Volkswagen Jetta

Larger than its predecessor and riding on a longer wheelbase, the redesigned 2019 Jetta had a slightly lower starting price than the outgoing model. Power came from a 147-horsepower, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Though a six-speed manual transmission was standard, most trim levels had an eight-speed automatic. A touchscreen multimedia system that supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity was standard. Available active-safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure steering assist. A mild refresh for the 2022 model year brought updated exterior styling, fancier interior materials and a slightly more powerful turbo 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that replaced the previous 1.4-liter four-cylinder. Another subtle freshening occurred for 2025, bringing tweaked exterior styling, a redesigned dashboard and higher levels of standard equipment.

With the Jetta's 2011 redesign, Volkswagen significantly dropped the car's starting price but also lowered its cabin quality. A hybrid model with a turbocharged gas engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission debuted for 2013 and lasted a handful of model years, but gas- and diesel-powered Jettas were the mainstream versions.

Featuring all-new, sleeker styling, the redesigned 2006 Jetta was significantly larger on the outside than its predecessor and had more passenger and cargo room inside. A multi-link design was adopted for the rear suspension, in place of the previous torsion beam, and a diesel engine was still available in addition to a standard gas engine. The performance-oriented GLI got a larger, more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at 200 hp.

The 1999 Jetta featured new exterior styling that gave the car slightly softer lines while still retaining the boxy design theme of its predecessor. A wagon body style joined the lineup in 2001. The base engine was a 115-hp, gas four-cylinder, but shoppers looking for more power could opt for a 174-hp, 2.8-liter V-6. A diesel was also offered.