2006 Volkswagen Jetta Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Volkswagen's best-selling car is basically a 4-dr sedan version of the Rabbit hatchback. Jetta offers four gasoline models and a diesel. Value Edition and 2.5 versions have a 150-hp 5-cyl engine. The 2.0 T and GLI have a 200-hp turbocharged 4-cyl. The TDI has a 100-hp turbocharged diesel 4-cyl. Manual transmission is standard--a 6-speed for 2.0 T and GLI, a 5-speed for the others. Value Edition and 2.5 are available with a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift gate. TDI, 2.0 T, and GLI are available with a 6-speed sequential manual transmission (SMT). All Jettas have ABS, traction control, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. An antiskid system is optional for Value Edition, standard on others. GLIs have a sport suspension, unique styling details, and are the only Jettas available with rear side airbags. Split folding rear seats are standard. A navigation system is available on all models except Value Edition.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise the smallest passengers cars. These vehicles range from tiny economy models to slightly larger, popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons.

Our Best Buys include Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.

New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet HHR, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Volkswagen Golf and Jetta.

News

Golf hatchbacks based on the new-Jetta design bow this fall, led by a sporty new 200-hp 2.0T GTI. Mainstream 2- and 4-drs are due by mid-2006, followed some months later by revived Jetta wagons as '07 models. Expected somewhere along the way is a sporty new Golf R32 with all-wheel drive, a 250-hp V6, and 6-speed manual and sequential-manual transmissions. A rumored R36 with a 280-hp 3.6 V6 may surface by 2008. In addition, a new Golf/Jetta-based 4-passenger convertible looks likely to reach the U.S. as an '07 entry. Previewed by the 2004 Concept C design, it features a power-folding hard top and, says one source, unusually lavish trim and equipment for a small VW. Target base price is rumored at around $30,000.

VW is also preparing its first sports car, a 2-seat mid-engine roadster to take on the BMW Z4, Mercedes SLK, Porsche Boxster--and sister division Audi's TT. Patterned on the recent Concept R, it should come in 2.0T and 3.6 V6 models. Regular and sequential 6-speed manual transmissions will be offered. Timing is unclear, but this one probably won't surface before 2008.

Also in the works, but not yet confirmed for America, is what some are calling the "CrossGolf." This would be an SUV-flavored compact wagon based on VW's European Golf Plus hatchback, basically a tall-body 4-dr Golf. The CrossGolf would be a sort of "baby Touareg" with standard AWD and elevated ride height, but limited off-road ability. One Detroit source suggests a 2007-model debut for this reply to the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and other small "soft roaders."

Last but not least, VW says it's considering a hybrid-power Jetta for possible U.S. sale in 2008 or thereabouts--emphasize "possible." A company spokesman says it will be a so-called "mild" hybrid, using its electric motor only to assist the gasoline engine.

2006 Volkswagen Jetta Road Test

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		37
Average Score		52
High Score		64

2006 Volkswagen Jetta Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/23/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Value Edition 4-door sedan, manual	$17,900	$17,049	$615

Value Edition 4-door sedan, automatic	$18,975	$18,122	$615

2.5 4-door sedan, manual	$20,290	$18,687	$615

2.5 4-door sedan, automatic	$21,365	$19,760	$615

TDI 4-door sedan, manual	$21,290	$20,033	$615

TDI 4-door sedan, SMT	$22,365	$21,106	$615

2.0 T 4-door sedan, manual	$23,590	$21,702	$615

2.0 T 4-door sedan, SMT	$24,465	$22,566	$615

GLI 4-door sedan, manual	$23,790	$21,884	$615

GLI 4-door sedan, SMT	$24,655	$22,748	$615

Price note: Wagon prices and equipment not available at time of publication. TDI not available in Calif., Mass., Maine, N.Y., Vt.

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Value Edition

Powertrain

2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control, limited-slip differential.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunklid release, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/height and lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, full-size spare tire, 195/65HR15 tires, wheel covers.

2.5/TDI adds to Value Edition:

Powertrain

2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine (2.5) or 1.9-liter turbodiesel 4-cylinder engine (TDI), 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability (2.5), 5-speed manual or 6-speed sequential-shift manual transmission (SMT) (TDI).

Safety

Brake assist, antiskid system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Vinyl upholstery, fold-flat passenger seat, split folding rear seat w/trunk pass-through, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

205/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels.

2.0 T adds to 2.5/TDI:

Powertrain

2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual or 6-speed sequential-shift manual transmission (SMT).

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, heated front seats, power sunroof, satellite radio (requires monthly fee after 3rd month), trip computer, compass, heated washer nozzles.

GLI adds to 2.0 T:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Cloth upholstery, power front seats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: heated front seats, fold-flat passenger seat, power sunroof, satellite radio, heated washer nozzles.

Fog lights, xenon headlights, sport suspension, 225/45WR17 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Pkg. 1
GLI	$1,460	$1,334
Power sunroof, satellite radio (requires monthly fee after 3rd month).

Pkg. 2
GLI	$3,200	$2,923
GLI Pkg. 1 plus leather upholstery, heated front seats and washer nozzles, front sport seats, dual-zone automatic climate controls.

Pkg. 3
2.0 T SMT	$4,885	$4,463
2.0 T SMT Pkg. 2 plus 12-way power passenger seat, rear-obstacle-detection system, tire-pressure monitor, upgraded sound system, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, rain-sensing wipers, rear sunshade, automatic headlights. Deletes fold-flat passenger seat.

Enhanced Styling Pkg.
2.5, TDI, 2.0 T	$2,999	$2,499
Body cladding, rear spoiler, silver taillights, 225/45HR17 tires, unique alloy wheels. NA w/Pkg. 3.

Safety
Rear side airbags
2.0 T, 2.5/TDI, GLI, Value Edition	$350	$310


Antiskid system
Value Edition	$280	$247
Includes brake assist.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
2.5 automatic, TDI, 2.0 T, GLI	$1,800	$1,589
2.5, TDI, GLI require Pkg. 1 or 2. Moves in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer to armrest.

Satellite radio
2.5, TDI, GLI	$375	$331
Requires monthly fee after 3rd month.

Cargo net
2.0 T, 2.5/TDI, GLI, Value Edition	$69	$55


Rubber floormats
2.0 T, 2.5/TDI, GLI, Value Edition	$99	$64


Rubber floormats w/trunk mat
2.0 T, 2.5/TDI, GLI, Value Edition	$185	$145


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Mud guards
2.5, TDI, 2.0 T	$160	$120


Vision V alloy wheels
2.5, TDI, 2.0 T	$1,350	$1,150
Includes 225/45HR17 tires.

225/40YR18 tires
GLI	$750	$663

2006 Volkswagen Jetta Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Volkswagen Jetta 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	101.5

Overall Length, in.	179.3

Overall Width, in.	70.1

Overall Height, in.	57.4

Curb Weight, lbs.	3230

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	16.0

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	14.5

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.5

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.2

Rear Head Room, in.	37.2

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	35.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I5	Turbocharged dohc I4	Turbodiesel sohc I4

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.5 /151	2.0 /121	1.9 /116

Horsepower @ rpm.	150 @ 5000	200 @ 5500	100 @ 4000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	170 @ 3750	207 @ 1800	177 @ 1800

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	22/30	--/--	36/41

6-speed manual	--/--	24/32	--/--

6-speed automatic	22/30	--/--	--/--

6-speed automated manual	--/--	25/31	35/42

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Volkswagen Jetta 4-door sedan

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	6/60,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	12/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	/

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Mexico

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
Trim Level: GLI
Arrival Date: 01/26/2006
Engine: Turbocharged dohc I4
Bodystyle: 4-door sedan
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: $23,790
Price as Tested: $28,480
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 10242
Mileage at End of Test: 10816
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 17.534 gals.

Major Options: Package 2 includes: Power Sunroof and Satellite Radio XM Service, Dual Zone Climatronic Top Sport Seats with Leather Seating Surfaces and Cold Weather Package. 6-Speed DSG Automatic Tiptronic Transmission.

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 23.27 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Kirk Bell Wonderful power, a responsive transmission, top notch interior materials, and a BMW-like ride make the GLI an excellent all-around car. I'd argue that it needs a limited-slip differential, and despite the transmission, I'd still prefer a standard manual.

Mark Bilek I simply loved driving the GLI. I'd add a little more rear leg room and obviously cut the absurd $28,000 price tag by about $8,000. At $20,000 this is a compelling vehicle. Even at $22,000, but not at $28,000.

Rick Cotta GLI adds a sporty flavor to what is arguably the most refined car in the compact class. But it's also among the most expensive, and not all of those sporty features will appeal to some buyers. The TDI remains my favorite Jetta, though VW's questionable reliability record taints what is otherwise among my favorite small sedans.

< 2006 Volkswagen Jetta Photos

Also in the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta Review:

Volkswagen Jetta

Volkswagen Jetta Road Test

Volkswagen Jetta Prices & Equipment

Volkswagen Jetta Specs & Safety

Volkswagen Jetta Photos

Volkswagen Jetta Full Review

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