Volkswagen's compact Jetta sedan was first introduced in 1980. In North America, Jetta accounts for 40 percent of the German automaker's sales. Through June, Jetta's calendar-year sales totaled 49,973 units in the U.S.
The current fifth-generation, front-wheel-drive Jetta debuted midway through the 2005 model year, growing significantly (seven inches longer) in size from its predecessor. During its introduction, it was marketed as the "New Jetta." Today, Europe's largest automaker simply markets it as Jetta.
In the 2007 model year, Jetta drops the fuel-efficient, diesel powered TDI engine in the U.S. because the engine does not measure up to more stringent government emission requirements. That changes in the 2008 model year when a new 50-state diesel engine (generating 150 horsepower) joins the line-up. To keep interest in the current Jetta rolling, the starting price has been slashed.
When it arrived in 2005, the new fifth-generation Jetta started at $17,900. In 2007, pricing checks in at $16,490 to stay competitive with lower-priced, 2007 compact sedan rivals including the Chevrolet Cobalt ($13,175), Ford Focus ($14,040), Hyundai Elantra ($13,395) and Honda Civic ($15,010).
In 2008, Jetta's trim level structure gets more "Americanized" with S, SE and SEL designations. For 2007, trims and ordering packages can make your head spin. Most trims have several options and packages to choose from.
The 2007 Jetta is available in base, 2.5, 2.0T, and GLI trims. For more bells and whistles, a Fahrenheit special edition package is offered in the GLI trim. Base and 2.5 trims are available with Wolfsburg value packages.
The test vehicle of the week was a 2007 Fahrenheit edition sporting 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires and a bright yellow paint job. The yellow color scheme carries over to the interior with yellow bucket seat stitching and yellow inserts on door panels and the dashboard.
The GLI Fahrenheit edition starts at a hefty $27,880. The bottom line topped out at $28,895 after adding $375 for Sirius satellite radio and a $640 destination charge.
Two gasoline-powered engines are available in 2007. Base and 2.5 editions include a 2.5-liter, five-cylinder engine cranking out 150 horsepower. Fuel estimates are 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway with manual transmission. Jetta is one of the only compacts available with a five-cylinder engine.
For more zip, opt for the 2.0T or GLI with the 2.0-liter, turbocharged in-line four-cylinder engine cranking out an impressive 200 horsepower while generating a respectable 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway with manual transmission. This 2.0-liter turbo engine (introduced in the 2006 model year) helps Jetta stand out in the crowded compact field. Driving enthusiasts will enjoy this powertrain.
Five-speed manual or six-speed automatics are available with the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual or six-speed automatic are the choices with the 2.0T and GLI models. Premium unleaded fuel is recommended for the turbo engine, while regular unleaded is good to go in the 2.5-liter five cylinder.
Four-wheel independent suspension along with tight, electro-mechanical steering make this one of the most performance-oriented compacts available.
Notable standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, traction control, daytime running lights, front-occupant side air bags and child-safety rear door locks. Rear passenger side air bags are optional ($350) on all trims.
Also new to Jetta this year is a standard tire pressure monitor. Cruise control and air conditioning come standard in all trims.
Jetta's seats are more firm than plush. Headroom is spacious in front and back.
New for 2007 are silver finish radio pre-set buttons, replacing black ones, providing more contrast to the center console. Below the stereo system, with standard compact disc player, are three easy-to-grab ventilation dials.
Back seats include a couple of different ways to access the trunk/cargo region. Seat backs fold down in a 60/40 split, or the center arm rest folds down, exposing a small access door for carrying skis or other long, slim items.
The trunk region includes shock-absorber-type hinges outside the cargo area, eliminating the "crunch" factor of interior-type, goose-neck hinges. At 16 cubic feet, it's one of the largest trunks in the compact class and bests some mid-size dimensions. A temporary spare tire is under the flat floor.
Exterior styling is conservative. Its looks are elegant, not so much sporty. In front, cat's eye headlight housing flank a honeycomb grille and air dam with VW's circular logo front and center. Strap-like door handles and side-view mirrors are body colored.
Mirrors include turn-signal blinkers, a nice touch found on many European cars. Rectangular tail lights extend from the fender to the trunk lid.
Jetta is covered by Volkswagen's five-year/60,000-mile (whichever comes first) powertrain warranty, a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and 12-year, unlimited distance corrosion warranty. Twenty-four hour roadside assistance coverage is available for four years also with unlimited miles. |