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Used 2021 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars
43 reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Jetta, so we've included reviews for other years of the Jetta since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

Get the SEL Premium if you can!

Micky from SoCal, 07/13/2021
2021 Volkswagen Jetta SEL Premium SULEV 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
44 of 45 people found this review helpful

This vehicle drives well above its class. Despite the small engine and low HP, it is peppy and smooth, and is eager to go. It’s very refined in its handling, reminding me of the mercedes S my Dad had when I was younger and I did my learners permit training on. No, it isn’t a V8 like that, but driving it feels very similar, which means VW had come a long way. No rattles or squeaks so far. The heated and cooled leather seats are comfortable, the driving position is great for a 6-3 person like me, the rear seats are easy to get kids into car seats (unlike last gen Jetta). The AC system cools well, the new stereo is cool (though I think it is due for a firmware update to fix a few bugs), and the digital cockpit is an awesome feature. Edmunds claims they only got 30mpg combined. What were they doing? I live in a very hilly area and get 30mpg city on those trips. That’s a 600 ft elevation climb to drop kids at school, waiting in car lines, stopping starting and parking. And I turn the auto stop/start off. But I use the adaptive cruise control religiously, and I think that really helps with gas mileage. On a highway run, I got 46 mpg. YMMV, but this is during the hot summer with AC running. Considering what the average new car goes for, getting this car for under $29000 seems like a steal.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Nice Car for the Money

Redblock, 07/02/2021
2021 Volkswagen Jetta R-Line SULEV 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
23 of 23 people found this review helpful

Lots of features, great gas mileage, good Auto transmission unlike some of the competition which offer CVT Transmissions.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Best compact car I owed

Dan, 07/17/2021
2021 Volkswagen Jetta SEL Premium SULEV 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
21 of 21 people found this review helpful

The Jetta SEL Premium is an outstanding compact car. The exterior design is very attractive. The interior is quieter and more luxurious than its competitors. The gas mileage is astounding. I get over 51 miles/gl on the highway and for the first 1,800 miles of mixed city/highway traffic the average is 37.6 miles/gl. The car fully deserves the 'baby-Audi' nickname. VW has a winner here!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Bye bye BMW

Germanaficionado, 11/11/2020
2020 Volkswagen Jetta SEL SULEV 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
20 of 20 people found this review helpful

This car is absolutely amazing. I love that it has all the modern features and then some compared to my 2016 BMW 335i. The acceleration is very quick especially if you venture into manual mode. I typically leave the car in it's sport setting because it feels like it handles much better however if I'm crusing or low on gas I'm for sure in ECO. Speaking of gas the fuel economy is spectacular!!! I have gone over 520 miles to be specific during long distance drives. I can easily make a long distance trip on 2 tanks such as Austin to Denver. On a daily note I am closer to 40 mpg and depending on how heavy my foot is but never below 25mpg. I liked how the handbook had recommendations on how to be economical by not filling the car up with gas unless you are on a trip. This has saved me sooooo much money! Also not having extra items in the car to weigh it down. The LED bulb headlights on the Sel are also perfect if you live in dark areas and light up so much however I'm still not a fan of the auto headlights as the tend to flash other drivers and there is no quick way to shut it off without flashing again. The sound system by beats is actually really amazing and I have no complaints. I dont like that my phone always triggers the seatbelt warning in my passenger seat but heavier items don't but there isn't any real space to place the phone as I have a note 20 and also had the issue with my galaxy 10+. I would buy this car again and again and tell everyone it's worth every penny. I giggle inside seeing audis and fancier cars that have the same stuff but cost way more. Me and my bank are happy hopefully yours will be too! Happy driving!!!!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
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Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Great car!

Cadence G, 01/30/2021
updated 08/03/2023
2020 Volkswagen Jetta S SULEV 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful

Very quiet, solid and smooth car. Very smooth engine and transmission also. Not a rocket but excellent acceleration for a 1.4 Turbo. I highly recommend. Cons: Center console in the front is a little intrusive on the right leg while driving. Update: 12500 miles in! A/C is OK, it can " soft restart" rarely during the middle of the drive but it is HOT where I live and this not including what happens during the start stop. Also if you brake too hard sometimes the music pauses? probably an electric thing. But driving wise? Still super super smooth. Update: 46000 miles. Nothing has changed. Nothing has broken, new (standard tier) tires. Radio electric problems have gone away. I love this car so much. I've decided to keep, I will not trade it in.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
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Performance
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Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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