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2016 Volkswagen Jetta

2016 Volkswagen Jetta

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$9,057 — $18,117 USED
15
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Sedan
5 Seats
27-33 MPG
(Combined)
 Key specs of the base trim
 — 
Compare 7 trims

Overview

Is this the car for you?
 (4.7) 118 reviews

The Good

  • Fuel efficiency, especially diesel and hybrid models
  • Terrific manual transmission
  • Cornering poise
  • Supportive front seats
  • Rear-seat legroom
  • Big trunk

The Bad

  • Interior materials quality
  • Pricey for its class
  • Wind noise in cabin
2016 Volkswagen Jetta exterior side view

What to Know

about the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
  • New 150-hp turbo base engine
  • Apple CarPlay, Android Auto smartphone mirroring now available
  • New active safety features available
  • Restyled Jetta GLI model
  • Gas or diesel power
  • Hybrid model offered

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2016 Volkswagen Jetta Review

from the Cars.com expert editorial team

Vehicle Overview

The five-seat Jetta is Volkswagen’s entrant in the compact-sedan segment. Available with a gas or diesel engine, the Jetta competes with the Honda Civic, Mazda3 and Ford Focus. A performance-oriented Jetta GLI and a fuel-efficient Jetta Hybrid are also offered.

(Skip to details on the: Jetta GLI and Jetta Hybrid)

New for 2016
A 150-horsepower, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder is the Jetta’s new base engine, and a new available multimedia system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring on the car’s dashboard screen. New active safety features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic braking and automatic post-collision braking, which is designed to reduce the incidence of secondary impacts after a crash.

Significant Standard Features

  • 150-hp, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine
  • Air conditioning
  • Cruise control
  • Touch-screen stereo
  • Bluetooth streaming audio
  • USB port
  • 60/40-split folding backseat
  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system

Significant Available Features

  • 170-hp, turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder
  • 150-hp, turbo-diesel 2.0-liter four-cylinder
  • Power moonroof
  • Backup camera
  • Keyless access with push-button start
  • Heated front seats
  • Simulated leather upholstery
  • Fender premium audio
  • Dual-zone automatic air conditioning
  • Navigation system
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Forward collision warning with automatic braking
  • Blind spot warnin...

Vehicle Overview

The five-seat Jetta is Volkswagen’s entrant in the compact-sedan segment. Available with a gas or diesel engine, the Jetta competes with the Honda Civic, Mazda3 and Ford Focus. A performance-oriented Jetta GLI and a fuel-efficient Jetta Hybrid are also offered.

(Skip to details on the: Jetta GLI and Jetta Hybrid)

New for 2016
A 150-horsepower, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder is the Jetta’s new base engine, and a new available multimedia system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring on the car’s dashboard screen. New active safety features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic braking and automatic post-collision braking, which is designed to reduce the incidence of secondary impacts after a crash.

Significant Standard Features

  • 150-hp, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine
  • Air conditioning
  • Cruise control
  • Touch-screen stereo
  • Bluetooth streaming audio
  • USB port
  • 60/40-split folding backseat
  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system

Significant Available Features

  • 170-hp, turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder
  • 150-hp, turbo-diesel 2.0-liter four-cylinder
  • Power moonroof
  • Backup camera
  • Keyless access with push-button start
  • Heated front seats
  • Simulated leather upholstery
  • Fender premium audio
  • Dual-zone automatic air conditioning
  • Navigation system
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Forward collision warning with automatic braking
  • Blind spot warning system
  • Rear cross-traffic alert

Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI gets a sportier appearance and upgraded features for 2016. It’s powered by a 210-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that works with a six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

What’s Special

  • Honeycomb grille
  • Rear diffuser
  • Sport suspension
  • LED taillights
  • Red accent stitching

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Jetta Hybrid

Besides the fuel-saving TDI diesel versions of the Jetta compact sedan, Volkswagen sells a gas-electric hybrid model that competes with the Toyota Prius.

What’s Special

  • EPA-estimated 42/48/44 mpg city/highway/combined
  • Can travel up to 44 mph on electric power alone
  • 150-hp, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine that works with a 27-hp electric motor
  • Electric motor is powered by a 1.1-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack behind the rear seat
  • Seven-speed dual-clutch transmission
  • Unique grille styling
  • Power gauge takes the place of a tachometer in instrument panel

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Consumer Reviews

What drivers are saying

4.7
118 reviews — Read All reviews
Exterior Styling
(4.6)
Performance
(4.7)
Interior Design
(4.6)
Comfort
(4.6)
Reliability
(4.8)
Value For The Money
(4.7)

Read reviews that mention:

(3.0)

A solid car-- nice inside, sluggish performance

by faure212 from Sun City Center, Florida on November 24, 2019

We like the color, the sunroof and other features, and the large trunk. I hate the sluggish performance in this turbocharged car. The car is also a bit too expensive relative to its performance. Read full review

(5.0)

Best bang for your buck

by Stephanie from Stamford on November 23, 2019

I have always had an Audi and a Jetta. Last pair were an 04 A6 Sline and 03 Jetta. Just went for a set of CPO 2017 A4 SLine and 2016 Jetta SEL. I commute daily from Stamford CT to Brooklyn NY. The ... Read full review

Safety

Recalls and crash tests

Recalls

The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta currently has 2 recalls

Crash and Rollover Test Ratings

Warranty

New car and certified pre-owned programs by Volkswagen

New Car Program Benefits

  • Bumper-to-Bumper

    36 months / 36,000 miles

  • Powertrain

    60 months / 60,000 miles

  • Roadside Assistance

    36 months / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned Program Benefits

  • Maximum Age/Mileage

    7 years/less than 72,000 or 75,000 miles (model-year specific)

  • Basic Warranty Terms

    Model-year 2017 and older, 2 years/24,000 miles; model-year 2018 and forward, 1 year/12,000 miles; TDI models, 2 years/unlimited miles

  • Powertrain

    5 years/60,000 miles

  • Dealer Certification Required

    100-plus point inspection

  • Roadside Assistance

    Yes

  • View All CPO Program Details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

See warranty FAQs or visit the manufacturer's website

Latest 2016 Jetta Stories

See all 2016 Volkswagen Jetta articles

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Cars.com Car Seat Check

Certified child passenger safety technicians conduct hands-on tests of a car’s Latch system and check the vehicle’s ability to accommodate different types of car seats. The Jetta received the following grades on a scale of A-F.*
* This score may not apply to all trims, especially for vehicles with multiple body styles that affect the space and design of the seating.

Warranty FAQs

What is a Bumper-to-Bumper warranty?

Often called a basic warranty or new-vehicle warranty, a bumper-to-bumper policy covers components like air conditioning, audio systems, vehicle sensors, fuel systems and major electrical components. Most policies exclude regular maintenance like fluid top offs and oil changes, but a few brands have separate free-maintenance provisions, and those that do offer them is slowly rising. Bumper-to-bumper warranties typically expire faster than powertrain warranties.

What is a Powertrain warranty?

Don't be misled a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty doesn't promise a decade of free repairs for your car. It typically covers just the engine and transmission, along with any other moving parts that lead to the wheels, like the driveshaft and constant velocity joints. Some automakers also bundle seat belts and airbags into their powertrain warranties. With a few exceptions, powertrain warranties don't cover regular maintenance like engine tuneups and tire rotations.

What is included in Roadside Assistance?

Some automakers include roadside assistance with their bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranties, while others have separate policies. These programs cover anything from flat-tire changes and locksmith services to jump-starts and towing. Few reimburse incidental costs like motel rooms (if you have to wait for repairs).

What other services could be included in a warranty?

Some automakers include free scheduled maintenance for items such as oil changes, air filters and tire rotations. Some include consumables including brake pads and windshield wipers; others do not. They are typically for the first couple of years of ownership of a new car.

What does CPO mean?

A certified pre-owned or CPO car has been inspected to meet minimum quality standards and typically includes some type of warranty. While dealers and third parties certify cars, the gold standard is an automaker-certified vehicle that provides a factory-backed warranty, often extending the original coverage. Vehicles must be in excellent condition and have low miles and wear to be certified, which is why off-lease vehicles feed many CPO programs.

See also the latest CPO incentives by automaker

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