The Jetta is a money-maker, a diverse compact sedan that is Volkswagen’s the top-selling vehicle.
The Jetta lineup offers quite a bit of diversity. In fact, there’s so much diversity – sedan, hybrid, sportwagen, diesel or turbocharged engine – that it can be a real toss-up of which model to purchase.
Because there is seemingly a Jetta for everyone, the prices have a great variety, ranging from an affordable $15,695 for the base model to around $32,000 for the hybrid.
Note that this review will not include the Jetta SportWagen, Hybrid or the performance-oriented GLI.
A new turbocharged 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet is the big news for the 2014 Jetta sedan. It supplants the previous five-cylinder engine, which took its share of criticism.
The Jetta sedan comes with three engine choices. And for performance-conscious buyers, the new turbocharged engine is the way to go. The base model, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder that produces 115 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque is definitely underpowered.
Although the Jetta remains conservative in appearance and is devoid of any bling, there are some real plusses overall, including a smooth ride quality, spacious interior and trunk, and solid fuel economy.
The interior has its share of enviable qualities, one of them is not offering anything resembling high technology.
In fact, the Jetta is known as one of the least exciting interiors in its class. However, the Jetta does offer a simple, straightforward gauges and easy-to-master control layout, which is a plus to some car buyers.
2014 Volkswagen Jetta
- Performance: 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, 115 horsepower; 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 170 horsepower; 2.0-liter, turbocharged diesel, four-cylinder, 140 horsepower
- Mileage estimate range: 24-34 mpg
- Price: $15,695 to $28,855
- Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles; drivetrain 5 years/60,000 miles; roadside assistance 3 years/60,000; corrosion 12 years/100,000
With its great diversity and overall quality, the Jetta is a solid compact sedan that won’t disappoint.
