2009 Volkswagen Jetta: Road Test
2009 Volkswagen Jetta ▼
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- MSRP: $17,515 - $27,165
- Invoice: $16,863 - $25,392
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Our road test for the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta help you decide if a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SE wagon w/navigation, automatic | GLI, manual | TDI sedan, manual | TDI sedan, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 4.9 |
An SE SportWagen is the only 5-cylinder Jetta made available for us to test so far. With the automatic transmission, acceleration is sprightly from a stop, with decent passing power. Its manual shift gate works well, too. GLI is satisfyingly quick, despite some turbo lag. A test example did 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds in our testing.
Though not quite as potent overall as the GLI, Jetta TDI is surprisingly strong with either transmission. It suffers from some turbo lag. On all Jetta models, the manual transmission is delightful to use, with smooth shift and clutch action. The automatics are prompt and responsive, with helpful manual shift gates.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SE wagon w/navigation, automatic | GLI, manual | TDI sedan, manual | TDI sedan, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 10 | 10 | 7.1 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a five-cylinder Jetta wagon averaged 26.3 mpg in mostly highway driving. A manual-transmission GLI averaged 18.1 mpg in mostly city driving. Another GLI averaged 26.1 mpg with more highway miles. Extended-use TDI automatic is averaging a frugal 38.4 mpg in mostly highway driving over its first 18,453 miles. Another automatic-transmission TDI averaged 31.8 mpg with slightly more city driving than highway use. Five-cylinder Jettas use regular-grade gas. VW recommends premium for the turbo 4-cylinder.
RIDE QUALITY
| SE wagon w/navigation, automatic | GLI, manual | TDI sedan, manual | TDI sedan, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
SE and TDI models are comfortable and composed on most road surfaces with their standard 16-inch wheels. Their suspension and tires combination absorb bumps with almost no harshness. Some unwanted hop and up-and-down motions filter into the cabin on rougher pavement. GLI, with its 17-inch wheels, feels jiggly, thumpy, and stiff on all but the smoothest pavement. The optional 18s don't help. We've not tested an SEL, which has 17s.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SE wagon w/navigation, automatic | GLI, manual | TDI sedan, manual | TDI sedan, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Non-GLI Jettas are more than competent, even a bit sporty, including the wagon. They have fine steering feel. Body lean in corners is noticeable, but they never feel unstable. GLI is a class standout. It corners with confidence, exhibiting only modest body lean. Braking is strong and sure on all.
QUIETNESS
| SE wagon w/navigation, automatic | GLI, manual | TDI sedan, manual | TDI sedan, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
Some wind rush from the front pillars and side windows is noticeable at highway speeds. The 5-cylinder is generally smooth and quiet, though trails VW's own 4-cylinder engines for overall refinement. The GLI's turbo 4-cylinder has a pleasant growl and is quieter overall than the 5-cylinder. Tire thrum is present on the GLI, but it's never overly intrusive.
Surprisingly, the TDI sedan is the quietest Jetta model we've tested. Some engine clatter at idle and while accelerating never lets you forget you're driving a diesel. Still, it shows a high degree of refinement that's far removed from diesel engines of the past.
CONTROLS
| SE wagon w/navigation, automatic | GLI, manual | TDI sedan, manual | TDI sedan, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.8 |
Clear gauges complement mostly handy, intuitive controls, but some testers find the blue and purple dashboard lighting too soft for best nighttime legibility. The available navigation system incorporates most audio functions, complicating what should be simple adjustments.
DETAILS
| SE wagon w/navigation, automatic | GLI, manual | TDI sedan, manual | TDI sedan, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.1 |
Among the best in class. Jetta's high-quality interior has many soft-touch surfaces and pleasing-looking plastics. SE and TDI have vinyl seats. While they look like leather, their overall appearance is a bit on the cheap side.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SE wagon w/navigation, automatic | GLI, manual | TDI sedan, manual | TDI sedan, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.7 |
Great legroom from ultra-long seat tracks. Only the tallest riders will notice intrusion from the sunroof housing. GLI's contoured sport seats snug occupants without feeling confining. All Jettas have a standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel, a driver-comfort plus. Aft visibility on all models is hindered a bit by the rear headrests.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SE wagon w/navigation, automatic | GLI, manual | TDI sedan, manual | TDI sedan, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 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
| SE wagon w/navigation, automatic | GLI, manual | TDI sedan, manual | TDI sedan, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.9 |
Sedans have generous trunk room for a compact, enhanced by a large aperture, non-intrusive strut-type hinges, and standard 60/40 split rear seatbacks. A center pass-through is also available, which is a thoughtful touch. SportWagens rival many larger wagons and some SUVs for cargo space. A large, albeit shallow, underfloor storage bin further enhances the wagon's utility. The front-passenger seatback folds to increase loading room, but the rear seatbacks do not fold completely flat. In-cabin small-item storage is good.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SE wagon w/navigation, automatic | GLI, manual | TDI sedan, manual | TDI sedan, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6.6 |
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. The available wagon body style adds versatility to the lineup. The refined TDI vanquishes any preconceived notions about diesel engines. It's smooth and quiet, yet still fun to drive, while boasting fuel economy similar to that of many gas/electric hybrid cars. The TDI also qualifies for an income-tax credit. That, combined with fuel savings, should offset its price premium over comparable gasoline-powered Jettas. Expensive options quickly inflate delivered prices on all models, however. VW also suffers from subpar customer-satisfaction scores for reliability and dealer service.
Total Score
| SE wagon w/navigation, automatic | GLI, manual | TDI sedan, manual | TDI sedan, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 66 | 63 | 69 | 69 | 59.9 |
Total Score: 67
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