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Used 2014 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Consumer Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
23 reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2014 Jetta GLI, so we've included reviews for other years of the Jetta GLI since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
4.5 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

GLI - Best Jetta Ever

jpcarvajal, 01/19/2014
2014 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
18 of 18 people found this review helpful

I've been a proud owner of almost all VW lineup. While the best engine from VW is the Diesel with the 6 speed manual, the rest of the Jettas are a complete downgrade from previous generations. The good news folks is that VW created the GLI and this car has all the technical specs from the GTI. Suspension, performance, brakes, tires, wheels, interior design, etc. The car drives like a German car. All other Jettas are boring daily commuters. Go test drive one, you won't find a similar performance on any other sedan, unless you have $35K. Keep in mind that the base GLI is selling for $26K. I got mine for $24K. Sadly, the review from Edmunds is disappointing. These guys love Japanese cars.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

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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4 out of 5 stars

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

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.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

GLI DSG Edition30 w/Nav

chi_mike, 05/09/2014
2014 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Edition 30 4dr Sedan w/Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

I picked up my brand new 2014 GLI Edition30 w/Navigation on Saturday, May 3rd, and I'm completely in love with the car. The power from the 2.0L turbocharged engine feels much greater than the figures suggest (210HP/207ft/lb torque). The DSG transmission takes some getting used to, hence why it is listed under both Favorite Features AND Suggested Improvements. The car literally drives like a manual transmission-equipped vehicle. The car lurches forward when breaking to a complete stop due to the sporty transmission downshifting through the gears. This all contributes to the "sporty" factor, and while it can be pleasurable, I do a lot of commuting in heavy traffic and it can become annoying.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

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.

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3 out of 5 stars

does not hold up to the VW name I grew up on

Sheila, 09/01/2015
2014 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Edition 30 PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful

My previous VW was solid, heavy doors and running like a champ after 200k miles and interior was great. 2014 GLI Autobahn Series @ $26,000 purchase price. My car has under 10k miles on it and I bought it brand new. I'd be embarrassed of the quality of this car if I was head of VW. This review is solely on the cheaply built amenities. The Fender stereo is awesome but it makes the entire car rattle, the back deck lid, the front dash, the sunglass case, the console. What's the point of a Fender stereo if you can't enjoy it. The console has broken twice, I'm the only user of the car so it's not being used often. Back decklid had to be fixed to stop the rattle from the stereo. Sunroof motor replaced. The dash replaced and the new one is showing signs of discoloration. Driver's door handle sticks. The fabric on the passengers side pillar is coming unwrapped again. The blue tooth reception is horrible, I just don't use it. You think someone at VW would care, but instead they've offered to communicate with the dealership.. Thanks, they didn't build this car. The car is beautiful and soo fun! but it's not worth the 26k that bought me 7+ trips in less than a year to the dealership for warranty work!

Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
1 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Great performer, lots of room, clutch issues

CRE, 10/29/2019
2013 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 3 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.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

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.

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