Used 2006 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
This Car is the Best (50+ mpg)
My 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI is so much fun to drive. It handles like a sports car. The power is great from 60-80 mph, there is no sound just pure power. I am averaging 49.9 miles per gallon combined city/highway with 7,500 miles so far!
Amazing Car
I have driven performance Audis since 1996 (S6 avant, S4, and a chipped allroad). This car compares favorably to all of them. The fit and finish is right up there with Audi at half the price. The gas mileage is awesome. This car handles well and has great performance once off the line. If you need more power, chip it for $500 and increase the HP to 133. I drove the Prius, it wasn't fun to drive and the mileage was not as good (see Autoweek's comparison). The Jetta TDI is comfortable, refined, fun to drive, looks good, is a bargan at $22,000 and gets 40+ MPG when you drive it normally. This is a great car on its own merits and you can feel good about helping the environment by driving it.
- 2.5 SedanMSRP: $6,99598 mi away
- 2.5 SedanMSRP: $3,900115 mi away
- Value Edition SedanMSRP: $2,500259 mi away
Mostly a good car
Overall it has been a good car. I have about 92000 miles on it now and needs some significant work. A wheel bearing is shot, the head gasket leaks, and a few other minor repairs needed. The real problem is that this engine seems to have a flaw as noted by many others. I began to get a VERY rough idle at about 50000 miles that was repaired under warranty for $5000. The problem is coming back now and can really only get a band-aid repair if I want to avoid paying $5000 on my own (which didn't really last anyway). Other than this, it has been a super reliable car and has had very few problems. It has been probably my favorite car I have ever owned but I am selling it now to avoid major repairs.
Love this car! Efficient, Fun,Versitile!
I commute 180 miles, round trip, each day to work and with fuel cost skyrocketing my GMC Yukon was simply costing too much to run. Some of my friends who own VW diesels suggested I take a look at them. Test drive, purchase, happiness! The fuel cost savings pays the car payment and the insurance, very amazing. Have never gotten less than 39 mpg and on several trips have gotten 48 mpg, average is 43 mpg. Local driving and AC use seem to be the things that lower the mileage but only by 2 or 3 mpg. The crash safety ratings were also a major plus. No maintenance issues yet at 35,000 miles.
TDI and loving it
Have almost 100k on this car. It's been very reliable, with only a few minor repairs here and there. Just had the timing belt changed (which has to be done at 105k miles). I'm expecting to drive this for at least another 100k!
I love my Jetta TDI!
Don't believe the sticker when it says 35 mpg city and 41 mpg highway... I have 6,000+ miles on mine (10 fill ups at the pump) and have averaged almost 44 mpg! My previous car was a minivan so maybe it's just a matter of perspective when I talk to friends about the great acceleration. But for me, it's fun to drive, looks good (especially from behind the wheel), and I like the fact that the price of diesel fuel has fallen below the price of regular unleaded again! I had a few problems: the master cylinder was replaced, and the antenna needed servicing to ensure that the XM radio and navigation worked. But my dealer took great care of the car (and me) and this car is a joy to drive
Excellent vehicle! Love the car.
I was leery about the purchase. Never owned a foreign car. I average about 47 mpg on the highway and 41 in the city. I have no complaints about the car. I love it and the fuel mpg!!
I love my VW Jetta diesel
I just bought my Jetta two weeks ago. I am getting awesome gas mileage. I went on the interstate with my cruise set at 80 mph and the gas mileage was 38 mpg. In regular driving around town I get 40 - 45mpg. I love the space in the trunk and the seats. I think they should change the cruise control placement. I am a power freak, and was looking at a car that could fit my lead foot bu still get good gas mileage. I was afraid of the small 100 HP engine, untill I drove it. I was instantly hooked. I could not believe the power it has. the torque is amazing, and the take off is good. I notice some slugishness in second gear, but its easily overcome with a little fuel.
Best Bang for the Buck
This is my second Volkswagen Jetta TDI. I dive a ton and the uncompareable fuel mileage is nice on the wallet. I visit the gas station about half of the time as I would be doing if I had a gasoline engine.
VW - Wow!
It is all there, but the fun, well it's actually a bit of fun, but not like my Miata. Wonderful sedan that can carry a foursome with clubs on a short trip. The ride, handling, fit and finish, everything is tight and first class. No problems and great mileage! Average about 40 mpg with mixed travel and about 50 mpg on a trip with cruise @ 80 mph. Had a SunBug back in the early 70s and this is not anything close. This is tight German craftsmanship at its best and a decent price point. We have two. I drive a manual and my wife drives an automatic. We will buy VW diesel again in about 15-20 years when these have 300K.
Don't miss my BMW
I recently traded in my 2001 BMW 525i for a Jetta GTI. Yes you do give up some drivetrain smoothness with the diesel, however the gas mileage is amazing. The interior of the VW has better ergonomics than the BMW and the quality of materials is surprisingly good. I hope the reliability of the VW will be better than the BMW. It seems that problems begin to develop in BMWs after 40,000 miles.
Great Gas Mileage
I got 44 mpg on my first tank and did not drive like a granny. The car has good freeway power. The power from a stop seems sluggish until you learn how to drive it correctly. It's amazing how easy it is to smoke the tires from a roll in first gear.
Great Car
Don't listen to the editors' ratings, whoever they are. I have owned Jaguars, Mercedes, and a Dodge Ram P/U and this is the coolest car that I have owned.
I love this car!
We traded our 2003 TDI Jetta for the 2006 model at the end of last year, and we love it even more than our 03'! It's much roomier and very comfortable on a trip. My daughter has much more room in the back than she did before as well. We get great gas mileage, and it's actually quieter than the 2003 was.
Great So Far
We bought our diesel Jetta in August and so far we just love it. It is surprisingly quick and also gets great gas millage. We have been getting an average of 850 KM to the tank, or a little over 500 miles. We have been told that once this car broken in it will get even better. I can't wait.
Excellent all the Way Around
My 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI is a high quality car. The diesel is great. Don't let the horsepower fool you. It has tons of low-end torque. Its steering is tight and it corners great. Plus it has tons of VW goodies.
Fun Car to Drive
My Jetta TDI was purchased to replace my full size 4X4 diesel truck. When fuel prices went up, I had to make a choice. I really miss having a truck, but now I have a sports car with gas mileage at or close to 45 MPG in the city. The VW Jetta is a very comfortable and sporty car. Now I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Laughing at the SUVs
I have owned this new body Jetta since October. I traded in my sweet '02 Passat for it. Has more power than the 1.8T Passat and it gets incredible gas mileage! I test drove the E-Class diesel from Mercedes and didn't think it was twice the car (even though it was more than twice the price). The only thing that would meke trade-up is if they come out with the European version Passat TDI.
Great Car...So Far
I have had my 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI for three weeks now and am getting a true 43 mpg on the road. Its fit and finish are phenomenal. It seems to be a very well built car. I have no complaints yet.
Great Gas Mileage
No doubt the 2006 Volkswagen TDI will get over 40 miles per gallon on the highway even at speeds over 75. We have noticed that in town driving you have to be careful. It's so fun to drive you want to push the turbo. The worst mileage we had was 31 in the city but average just city no highway we get 35. I'm tall and this Jetta is so much more comfortable than our 1998 Jetta. If you buy a 2006 model make sure you opt for the rubber mats. We went to Florida and having those were important the the truck has a mat also.
The New Jetta TDI
I have to say that I probably drove 20 cars and looked up another 30 or more. I set the criteria of 30+mpg city and 40+mpg highway as the baseline and then started looking at what was out there. I spent a good deal of time looking at the Honda Civic Hybrid and the Ford Escape Hybrid. I went to several Honda Hybrid (and Hybrid) websites and what you find are arguments about "HOW" to drive the car to get mileage and "HOW" you are not driving the car correctly when you get less (sometimes low 30's) than advertised. Then I went and looked at some TDI websites. No arguments, just mileage. That's what I want no nonsense just great mileage inside and outside the city.
2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
My 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI has an outstanding drive and unbelievable fuel economy. I am getting over 45 mpg back and forth to work with only 1,000 miles on the car. The mileage will only get better. I cannot wait to take a trip and get 50+ mpg.
2006 Jetta TDI
I've owned my Jetta TDI now for two months and love it! I'm getting outstanding mileage, 42-46+ mpg, over 600 miles per tank, and the engine still is not 'broken in' yet. I'm 6' tall and this car has plenty of head and leg room for me. It runs smoothly and quietly, is very easy to drive, has a nice tight turning radius, and very quick acceleration when you step on it. The color is the new 2006 green, which is very sharp looking against the chrome. The trunk is enormous, and the fold down seats are wonderful for cargo - maybe too big. I very much like the standard airbags in the front and back. The back seats are a little tight for leg room if the driver has the seat back though.
Love the car!
I absolutely love the car. It gets great gas mileage (I haven't topped 40 yet but I do a lot of city driving) and has a ton of power.
The Closest Thing to a BMW that I'll Have...
I bought a 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI on a whim when I took my 2003 Passat in for regular maintenance. So far, I'm excited to be getting 45 mpg after 2,000 miles, and I get to support the local Midwestern economy by buying a biodiesel fuel blend. This car is "socially responsible." I love the handling; it's so sharp in the curves, but the ride is still very compliant over rough pavement. It turns on a dime. The interior is super comfortable and beautiful, but like others, I wish they would have kept the wood trim and other luxuries with Pkg. #2 (which mine has) from 2005. Its pickup is okay; I can still merge on the freeway just fine. Despite its flaws, I'm thrilled with my new Jetta!
The Seats are TERRIBLE
I bought this car for a commuter vehicle and it serves this purpose wonderfully as far as an economical and fun car to drive. However, it is the most uncomfortable vehicle I have ever sat in. I am 6'3", 210 pounds. The seats are designed for someone in the 5'0" 120 pound frame size. I am so displeased with the seat comfort that I am taking the vehicle to a custom seat builder for relief.
2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
I was told by the dealer not to expect great mileage until I had reached 5,000 miles, to my delight I have been getting anywhere from 40 to 52 mpg. Not bad for a car this size.....
2006 VW Jetta TDI hits the Sweet Spot
I have had my 2006 VW Jetta TDI for about three weeks now and absolutely love it. My dealer was very knowledgeable, but the VW standard for service is clearly not as high as that of other dealers. For example, my car arrived with only one working key, and it was a valet key. I had to wait a week for new keys, and the dealer kept my car for three days to program the keys when they arrived. But I had a loaner just like my car so I did not care. If you want a VW, you have to be willing to accept a lower standard of service. It comes with the territory. However, the car itself is outstanding. It's too soon to know about its reliability, but in all other regards, it is an absolute beauty.
Awesome Car
I traded in my x-cab pickup for my TDI and was not sure how I would like it. I have already put 850 miles on in the first week and have been impressed that I have only used about 1 1/4 tanks of fuel. The heated seats are very comfortable. I couldn't be happier with my new Jetta. I have had many other diesels and none come close. Volkswagen has won my heart.
Avaoid if possible
Pros: - superb fuel economy; beats by far any hybrid - pretty powerfull engine for a 1.9 liter - a lot of extras from dual power seats to leather - roomy inside despite apparences Cons: - feels like a cheap car after 1-2 years - plastiky... - tapistry falls apart in less than 1 year - twice ! - real bad mechanics ( 3 automatic transmissions changed in 4 years ) - at about 68 k miles, need to add oil even between oil changes. - engine start loosing power after 3 years; could not diagnostic the issue even after a computer upgrade; Bottom line, a fun car to drive while it works. When the mechanics and the technicians at the dealership knows you by name when you pull in, is bad...
Don't Buy the 2006 Jetta TDI
I bought my Jetta and it has had a rough idle since about 4,000 miles. I have taken it to the dealer four times in over four months. They have not been able to repair it. The last time they said they were not able to repair it at this time. I filed a lemon law complaint with the BBB, and was denied due to the fact that it was not a serious enough problem. So now I am stuck with a lemon and I can't do anything with it. Talk about a waste of $22,000 dollars. Do yourself a favor, and stay away from the 2006 TDI's. Look at TDI club and search for 2006 rough idle and see all the other unhappy owners.
Fun Car
The 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI is a really a fun car to drive. It has excellent handling, and is a very good looking automobile. I may have a problem getting used to puting in only 12 gallons of fuel and going over 500 miles. Our firt tank yeilded 44 mpg. It's almost like having a hybrid. I love the large trunk and fold down back seats, although my wife won't let me haul 2x4's yet. (maybe someday). I also like the ride, our last car was a Caddy, and we are really impressed how comfortable the smaller car was. Also, the instruments are well thought out and beautiful at night. The light combination is very striking. I love the safety rating too, althought I havn't tested it. Hope I never have too. I love it.
Great car after 2 years
No problems to report after 2 years of ownership. Highly recommend this vehicle, particularly if you want to get combination of good fuel economy and performance.
Spewing black smoke from exhaust
I just found this site and noticed someone else has the same issue! I assumed my car was a diesel and would emit black smoke so never panicked. It seemed to get worse so I asked the "simple" question at my dealer. They told me bring it in. Should be a simple hose replacement $150ish. 4 hours later. I come back to find my engine completely apart. The mechanic brings me back and shows me scoring on my fuel injectors and tells me my engine is shot! $7,000 estimate from the dealer to rebuild only the top portion of my engine and I only have 130,000 km on it! I intend to take this to the top.
6 month / 18,000 mile Review
I drive in excess of 700 freeway miles a week and needed a commuter car to replace the SUV I was commuting in. I compared the Jetta to cars from the foreign and domestic brands and found them lacking on either finish, features, safety, fuel economy, or cost-of-ownership. The Jetta won me over on finish, features, safety, and fuel economy. While the cost-of-ownership is more than a Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic, I don't consider the features of those cars equal to the Jetta. So, what about the fuel economy? Wow! The fuel savings from the TDI engine are about half the monthly payment on the car. In all: This car really satisfies me.
New Owner - Retired Car Buff
I walked in to the dealership and asked for a Jetta TDI automatic with leather. One was found soon and we made a quick deal, but they held to the sticker. I don't like the $299 processing fee, but I paid it and drove home. I really like the TDI as I already have a 2005 CDI. Now all I want to drive is the TDI. It is getting about 12 mpg. more than the CDI. The Jetta's handling and ride are excellent. Its torque is not as great as the CDI, but good for 100 HP.
Sweet Ride
The Volkswagen Jetta TDI is an all round fantastic car to drive. It delivers amazing preformance for a small 100 HP engine and you have loads of power at highway speeds! Plus the great added space in the back seats and truck make life that much easier compared to older year models of the Jetta.
2006 TDI JETTA
Great car. One of the few cars to get better than EPA estimated mileage. Actually the EPA was way off and even further off with their new testing. EPA est was 36/42. We have averaged 41.1 mpg and it does not see the highway that often. We got over 49 mpg on one trip with 4 passengers and luggage! Has been extremely reliable.
Build It and they Will Buy!
Our 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI is our first Volkswagen. The turbodiesel engine gets 47 mpg in combined city / highway driving. It has a very quiet ride, excellent handling, excellent stereo, excellent air conditioning, and is a blast to drive. The seats are a little hard though for long trips. It has a huge trunk, very quiet motor, minimal maintenance, and its service manual is available on CD-ROM. Why doesn't everyone drive one of these?
A Great Choice for a Practical Person
The Jetta is the only car in it's price range that had all the features that I was looking for. I need room for two adults and three small children. This car has uncompromised safety demonstrated by its great crash test results, side curtain airbags, VSA and ABS. It has a low cost to own and the ability to fit in our small garage. Its ride, handling, and luxury features are also important. So far the car is running great. It's fun to drive, zipping in and out of traffic and barely sips fuel. The car is very solid, the doors close with a nice thump and it rides firmly without body lean in the corners yet soaks up bumps. The 4 year warranty, low fuel cost, and historically high resale value should keep the total cost to own low.
Great value
Except for the MPG you'd never guess it's a diesel. Has a lot going for it. Ride, dry road handling, seat comfort, fit/finish all great. Good pick-up once turbo is engaged. People have mistaken it for a BMW - good looking car. I have driven trucks for years and got tired of the gas bill. I am really pleased with this terrific car.
Good but not Great
I leased this vehicle to take advantage of the mileage in repetitive crosstown commuting. I have not been disappointed in this respect, avg 34mpg. Several areas have been disappointing. The auto transmission mother board quit functioning at about 2000 mi. Took 3 weeks to get one shipped from Germany. The tan leather seat dye rubs off easily. Replaced driver seat 3 times, finally gave up. The AM section of the radio is very weak. Dealer checked and can't find any problems. 50,000 watt stations fade in and out. Access to front seat difficult with driver seat in position to allow my 6' 245 lb body to drive. The center post is too far forward. Visibility poor, large blind spots.
MPG Better than EPA
If you haven't looked at purchasing a diesel because of loud engine noise, black smoke, lack of pick up, or the availability of diesel? THINK AGAIN! All of the above problems have been corrected in the new Jetta! After driving this car you'll understand why 80% of all cars are diesel in Germany! this car drives great at high speeds. When I first purchased my Jetta its gas mileage was 37 - 38 mpg. Since 10,000 miles, (currently 22,000mi) my mileage is consistantly 43.5 - 44 MPG! On a trip from San Antonio to Vegas with a full trunk and approximately 750 lbs. of passengers, running at 76 mph, (95% Cruise) she got a WOPPING 52.5 MPG round trip! Who needs a Hybid?
The Best
The 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI is a really fun car to drive. It gets great mileage and it doesn't look like the hideous Honda Insight or Toyota Prius. I can't describe how much I love my Jetta.
Fun to drive costly to repair
This is a very fun car to drive with plenty of pep for a 1,9 diesel. Rear brakes go out first not the front as with other vehicles. The design and engineering is second to none for ergonomics and style but very poor quality of parts. The driverside window motor was replaced, the wiring harness is a common point of failure and the vent grills break easily. You will like the feel of this car but not the expense to own.
Drive one
An excellent vehicle. Averages 44+ MPG in all around use, and over 50 MPG on the highway at 75 MPH.
Fun but not the best quality
Fun to drive bought from my brother with 47k and now have 97k. To date I'm on my 2nd clutch and a new transmission. It died in the driveway once and If I had not bough an extended warranty at 49k -100k, I would be out $3k instead of $1800.00 for the extra insurance. I hope this car would go 250k like my toyota, nissan and honda. Not as tough as the Japanese stuff but more sporting.
Really a great car
I love this car. Great mileage, great ride. Compared to both Prius and Civic Hybrid before buying. For the expected longevity, and amount of long distance freeway driving, the TDI (with ability to use biodiesel) was the best choice for me. Seems to be a much better ride than either other choice, and much larger. All-in-all a great car. Hope for reliability. If so, can't be beat.
Bought it for Milage - Wow with extras
I researched my purchase for a long time. I wanted something that would not hold me hostage on gas price changes every other day. The TDI has been the answer. Its mileage has always been over 43 mpg (mostly city) and I can easily get over 600 miles on tank refills. The suprises for me were the comfort level (package 2), quiet ride, and fit quality ended up being much better than I expected. Throw in a quality dealer and this is one of the best vehicles in my 40 plus years of ownership.
2006 Jetta TDI Automatic
The more I drive my Jetta, the more I like it. It is a fun car to drive. It handles more like a flat cornering, tight handling sports car, which I like. It isnt noisy but you can hear the motor purr when accelerating which is fine with me. It has plenty of power for normal driving, cruises easily at 60-70 mph, and accelerates at those speeds. This car never seems to labor at any speed, maybe because of the DSG automatic transmission. This is a 6-speed transmission with a sport mode and a paddle shifter if you desire to shift at your own shift points.