficient for smaller adults, but six-footers will feel cramped. Bench seat impressively comfortable, but best for two adults, not three.
CARGO ROOM
| 2.5, auto. | TDI, man. | 2.0 T w/Pkg. 2, SMT | GLI w/Pkg. 2, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
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
| 2.5, auto. | TDI, man. | 2.0 T w/Pkg. 2, SMT | GLI w/Pkg. 2, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.2 |
Jetta sets the class standard for overall refinement and solidity. It's roomy, comes with a laudable array of safety features, and offers diesel and sporty variants. Expensive option packages send prices quickly skyward, however, and VW suffers subpar customer-satisfaction scores for reliability and dealer service.
Total Score
| 2.5, auto. | TDI, man. | 2.0 T w/Pkg. 2, SMT | GLI w/Pkg. 2, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | 59 | 58 | 59 | 52 |
Total Score: 59
Scores for all Compact Cars
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
