2007 Volkswagen Jetta Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2007 Volkswagen Jetta includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Volkswagen Jetta from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Volkswagen Jetta, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Volkswagen Jetta help you decide if a 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is right for you.

2007 Volkswagen Jetta Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (2.0 T and GLI)	Rear-seat room

Fuel economy (TDI)

Interior materials

Steering/handling

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

2.5, auto.	2.5 w/Pkg. 2, auto.	GLI w/Pkg. 2, man.	Class Average
4	4	7	4.6

Base, 2.5 models have good power for around-town driving, but weak passing punch. Test 2.5 with automatic transmission did 9.0 sec 0-60 mph--below midpack for the class. GLI and 2.0T models satisfyingly quick, are particularly strong in 45-65-mph range. Test manual-transmission GLI did 6.8 sec 0-60.

Fuel Economy

2.5, auto.	2.5 w/Pkg. 2, auto.	GLI w/Pkg. 2, man.	Class Average
6	6	5	6.5

Test 2.5s with automatic transmission averaged 19.7 mpg in mostly city driving, 23.0-26.2 in mostly highway use. Test GLI averaged 18.1, including gas-eating acceleration tests. VW recommends regular-grade fuel for the 5-cyl, premium for turbo 4-cyl.

Ride Quality

2.5, auto.	2.5 w/Pkg. 2, auto.	GLI w/Pkg. 2, man.	Class Average
7	7	4	5.3

Top of class with 15- or 16-inch tires. Minor float over big moguls at speed, but otherwise absorbent, quiet, composed, even on cratered pavement. GLI with 17s feels jiggly, thumpy, borderline harsh on all but smooth roads; optional 18s won't help.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2.5, auto.	2.5 w/Pkg. 2, auto.	GLI w/Pkg. 2, man.	Class Average
7	7	8	5.8

A class standout. Corners with grippy assurance, modest body lean. GLI offsets its lumpy ride with terrific handling. Antiskid system a laudable safety plus for class. Ditto the strong antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Quietness

2.5, auto.	2.5 w/Pkg. 2, auto.	GLI w/Pkg. 2, man.	Class Average
6	6	5	4.4

A very refined compact let down some by 5-cyl engine that's gruff at idle and in rapid acceleration. Some test cars exhibited intrusive wind rush from front pillars and side windows at highway speed. Tire thrum impressively low with 15- or 16-inch tires, more prominent with 17s and 18s.

Controls

2.5, auto.	2.5 w/Pkg. 2, auto.	GLI w/Pkg. 2, man.	Class Average
7	8	8	5.9

Clear gauges complement mostly handy, intuitive controls, but some testers find blue/purple dashboard lighting too soft for best nighttime legibility. High-quality interior has many soft-touch surfaces. Pricey Pkg. 2 option includes leather trim.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2.5, auto.	2.5 w/Pkg. 2, auto.	GLI w/Pkg. 2, man.	Class Average
7	7	8	5.6

Great leg room from ultralong seat tracks. Only tallest riders may notice intrusion from sunroof housing. Supportive high-set seats include manual height adjustment; GLI's contoured sport seats snug occupants in spirited cornering without confining feel. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel aids driver comfort. Aft visibility hindered a bit by rear headrests.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2.5, auto.	2.5 w/Pkg. 2, auto.	GLI w/Pkg. 2, man.	Class Average
4	4	4	4

Sufficient head and leg room for smaller adults, but six-footers will feel cramped. Seat itself very comfortable, but best for two adults.

Cargo Room

2.5, auto.	2.5 w/Pkg. 2, auto.	GLI w/Pkg. 2, man.	Class Average
5	5	5	4.8

Generous for a compact, enhanced by large aperture, nonintrusive trunklid hinges, standard 60/40 split folding rear seat. Good small-item storage.

Value within Class

2.5, auto.	2.5 w/Pkg. 2, auto.	GLI w/Pkg. 2, man.	Class Average
6	4	5	6

Jetta sets the class standard for overall refinement and solidity. It's also roomy, comes with many laudable safety features, and boasts a high-quality interior. But expensive option packages quickly inflate delivered prices, and VW suffers subpar customer-satisfaction scores for reliability and dealer service.

Total Score