2003 Volkswagen Jetta Review

The Volkswagen New Beetle has an alluring retro design, but this automaker's Jetta is by far its most popular model, with crisp styling, lively performance and decent passenger and cargo room.

Europeans expect nothing less from the world's fourth-largest automaker, while Americans continue to expect more from it. However, it will be tough for Volkswagen to shake its old image here of selling economical, fun autos for those with average wages.

The Jetta comes as a sedan and station wagon and is mechanically similar to the Volkswagen Golf, which has a more practical hatchback design.

Unlike the more pragmatic Europeans, most Americans prefer the more "formal''--or stylish--look of a sedan. Hence, Volkswagen sold 37,026 Jettas through the first four months this year, but only 8,241 Golfs.

Sales of the New Beetle totaled 18,782 cars in that period, with the long-awaited new convertible model boosting results. Second best Volkswagen seller? The flagship Passat sedan and wagon, with sales of 26,205 units.

It once was thought that people bought a Jetta because they couldn't afford costlier Audi A4 models, which really weren't all that much better than the Jetta despite Audi's more prestigious nameplate. But that thinking has largely disappeared because Volkswagen has more of an upscale image in America than it once did. It starts selling the approximately $60,000 Phaeton luxury sedan here in November and has developed a new sport-utility vehicle with revered Porsche.

Volkswagen has come a long way since it was suffering from a billion-dollar loss in the early 1990s. Few know that it owns exotic Lamborghini and prestigious Bentley.

Still, the Jetta continues to have the lively, youthful image that made the old Volkswagen Beetle a hit for decades in America (but not for that long in Europe, where boxier, roomier Volks-wagens sold better).

One big attraction of the front-drive Jetta is its wide variety of trim levels and engine choices. Ordering a Jetta can be as complicated as buying a truck, which can be an all-afternoon affair. In the era of the old Beetle, you could buy a Volks-wagen almost before a salesman finished his cup of coffee, with the main option essentially being what color you wanted.

No longer.

For example, Jetta trim levels start with the GL sedan with a five-speed manual gearbox and then move up to GLS, GLI and GLX models, along with special Wolfsburg Edition versions.

Base prices go from $17,100 to $26,940.

You can get four engines, including a turbocharged 180-horsepower four-cylinder or 200-horsepower V-6. Or you can just get the base 115-horsepower four-cylinder engine or turbocharged 90-horsepower four-cylinder diesel, which is refined and provides an eye-opening 42 mpg in the city and 49 on highways.

Transmissions also cover the waterfront. There are five- and six-speed manual transmissions and four- and five-speed automatics.

I recently tested the $22,950 GLI, which comes with the 200-horsepower V-6, six-speed manual and a standard anti-skid system, which is rarely offered for a small car. The GLI also has a sport suspension and wide 45-series tires on large 17-inch wheels--along with such sporty touches as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and hand brake lever.

The GLl is the most expensive Jetta, except for the posher, top-line GLX. But all Jettas are well-equipped.

Even the entry $17,100 version has standard air conditioning, cruise control, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD sound system, height-adjustable and telescoping steering column and power windows and door locks.

As for safety, all Jettas have anti-lock brakes, front side air bags and curtain side air bags for head protection.

The Jetta platform is beginning to show its age. But Jettas still are fun to drive, with precise steering, supple suspensions and superb brakes. My test GLI--the sportiest Jetta--had a leg up on most Jettas because of such things as its sport suspension and wider tires, which provided more grip.

The GLI felt a bit soft for a fast sports sedan. But it had excellent handling and a surprisingly supple ride despite its wide tires and firmer suspension.

The 200-horsepower V-6 provided strong acceleration, but often called for a fair amount of shifting with the slick manual gearbox, which works with a light but long-throw clutch. No automatic transmission is offered for the GLI, although that type transmission is available for other Jettas.

While smooth and quiet, the engine is fairly small with less than a 3-liter displacement--and thus requires lots of revs for the best performance. However, relaxed long-distance cruising is no problem.

The interior is a nice place to spend time. It's quiet and roomy for four tall occupants, and the GLI front sport seats are especially supportive. Gauges can be read at a glance and controls have a positive feel. However, the front seatback recliner adjusters are awkward to use.

The trunk is large, and a split-folding rear seatback enlarges cargo space.

Doors have easily grabbed handles and close with a reassuring thunk. The Jetta looks and feels more expensive than it is, thanks to such things as upgrade interior materials and narrow gaps between inside and outside panels.

German automakers arguably build the world's best sedans because they've long made cars for a country with major roads that have no speed limits. Cars thus must provide safe, comfortable high-speed driving, which calls for a high level of competence. It's thus no surprise that the Jetta is among the best small cars offered.


VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
Prices:
$17,100-$26,940

Likes:
Fun to drive. Fast with V-6 and turbo engines. Smooth ride. Roomy. Solid. Impressive diesel fuel economy.

Dislikes:
Tedious seatback recliner adjusters. Lots of shifting with manual transmission.