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Used 2013 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
48 reviews
2...

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2013 Jetta SportWagen, so we've included reviews for other years of the Jetta SportWagen since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

Love

taekwond00m, 12/09/2011
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen SE PZEV 4dr Wagon (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
24 of 25 people found this review helpful

First time VW owner and wondering why I waited so long. Previously dubbed as a "subaru girl" now converted after driving this fabulous ride! It's tight handling and peppy engine are amazing. Love the front wheel drive in this northern Minn climate. Great front, side and rear visibility -- especially with the back seats down. Amazingly smooth and quiet ride for a small car. I've owned 3 Subarus, 1 Jeep, and a Honda Civic. This SportWagen is by far my absolute favorite. Love it love it love it. p.s. I am a 5'4" female. Only drawback is the head rest on front seat -- because I'm short, makes me kinda hunch forward. Removed for now while thinking of an alternative. Great financing.

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5 out of 5 stars

Perfect balance of performance, ecomony, and practicality!

bjudd4, 10/06/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI 4dr Wagon w/Sunroof, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
14 of 14 people found this review helpful

I took delivery of my '12 JSW TDI in Dec. 2011, and have put over 17k miles on it in less than a year! My other vehicle is a '07 VW GTI and although the TDI of course does not match it's performance, I have to say that as an automotive enthusiast I still very much enjoy driving the TDI with its generous amounts of torque. Driving it as I would drive any normal car (a little lead-footed...) I still consistently see 42mpg without a problem, and 45mpg+ if I am driving economy-minded. Had no prob starting in below zero temps in NY winter. My wife and I recently had a baby, and the car seat fits in the rear without a problem, and there is plenty of cargo room for luggage, stroller, etc.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Car!

di96, 01/01/2013
2013 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI 4dr Wagon w/Sunroof, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
21 of 22 people found this review helpful

If there is a 'have it all' car on the market this is it. -Over 40mpg -32cuft of storage (seats in place!) -Available with manual or DSG -tow over 2k lbs Interior design is fantastic, night driving is a pleasure, dash is very pleasant to look at with the white lights black backdrop. Insurance rates are lower on this car then any hybrids ($200 a yr less then a Prius for me), more then pays for the extra cost of diesel. The navigation system is so-so, but I knew that when I bought it from the test drive. The only reason I still went with the top end nav package is because of the KEYSS system, never need to take the keys out of my pocket is sweet.

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5 out of 5 stars

Best car I've ever owned & still great

joseph humphrey, 12/15/2015
updated 09/01/2021
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen SE 4dr Wagon (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful

Ok, more modifications since last update. The ECU/TCU have been refreshed with performance software from Integrated Engineering. Engine now revs to 7200 RPM w/ HP of 185 vs.170 of stock, but big difference is torque. Now 213 ft/lb at 4200 RPM vs 190 for stock. Really gives the car a lot more punch. Downside is having to run premium grade fuel. Upgrade also includes a short ram air intake, GTI springs a Koni Sport Dampers. Koni sport is a bit over damped for the spring rate, the FSD would be a better choice. 77K mi. and no issues. This might be one of the best 'do it all cars' out there for a very reasonable sum. Looks good, above average interior quality, supurb front seat comfort, sporty handling and fairly quick when pushed. Overall, favorite car I've ever driven, and there's been a few. Accords, BMW3's, Audi A4s among them. Sure some of them were better at some things, but not as good in total. Don't understand why anyone who needs utility and doesn't go off road would choose an SUV or even worse...IMHO a crossover. So far no reliability issues in 1K mi. I realize that with German cars you have to be pretty fastidious with following maintenance. They are not 'drive and forget'. Ok, this is my follow up review after 14 months and now 63K on the clock I LOVE this car. Every time I see it or drive it it makes me smile, and what's better than that? Zero problems after 14 months, other than the inside hatch release is a bit wonky. (apparently a somewhat common issue, though cheap to fix) I think VW got a bad quality rep when they first started building cars in Mexico, but once they got to the MK5's (2009) I think they took care of that problem. I baby it when the engine is cold, but other than that, I drive it pretty hard, just because it's so much fun. As stated earlier, the fit and finish, especially of the interior are in a league with luxury cars. The much maligned Tiptronic transmission shifts just fine in manumatic or sport mode. In std D, it is programmed more toward economy. The front seats are super comfortable but firm and supportive for spirited driving. The ride is quite firm and maybe harsh for some, but this particular car as 18" wheels with performance tires. But the handling is superb, especially for what is essentially an econo box. Yeah, the rear seats are a bit tight, but is a compact car. But plenty of cargo room, although you can't haul a sheet of plywood....even half sheet as the hatch opening is too narrow. Yes, the maintenance cost are higher than a Japanese or US car but I can live with it. I did give it a poor review for expected resale value, as VW has taken a beating due to the TDI scandal, and most people in the US don't want a wagon anyway. It doesn't have all the latest tech, but it is a 2012. Yep, the sound system still blows and I wish VW had offered the 2.0T for all years, along with a limited slip diff. But, the 2.5 is supposed to be the most reliable engine and the tiptoe tranny doesn't require those expensive 40K flushes. I still haven't installed the sport suspension (just haven't had time) Even if I take a beating on resale (though I'll probably own this until it's completely worn out) I think this car is an outstanding value. Plus there simply is no other affordable US market wagon, that is a real car and not a fake SUV. However, after talking to some people on VWvortex, I do realize that those folks who live in snow country do want a high ground clearance/all wheel drive vehicle......hence the new Alltrak. (We get cold here, but not a lot of snow. Ok now I'm at 67K miles. Still not a single problem. I still love driving it. I am a fanatic about upkeep. I have done all the recommended fluid and filter flushes, inc tranny and brakes. I upgraded brakes to Optimal brand e-coated rotors and EBC Red (street/performance) pads, even though shop that installed said stock brakes were fine. I think the brake feel is much improved by the pads and the 'hat's on stock were rusty. The new ones look much nicer. I did not go with drilled or slotted as too expensive. This is a great car and hell of a bargain.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 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

One month of pure Fahrvergnugen " driving enjoyment"

bygrace, 08/12/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful

As of today we have owned our 2012 Jetta Sportswagon TDI for one month. After owning large pick ups for most of my driving lifetime; I was skeptical about comfort. But it is not a concern at all. The seats & interior design make for a very comfortable ride; even long distance. My husband is 6'4" & about 230lbs & fits comfortably & says he has plenty of head & leg room. We both love the power of the turbo charged diesel. And the MPG is GREAT!!! We have not gotten less than 45 mpg & that was due to city driving & sitting still in a drive through for over 10 min. Otherwise, it has been getting between 47 & 55 mpg on the Highway. Haven't changed any driving habits either.

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