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2008 Volkswagen Jetta Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
Also in the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Volkswagen Jetta Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Volkswagen Jetta Review
The 2008 Volkswagen Jetta gets more power and a revised model lineup. This compact car is Volkswagen's top seller. It comes as a 4-door sedan. S, SE, and SEL trim levels replace last year's Base and 2.5. The sporty GLI also returns. S, SE, and SEL have a 170-hp 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine, an increase of 20 hp from last year. GLI uses a turbocharged 200-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. S and SE versions are available with a 5-speed manual transmission. GLIs use a 6-speed manual. Standard on SEL and available on all other Jettas is a 6-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front and rear side airbags. An Autobahn Package on the GLI includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a sunroof.
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 99.4 inches or longer.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Nissan Versa, and Scion xB. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, Saturn Astra, Scion xB, and Subaru Impreza.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Nissan Versa, and Scion xB. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, Saturn Astra, Scion xB, and Subaru Impreza.
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2008 Volkswagen Jetta Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (GLI) | Rear-seat room |
| Interior materials | Low-speed power delivery (GLI) |
| Steering/handling | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
No 170-hp Jettas have been made available for us to test. GLI models are satisfyingly quick, particularly in the 45-65-mph range. A manual-transmission GLI did 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds in our test. Turbo lag is noticeable, particularly from a stop.
| GLI, manual | Class Average |
| 7 | 4.9 |
No 170-hp Jettas have been made available for us to test. GLI models are satisfyingly quick, particularly in the 45-65-mph range. A manual-transmission GLI did 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds in our test. Turbo lag is noticeable, particularly from a stop.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission GLI averaged 18.1 mpg, including gas-eating acceleration tests. Other turbocharged Jettas averaged a frugal 26.1 mpg with more highway miles. Five-cylinder Jettas use regular-grade gas. VW recommends premium for the turbo four.
| GLI, manual | Class Average |
| 6 | 6.4 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission GLI averaged 18.1 mpg, including gas-eating acceleration tests. Other turbocharged Jettas averaged a frugal 26.1 mpg with more highway miles. Five-cylinder Jettas use regular-grade gas. VW recommends premium for the turbo four.
Ride Quality
GLI with its 17-inch tires feels jiggly, thumpy, and borderline harsh on all but smooth roads. The optional 18s won't help.
| GLI, manual | Class Average |
| 4 | 5.1 |
GLI with its 17-inch tires feels jiggly, thumpy, and borderline harsh on all but smooth roads. The optional 18s won't help.
Steering/Handling/Braking
A class standout. Corners with grippy assurance and modest body lean. GLI offsets its lumpy ride with terrific handling. Braking is strong and sure.
| GLI, manual | Class Average |
| 8 | 5.8 |
A class standout. Corners with grippy assurance and modest body lean. GLI offsets its lumpy ride with terrific handling. Braking is strong and sure.
Quietness
Some test cars exhibited intrusive wind rush from front pillars and side windows at highway speed. Tire thrum is present with the GLI's 17- and 18-inch tires but is never overly intrusive.
| GLI, manual | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.4 |
Some test cars exhibited intrusive wind rush from front pillars and side windows at highway speed. Tire thrum is present with the GLI's 17- and 18-inch tires but is never overly intrusive.
Controls
Clear gauges complement mostly handy, intuitive controls, but some testers find the blue and purple dashboard lighting too soft for best nighttime legibility.
| GLI, manual | Class Average |
| 7 | 5.7 |
Clear gauges complement mostly handy, intuitive controls, but some testers find the blue and purple dashboard lighting too soft for best nighttime legibility.
Details
Among the best in class. Jetta's high-quality interior has many soft-touch surfaces and pleasing-looking plastics.
| GLI, manual | Class Average |
| 7 | 5.2 |
Among the best in class. Jetta's high-quality interior has many soft-touch surfaces and pleasing-looking plastics.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Great legroom from ultralong seat tracks. Only the tallest riders may notice intrusion from the sunroof housing. GLI's contoured sport seats snug occupants in spirited cornering without a confining feel. Jetta's standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel aids driver comfort. Aft visibility is hindered a bit by the rear headrests.
| GLI, manual | Class Average |
| 7 | 5.6 |
Great legroom from ultralong seat tracks. Only the tallest riders may notice intrusion from the sunroof housing. GLI's contoured sport seats snug occupants in spirited cornering without a confining feel. Jetta's standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel aids driver comfort. Aft visibility is hindered a bit by the rear headrests.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Sufficient headroom and legroom for smaller adults, but six-footers will feel cramped. The seat itself is very comfortable but best for two adults.
| GLI, manual | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 |
Sufficient headroom and legroom for smaller adults, but six-footers will feel cramped. The seat itself is very comfortable but best for two adults.
Cargo Room
Generous for a compact, enhanced by a large aperture, nonintrusive trunklid hinges, and standard 60/40 split folding rear seat. Good small-item storage.
| GLI, manual | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 |
Generous for a compact, enhanced by a large aperture, nonintrusive trunklid hinges, and standard 60/40 split folding rear seat. Good small-item storage.
Value within Class
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 options quickly inflate delivered prices, and VW suffers subpar customer-satisfaction scores for reliability and dealer service.
| GLI, manual | Class Average |
| 5 | 6.1 |
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 options quickly inflate delivered prices, and VW suffers subpar customer-satisfaction scores for reliability and dealer service.
Total Score
| GLI, manual | Class Average |
| 64 | 58.2 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 50 | |
| Average Score | 58 | |
| High Score | 71 |
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2008 Volkswagen Jetta Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/14/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| S 4-door sedan, manual | $16,990 | $16,190 | $650 |
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| S 4-door sedan, automatic | $18,065 | $17,263 | $650 |
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| SE 4-door sedan, manual | $19,850 | $18,739 | $650 |
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| SE 4-door sedan, automatic | $20,925 | $19,812 | $650 |
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| SEL 4-door sedan, automatic | $22,900 | $21,664 | $650 |
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| GLI 4-door sedan, manual | $24,300 | $22,659 | $650 |
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| GLI 4-door sedan, automatic | $25,375 | $23,732 | $650 |
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
S
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, front-seat active head restraints, emergency inside trunklid release, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/height and lumbar adjustment, center console, 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, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 205/55HR16 tires, wheel covers.
SE adds to S:
Safety
Antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, vinyl upholstery, heated front seats, fold-flat passenger seat, split folding rear seat w/trunk pass-through, power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, heated washer nozzles.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Alloy wheels.
SEL adds to SE:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Upgraded sound system, steering wheel radio controls.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
225/45R17 tires.
GLI adds to SEL:
Powertrain
2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cloth upholstery, aluminum interior trim.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: heated front seats, fold-flat passenger seat, upgraded sound system, power sunroof, heated washer nozzles.
Bi-xenon headlights, sport suspension.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Autobahn Pkg.
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GLI
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$3,020
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$2,797
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Leather upholstery, heated front seats, upgraded sound system, power sunroof, heated washer nozzles.
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Cold Weather Pkg.
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S, GLI
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$225
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$199
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Heated front seats and washer nozzles.
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Sport Styling Pkg.
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GLI, S, SE, SEL
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$2,099
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$1,699
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Body cladding, rear spoiler, silver taillights.
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Safety |
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Rear side airbags
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GLI, S, SE, SEL
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$350
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$310
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Antiskid system
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S
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$450
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$398
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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SEL, GLI
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$1,800
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$1,589
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GLI requires Autobahn Pkg. Moves in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer to armrest or deletes 6-disc CD/MP3 changer and replaces it w/iPod adapter.
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Power sunroof
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S, GLI
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$1,000
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$883
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Upgraded sound system
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SE, GLI
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$325
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$287
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iPod adapter
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GLI, S, SE, SEL
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$199
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$176
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Rubber floormats w/trunk mat
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GLI, S, SE, SEL
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$185
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$145
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Ground effects kit
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GLI, S, SE, SEL
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$1,650
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$1,390
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Body cladding.
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Mud guards
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GLI, S, SE, SEL
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$160
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$120
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Rear spoiler
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GLI, S, SE, SEL
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$479
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$310
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16-inch alloy wheels
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S
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$450
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$398
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17-inch alloy wheels
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S
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$1,350
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$1,175
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Includes 225/45R17 tires.
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225/40HR18 tires
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GLI
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$750
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$663
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225/40YR18 tires
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GLI
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$890
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$787
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 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. | 170 @ 5000 | 200 @ 5500 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 177 @ 3750 | 207 @ 1800 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 21/29 | --/-- |
| 6-speed manual | --/-- | 21/29 |
| 6-speed automatic | 21/29 | 22/29 |
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/unlimited | -- |
| 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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Volkswagen Jetta Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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Vehicle History Report
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