The Jetta isn't as sporty or as updated as the competition, but the refinement and the engineering is miles better than the competition. Most of the Audi features trickle down to the Volkswagens and that's something that you won't see on any of the competition's offerings.
I really like VWs for their handsome, mature aesthetics and European driving demeanor, but predicted reliability and repairs costs scare me away from the brand completely. Reliability, driver comfort (seat and ergonomics), and fuel economy are always my deciding factors.
palebeachbum we have 86k miles on our VW Passat 1.8t and have not had any problems with it and still runs like new. Maintenance however is pricey compared to our other vehicles f-150 and Nissan Pathfinder but we've been having so many problems and expensive repairs with the Pathfinder for the past 2-3 years :(
Carlos Leal I had horrible luck with my Versa and dumped it after 2 yrs, so I can relate. That experience made me decide to only consider cars with long warranties. Nissan's is short.
@@michaelaguilar2836 Hi Michael - I still love my Jetta. Has 92,000 miles on it now. I have been diligent about the maintenance and have done everything the manual says to do. Haven't had a single problem.
Great review MP. If given the choice to buy this car or an mid level Passat, I would pick the Jetta hands down. I really how that the 7th gen finally puts in back the 5th levels of equipment and refinement.
There's also an SEL Premium trim available for 2017. It has all of the features of the SEL but adds bi-xenon headlights and the fender premium audio system. It is only available in limited quantities and vw doesn't even have a webpage for this trim on their website. However, it can rarely be found at dealerships. And yes, it really is a 17 (not a 16) because the 17 SEL models have additional chrome trim on the trunk lid and on the bottom of the doors, that no previous model years had. Also, for 2016, the SEL Premium oddly didn't have xenon's. Only the SEL, Sport, and GLI SEL did. I test drove the 2017 SEL Premium and it was nice, I ended up just going for the S trim with the heated seats & alloy wheels packages though. More budget friendly.
Couldn't agree more with the nixing of the 1,.8L turbo option. Also not sure why the GLI is more than a faster GTI. Also no manual GLI or 2018. Can you get HID headlamps onthe Jetta in non GLI trims?
For 2017, the Xenon's came on the SEL Premium trim as standard and as an option on the Sport trim. They were not available on the GLI at all. For 2018, you can't get the Xenons on any Jetta at all.
+CarGurus 3 BIG DESIGN FLAWS BY VW: 1. doors should be able to locked when warming the car up in the winter. 2. it should not drive away with "no key" so it can't be stolen while warming up. 3. the clutch should be more to the left. It's right on top of the brake almost and I have to turn my left leg to the right uncomfortably!
Steve Haukdahl 1. That prevents people from locking the keys in the car, while it’s running or not. 2. All cars with key less ignition do that I think 3. Automatic has a nice big dead pedal
The Elantra Sport has rendered the Jett pointless in my opinion. Same great German styling, better price, better features and performance, better reliability.
I wanted to get a GLI but I ended up getting a SEL instead. The 1.8T has plenty of power and is fun to drive. And i was able to get a good lease with VW's Sign and Drive special they have going on now.
Stylistically, the 2011's grill and tail lights are better looking than this. And I was disappointed with the 2011. I can't see 7 years of improvement.
Definitely not. The rear taillights on the 2015-18 models is my favorite part of the car. The 2011-2014 models look dated from the rear end. Front end looks handsome on both models.
Tyus Robinson Can't say I disagree with you there. Still, it's important to some people, and when it's availability in the trim lineup seems illogical, I think it's a good idea to cover it in the review.
I would also add the new Civic (sedan), Mazda 3, the Focus (all three have have independent rear susp. too) and VW's own Golf even. Lots of competitors.
At least here in the N.E. US, these models compare directly in terms of cost and style (4 door compacts) and even with various trims of the Jetta. For example if I take the Jetta SE with 1.4L manual, it compares right on top price-wise with Civic lx with the 2.0L manual and the Mazda with the 2.0L in sport trim. Even as you move up the trim levels, Jetta GLI compares with the Civic Si and Focus ST.
I believe these safety features are so annoying and just add more stuff that can break down... Are people expected to be narcoleptic while driving the car? Is the ride that smooth that it lulls you to sleep? 😂🚗
My 2017 Jetta Wolfburg worked great until the theft immobilizer and key faub wouldn't let me start the car. It cost a lot to fix. The inventer at VW needs a kick - you know where- for this stupid invention which you cant program and fix yourself. No fix is even listed in the manual.
The Jetta isn't as sporty or as updated as the competition, but the refinement and the engineering is miles better than the competition. Most of the Audi features trickle down to the Volkswagens and that's something that you won't see on any of the competition's offerings.
I really like VWs for their handsome, mature aesthetics and European driving demeanor, but predicted reliability and repairs costs scare me away from the brand completely. Reliability, driver comfort (seat and ergonomics), and fuel economy are always my deciding factors.
palebeachbum we have 86k miles on our VW Passat 1.8t and have not had any problems with it and still runs like new. Maintenance however is pricey compared to our other vehicles f-150 and Nissan Pathfinder but we've been having so many problems and expensive repairs with the Pathfinder for the past 2-3 years :(
Carlos Leal I had horrible luck with my Versa and dumped it after 2 yrs, so I can relate. That experience made me decide to only consider cars with long warranties. Nissan's is short.
Best Jetta ever, I have a 2015 Jetta SE 1.8T. This engine surprises a lot of people.
Yes, I have the 2017 1.8 also and it's quite impressive. I like it better than my 3.0 BMW 3 series I had prior.
@@mitchellmatthews97 would you recommend? I was looking at at ‘17 myself
@@Mwhitehouse99 absolutely, have had it for 3 years I’m now at 80,000 miles and still love my car
@@mitchellmatthews97 im looking a 2017 jetta myself, how reliable has it been for you since you got it?
@@michaelaguilar2836 Hi Michael - I still love my Jetta. Has 92,000 miles on it now. I have been diligent about the maintenance and have done everything the manual says to do. Haven't had a single problem.
Whats the best jetta year i can buy reliability wise ?
Great review MP. If given the choice to buy this car or an mid level Passat, I would pick the Jetta hands down. I really how that the 7th gen finally puts in back the 5th levels of equipment and refinement.
Great review, Michael!
Thanks!
There's also an SEL Premium trim available for 2017. It has all of the features of the SEL but adds bi-xenon headlights and the fender premium audio system. It is only available in limited quantities and vw doesn't even have a webpage for this trim on their website. However, it can rarely be found at dealerships. And yes, it really is a 17 (not a 16) because the 17 SEL models have additional chrome trim on the trunk lid and on the bottom of the doors, that no previous model years had. Also, for 2016, the SEL Premium oddly didn't have xenon's. Only the SEL, Sport, and GLI SEL did. I test drove the 2017 SEL Premium and it was nice, I ended up just going for the S trim with the heated seats & alloy wheels packages though. More budget friendly.
26k seems steep for a 170 hp Jetta. The GLI doesn’t make sense in a world with an Elantra Sport in it.
mfmf100 But the 1.4 is a steal with a negligible penalty.
Michael Perkins yes the value seems especially concentrated with lower spec trims.
mfmf100 couldnt agree more. Love the Elantra Sport
um really strange seing my own house and friends house on a youtube vid
93Adamv23 Almost as strange as you randomly finding this video after only a few hours! Love your neighborhood, btw!
no I llove car veviews I think it was bound to happen eventually
Couldn't agree more with the nixing of the 1,.8L turbo option. Also not sure why the GLI is more than a faster GTI. Also no manual GLI or 2018. Can you get HID headlamps onthe Jetta in non GLI trims?
Blake Swan You cannot.
For 2017, the Xenon's came on the SEL Premium trim as standard and as an option on the Sport trim. They were not available on the GLI at all. For 2018, you can't get the Xenons on any Jetta at all.
Omg what! This is still sold as new? This thing need to get an overhaul
aayonce4 Coming in 2019!
The SEL did come with the 1.4t.. at least here in the US
+CarGurus
3 BIG DESIGN FLAWS BY VW:
1. doors should be able to locked when warming the car up in the winter.
2. it should not drive away with "no key" so it can't be stolen while warming up.
3. the clutch should be more to the left. It's right on top of the brake almost and I have to turn my left leg to the right uncomfortably!
Steve Haukdahl 1. That prevents people from locking the keys in the car, while it’s running or not.
2. All cars with key less ignition do that I think
3. Automatic has a nice big dead pedal
All fixable with vcds
The Jetta is a nice looking lil car, I wouldn't mind having one !
Just got one today so far I'm loving it
The Elantra Sport has rendered the Jett pointless in my opinion. Same great German styling, better price, better features and performance, better reliability.
Blake Swan Only thing the Hyundai has going against it is people's perception of the name.
Michael Perkins completely agree. Also the dealers could use some work but maybe I expect too much. Great review as always
Blake Swan I have a feeling you'll see the dealers trying harder, especially now that VW has doubled their warranty.
That may be 2 years ago. I would not be in that fugly car now. 17 Jetta still looks great.
I wanted to get a GLI but I ended up getting a SEL instead. The 1.8T has plenty of power and is fun to drive. And i was able to get a good lease with VW's Sign and Drive special they have going on now.
818 TaLi how much is the lease monthly payment?
$266.76 for 36 months is my lease payment, and my down payment was $1,230.
Great Video
Troy Meuret Thanks, Troy!
Stylistically, the 2011's grill and tail lights are better looking than this. And I was disappointed with the 2011. I can't see 7 years of improvement.
Definitely not. The rear taillights on the 2015-18 models is my favorite part of the car. The 2011-2014 models look dated from the rear end. Front end looks handsome on both models.
Where I live this thing goes for $45k, much cheaper than the Camry which retails for $61k
Idk why safety tech is soo important to automotive journalists. People need to learn how to drive.🙄🙄
Tyus Robinson Can't say I disagree with you there. Still, it's important to some people, and when it's availability in the trim lineup seems illogical, I think it's a good idea to cover it in the review.
ACCIDENTS? Duh XD
What car(s) does this thing even compete with?
aayonce4 Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla
I would also add the new Civic (sedan), Mazda 3, the Focus (all three have have independent rear susp. too) and VW's own Golf even. Lots of competitors.
modmatt1 no those cars are superior in my opinion. They are the next teir up
At least here in the N.E. US, these models compare directly in terms of cost and style (4 door compacts) and even with various trims of the Jetta. For example if I take the Jetta SE with 1.4L manual, it compares right on top price-wise with Civic lx with the 2.0L manual and the Mazda with the 2.0L in sport trim. Even as you move up the trim levels, Jetta GLI compares with the Civic Si and Focus ST.
Weird that the manual gets better mpg
manual cars are lighter.
I believe these safety features are so annoying and just add more stuff that can break down... Are people expected to be narcoleptic while driving the car? Is the ride that smooth that it lulls you to sleep? 😂🚗
My 2017 Jetta Wolfburg worked great until the theft immobilizer and key faub wouldn't let me start the car. It cost a lot to fix. The inventer at VW needs a kick - you know where- for this stupid invention which you cant program and fix yourself. No fix is even listed in the manual.
Dude this vid was all about you. Learned virtually nothing about how the car drives.
Apologies, and thanks for the feedback.