Used 2013 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Consumer Reviews
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GLI Autobahn w/nav review
tunafizzish, 01/15/2013
2013 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn 4dr Sedan w/Navigation, Prod. End 5/13 (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
21 of 21 people found this review helpful
After about a thousand miles on the GLI, I thought I would write a quick review. I'll start by saying that I test-drove most small to midsized cars and this was my absolute favorite of the bunch. The car is fun to drive. The handling and little turbo engine really go well together. In addition, it comes completely loaded for under $30k (after a little negotiating). The ride is a little stiff compared to other jettas, but the sport suspension will do that. Also, I am about 6'6'' and can very comfortably drive this car. Love the car.
What car were the Edmunds people driving???
peteydrives, 03/17/2014
2013 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
33 of 38 people found this review helpful
I have no idea what car the people at Edmunds were driving, but they are either insane or on the take. I have had my GLI for about 30 months, and I absolutely love it, and my only complaints are about some missing features (which are on the new cars, except for rain sensing wipers). Edmunds suggests that you consider other cars. Really? What, pray tell, can you buy LOADED for under 30K, that feels like a tight German sedan with a MANUAL tranny? The answer is NOTHING. For perspective, here are the cars in my past 1985 GTI, 1990 Corrado, BMW 330i, 2007 Audi A3, 1994 Porsche 911 Carrera and a sprinkling of SUV's. I sold my 911 because, frankly, the Audi was just more fun to drive and less
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Almost perfect!
ronbham, 02/15/2013
2013 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 5/13 (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Big bang for the buck, fun to drive, German engineering, good fit and finish. A lot of car for under 30k. Comfortable interior for a sub-compact.
Happy So Far!
Stretch, 06/27/2016
2013 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I just purchased a used 2013 GLI, 6 speed, with 40,000 miles and so far, I am very pleased with the car. I was looking for a nice commuter car, that was quick, fun to drive and reasonably good on gas. I originally geared up for a rear wheel drive sport sedan, but trying to find a used Lexus, Infinity, BMW or Audi with less than 60K in the range I wanted to spend is difficult. There are tons and tons of BMW 328's out there, it's almost scary how many. Makes me wonder what is wrong with them? Looking at the power they have vs. the GLI, which is a smaller car didn't leave me with the warm fuzzy for the 328. I considered an Altima, but saw they had tranny problems and I just didn't want a Camry or Accord. This little gem fits the bill nicely, fun to drive, sunroof, looks great with black on black ext/interior with the red stitching and 18" wheels. Mine has Kumho's on it and no complaints yet. Stereo sounds crisp and loud, road noise is very limited, car feels tight, brakes solidly and provides impressive acceleration on demand. I have a 2010 Yaris as a commuter car and my daughter is getting that. This is like a major upgrade to that car. First time entering the interstate, I cracked into it and went up through the gears and was doing 100 mph without even straining! This car will go!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great performer, lots of room, clutch issues
CRE, 10/29/2019
2013 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought my GLI new, and take very good care of my vehicles. I have owned many VWs, and have almost always owned one or 2 of them (since 1968). I love how this vehicle handles and the great acceleration from the direct injection turbo. However, I have had a stream of issues with this car that either shouldn't have happened or happened way too early in its life. My previous Passat was sold at 180,000 miles and still going strong. No major failures of any kind. This car had a fuel pump failure at 45k, which should have been a recall. My driver's seat wore out at 50k and I do not abuse the interior. Had to have it re-upholstered. The master window switches on the drivers door failed at 70k and had to be replaced. Now at 77k, the clutch failed (to the tune of $1900). I have never in my life had a clutch go out, but if you research a little there are lots of GLI and GTI owners complaining about clutch failures. The car has too much torque for the clutch that is used and they fail regularly - often at less mileage than mine did. VW seriously needs to put a better clutch in these vehicles.
I'm Impressed!
jc3513, 07/16/2013
2013 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 5/13 (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
Overall a great car w/over 4k miles! Downgrading from a Maxima I expected much less. I'm consistently getting 29-31 MPG on the highway. Awesome turbo-engine that makes a killer growling noise! Telematics is the best I've seen,..very sporty look inside & out! nice build quality is apparent upfront. BT/touchscreen radio is very good to not be the "premium" option. Love the red stitched seats and black bucket seats and you should know the AC blows really cold!! Nice chrome double-tipped exhaust.
Not Sure What Car Edmunds Reviewed
jleelindsay, 07/06/2015
2013 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My previous cars were WRX STI 2012, WRX 2011, Toyota Matrix 2006, Honda Civic Si 1998 with a couple Trucks thrown in. The GLI has by far been the best car I've owned. Going on 36K miles right now it has been reliable, comfortable, and fun. Coming from the Subaru WRX/STI world I obviously wanted a car with some pep, but mainly was looking for a car that didn't beat the daylights out of me driving around town. Bingo! To me, the performance is very similar to the standard WRX but the ride is infinitely better than both the WRX and STI. The cabin is nice with ample room. Trunk is out of this world. Stock Dunlop tires were garbage. Swapped with Bridgestone Potenza and it's night and day.
Great fun and Value !!
bankboy66, 05/09/2013
updated 05/09/2016
2013 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn 4dr Sedan w/Navigation, Prod. End 5/13 (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Just turned the car in .....lease was up. 43k trouble free miles. Got a pretty consistent 28.3 mpg all around on semi spirited driving for the 3 years I had it. Features I came to like: Adaptive Xenon headlights, adjustable armrest, synced dual HVAC, Fender audio system, ample trunk, turning radius, decent handling. While I liked the DSG gearbox very much for snapping off quick shifts, I grew a little weary of it over time especially since my driving is 60/40 City. It is just a bit clunky in traffic. Also, there was a cheapness to the interior and overall feel to the car; my son's 2005 Jetta feels more substantial. The ride also could have been a bit more compliant. All in all it was a good 3 years. If they offered the 2016 car with the GTI powertrain, I might have considered another one. Since they did not I went with something else.
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Value Value Value!
dwalzz, 01/30/2013
2013 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn PZEV 4dr Sedan w/Navigation, Prod. End 5/13 (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
the GLI doesnt do anything absolutely perfect in its class, but in my opinion, is best in class in terms of overall value. the engine, 6spd manual and interior are all fantastic. the exterior is above average and now with the LED lights, it looks good in my book. Exterior could be slightly more aggressive, but not a deal breaker. has plenty of room in back seat as well, and great trunk. the practicality of this car is so good its silly. if you are the kind of person that recognizes cars in this class will never be raced at a track, the balance of engine and chasis is perfect for day to day roads (with lots of potholes...).
Great Car
johnny124, 02/07/2013
2013 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn 4dr Sedan w/Navigation, Prod. End 5/13 (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
3 of 7 people found this review helpful
I have a 2013 Gli Autobahn W/Nav my only complaint is the small screen but other then that the car comes with so many little toys for under 30k. Its very fun to drive and gets alooooot of attention, it turns heads. The tires that come with the car are HORRIBLE though. Wow really bad, no grip. The cars Leatherrette is very comftrable and the seats do hug you, the steering wheel is very awesome. I have a 2011 Porshce 911 turbo and the noise this little 2.0 tsi makes is comparible and AMAZING. It sounds like a baby AMG with a little porsche turbo/vtech TSSSS. Very good commuter car, I went to the dealer and drove everything they had this car just stood out i HAD TO BUY IT. Its Fantastic
12k Miles So Far
wave27, 10/08/2013
2013 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Hard to find a manual transmission in a practical, affordable and sporty car these days. After 12k miles I'm still having a great time driving it, lots of fun to step on the gas and take it through the mtns. Actually a pretty big car inside and the trunk is huge. Not the fastest out there but for the price it can't be beat. Only been in for included scheduled maintenance, no squeaks or rattles and nothing annoying me yet. Seats are very comfortable even driving 800 miles in one day. Looks more grown up than most similar cars (civic si, focus st, mazdaspeed3) and flies under the radar for the most part. Torque really pulls you in second gear, thanks to vw for making an audi a4 I can afford!
So far so good
D. B., 03/06/2015
updated 01/21/2016
2013 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn PZEV 4dr Sedan w/Navigation, Prod. End 5/13 (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've really enjoyed this car for the last 2 years. I commute roughly 75 miles round trip for work, and almost have 30k miles on my car already. I've had no mechanical issues, but a bad door latch was replaced under warranty on the driver door at about 25k. I average about 31-32.5 mpg on a per tank basis depending on driving conditions for the week. The cold winters here in central NY are what cause the lower mpg numbers. I have averaged up to 35 or slightly better mpg on pure highway driving in good weather. City driving average mpg is usually around 27-28 mpg. Overall I'm pleased after almost 2 years of driving.
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- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Fun, but unreliable
No more Direct injection 4 me, 04/29/2023
2013 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Six speed manual transmission was repaired under warranty same as the clutch at 10000 miles then once again transmission check engines and tons of money even though I had insurance for repairs since new, Volkswagen never has sent a letter to notify me about recalls or defective parts in the engine like water pump (4 replaced before 70000mi) or the intake manifold filled with carbon at 55000, the dealer said they have a machine exclusively to remove the carbon accumulation from the intake ports the truth is they were using a screwdriver and a shop vacuum to remove the carbon after charging endlessly for check engine repairs they came up with replacing the manifold currently the car is 72000 miles and is turning ten years old and is sitting in my garage with two broken springs one right front one and a left rear one, I'm tired of fix it and dealing with all the shop excuses trying to make fools out of the customers
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Good Power (Not not GTI)
chchoi, 01/31/2015
2013 Volkswagen Jetta GLI PZEV 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 5/13 (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have had GTI (2000) and Passat (2001). This is my 3rd VW, and first one made in Mexico. This car has a lot of room. Trunk is huge. Engine has good power. DSG is love/hate. If you don't drive in commute traffic, you will love it. If you have a lot of stop/go, then DSG sucks. I manage to get 25mpg. It is not good for commute use, I sold it after 20 months with 19K.
great
Djp, 05/13/2020
2013 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
great car lots of power especially with BP gasoline
Just an all around solid vehicle
gio629, 02/23/2013
2013 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn 4dr Sedan w/Navigation, Prod. End 5/13 (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have about 1k miles on my 2013 Jetta GLI and I am really enjoying this car. You can definitely feel the quality in this car when driving it, and it has plenty of room for an adult or car seat in the back. While you won't be blown away with power, it is still a quick car that packs enough punch for easy highway passing. One of the most addicting things about the car for me, is the great noise that comes from the turbo even at very low RPMs (1500ish). Overall, there is nothing that is superior to it's competitors, but it does everything very, very well.
Great Pick
nsc1, 08/25/2013
2013 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn 4dr Sedan w/Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my thirteenth car ranging from an E-class to Suzuki Sidekick. With 1000 miles on my car to date, this is a great blend of fun, business and comfort. I need something able to accommodate 4 adults comfortable for work at times, capable of being fast and agile, and relaxing when I want to chill out. It offers all of that. The nav system could be better if it offered traffic alerts, but with all other amenities, I can live without it. For those who say it is not fast, I would recommend trying the manual. I have no issues at all with great German handling and speed in all gears.