2007 Volkswagen Jetta Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Volkswagen's best-selling car is basically a 4-dr sedan version of its Rabbit hatchback. Base and 2.5 Jettas have a 150-hp 5-cyl engine. The 2.0T and sporty GLI models have a 200-hp turbocharged 4-cyl. Jettas come with manual transmission: a 5-speed for base and 2.5 models, 6-speed for 2.0T and GLI. Base and 2.5 are available with a 6-speed automatic. The 2.0T and GLI offer 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 the base model, standard on others. Rear side airbags are optional on all. A newly available Wolfsburg Edition has the 5-cyl engine, heated front seats, and a sunroof. GLI has a firmer sport suspension lowered by 0.8-inch for '07. It also includes xenon headlights and specific styling touches. A navigation system and leather upholstery are available.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 100 inches or longer.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic and Mazda 3. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, and Mazda 5.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Versa, and Pontiac G5.

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.

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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

2.5, auto.	2.5 w/Pkg. 2, auto.	GLI w/Pkg. 2, man.	Class Average
59	58	59	52.9

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		42
Average Score		52
High Score		60

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2007 Volkswagen Jetta Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/26/2007

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 4-door sedan, manual	$16,490	$15,886	$640

Base 4-door sedan, automatic	$17,565	$16,959	$640

2.5 4-door sedan, manual	$18,110	$17,063	$640

2.5 4-door sedan, automatic	$19,185	$18,136	$640

Wolfsburg Edition 4-door sedan, manual	$19,460	$18,334	$640

Wolfsburg Edition 4-door sedan, automatic	$20,535	$19,407	$640

2.0T 4-door sedan, manual	$22,110	$20,585	$640

2.0T 4-door sedan, automatic	$23,185	$21,658	$640

GLI 4-door sedan, manual	$24,110	$22,434	$640

GLI 4-door sedan, automatic	$25,185	$23,507	$640

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

Base

Powertrain

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

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, tire-pressure monitor, 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-media player connection, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, rear defogger, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

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

2.5 adds to Base:

Safety

Antiskid system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

205/55HR16 tires.

Wolfsburg Edition adds to 2.5:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Vinyl upholstery, heated front seats, power sunroof, heated washer nozzles.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Alloy wheels.

2.0T adds to 2.5:

Powertrain

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

Comfort and Convenience Features

Vinyl upholstery, fold-flat passenger seat, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Alloy wheels.

GLI adds to 2.0T:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Cloth upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, aluminum interior trim, trip computer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: fold-flat passenger seat.

Bi-xenon headlights, sport suspension, 225/45WR17 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Pkg. 1
GLI	$1,800	$1,644
Power sunroof, upgraded sound system, additional auxiliary power outlet.

Pkg. 2
GLI	$3,500	$3,197
GLI Pkg. 1 plus leather upholstery, heated front sport seats, dual-zone automatic climate controls, heated washer nozzles.

Cold Weather Pkg.
2.5	$175	$154
Heated front seats and washer nozzles. Requires Pkg. 1.

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

Safety
Rear side airbags
2.0T, 2.5, Base, GLI, Wolfsburg Edition	$350	$310


Antiskid system
Base	$450	$398


Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
2.5, 2.0T, GLI	$1,800	$1,589
2.5 requires Pkg. 2. 2.0T, GLI require Pkg. 1 or 2. Moves in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer to armrest or deletes 6-disc CD/MP3 changer and replaces it w/iPod adapter.

Power sunroof
2.5	$1,000	$883


Upgraded sound system
2.5	$325	$287
Requires Pkg. 1.

iPod adapter
Base, 2.5, 2.0T, GLI	$199	$176


Rubber floormats w/trunk mat
2.0T, 2.5, Base, GLI, Wolfsburg Edition	$185	$145


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Body cladding kit
2.0T, 2.5, Base, GLI, Wolfsburg Edition	$1,650	$1,390


Mud guards
2.5, 2.0T	$160	$120


Rear spoiler
2.0T, 2.5, Base, GLI, Wolfsburg Edition	$479	$310


Alloy wheels
2.5	$400	$353


225/40R18 tires
GLI	$750	$663

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2007 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

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

Horsepower @ rpm.	150 @ 5000	200 @ 5100

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

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	22/30	--/--

6-speed manual	--/--	23/32

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

6-speed automated manual	--/--	25/32

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	5/60,000	--

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

Corrosion	12/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

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

< 2007 Volkswagen Jetta Photos

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Also in the 2007 Volkswagen Jetta Review:

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Volkswagen Jetta Road Test

Volkswagen Jetta Prices & Equipment

Volkswagen Jetta Specs & Safety

Volkswagen Jetta Photos

Volkswagen Jetta Full Review