2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI


2009 Volkswagen Jetta diesel
Consumer Guide's long-term 2009 Jetta TDI is averaging about 38.1 mpg.

The U.S. is no stranger to Volkswagen’s diesel-powered cars, but 2008's tougher emissions laws meant that they couldn’t be sold in the States until deemed clean enough. VW’s first diesel since its hiatus is the 2009 Jetta. Available in sedan and wagon body styles, the Jetta diesel gets power from a 140-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine.

Consumer Guide added the 2009 Jetta TDI to its long-term test fleet last October and we’ve been singing its praises ever since. During the 12,230 miles we’ve put on it so far, it’s averaging a healthy 38.1 mpg, on the high side of the EPA’s 29/40 (with 6-speed automatic transmission) city/highway mpg rating.  

Click here to read our long-term road test of the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI.
Jetta stands out for its combination of fuel economy, peppy performance, and overall value; the diesel premium is only $405. A TDI sedan with the automatic transmission starts at $23,370 and a comparably equipped Jetta in SEL trim bases at $22,965. It’s relatively quiet, too. As with other diesels on this list, some engine clatter is noticeable at idle and during acceleration, but fades at cruising speeds.

Click here to read our review of the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI.