Used 2012 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Reviews
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FIRST VW PROVES COMFORTABLE, QUIET, QUICK
openwheeler, 06/15/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SE 4dr Sedan w/Convenience, Sunroof (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
46 of 46 people found this review helpful
Picked it up 5/31 and this Candy White with Corn silk/Black accent interior has proven to be a handsome, comfortable second family car. Critics of the interior materials were too harsh. The leatherette is more attractive and comfortable than we expected. Just returned from a round trip to PGH. My 6 foot plus son did not find the rear seats tiring or cramped. Very smooth ride and honestly quieter than our Accord on the road. The engine is a bit "throaty" but the slight rumble doesn't sound weak or cheap. Solid feel. In 'S' mode you get all the kick you need for passing fun. Low end torque takes a bit of getting used too but that comes quickly. Confident handling. Touch screen radio is cool.
great car so far
Eric, 03/25/2015
updated 03/27/2017
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SE PZEV 4dr Sedan w/Convenience (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
27 of 27 people found this review helpful
Bought a certified pre-owned 2.5L SE Convenience w/18K miles on it and am very happy with it so far. For the price, I feel this car is a great balance of a sporty but safe family sedan, with a large trunk and roomy backseat, good handling and power (with the 2.5L engine), and decent fuel economy. Its well-styled and comfortable (i'm 6'1 and my wife is tall). A few very minor complaints (see below). Was concerned about the lack of independent suspension, but my wife and baby are totally fine even in rough city roads in winter.
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2012 Volkswagen Jetta for sale near you
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- S SedanMSRP: $5,991150 mi away
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SE, Same old VW!
jkali860, 02/17/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SE 4dr Sedan w/Convenience (2.5L 5cyl 5M)
42 of 43 people found this review helpful
While the Base and S (4 cylinder 115-hp) models are not like previous VW's, the SE model (5 cylinder 170-hp) holds up the VW's reputation. I am extremely pleased with my purchase (2012 SE manual W/ Convenience) . I was a bit hesitant to look at new Jetta's due to the awful reviews. After I did some research, the SE model and above is a totally different car than the S and Base models. You get a low price for an extremely basic car. But the SE, SEL, and TDI all have a lot to be pleased about. Don't believe the bad reviews stand for all the Jetta models, only the Base and S. With a different engine, transmission and interior, the SE model and above is a totally different car.
Why so many bad reviews?
vic40, 04/15/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta S 4dr Sedan w/Sunroof (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
38 of 39 people found this review helpful
I don't understand why there are so many complaints about the New Jetta. After looking at everything, I settled on the smartly priced Jetta S with Sunroof and manual trans. Admittedly, it's no speed merchant, but it does just fine, has no trouble keeping up, and returns decent mileage in the process. I just don't see how you can look at most of the direct competition and find the Jetta lacking. The Americans are either too small (Fiesta and Sonic) or more expensive (Focus and Cruze). The Japanese competitors are just crappy. Complaints about the Jetta's interior??? Seen a Civic lately? Yikes! And perhaps most importantly, all 6'3" of me fits in the Jetta with room to spare in back.
This car saved my life
skappler1, 04/27/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SE 4dr Sedan w/Convenience, Sunroof (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
82 of 87 people found this review helpful
I loved my Volkswagen Jetta, bought a new 2012 SE with Convenience and Sunroof. It was a dark, rainy, and foggy night and i was traveling at around 40mph when i failed to see a stop sign and went right through an intersection. My Jetta was hit on the left side causing both driver and passenger side airbags to deploy. The vehicle then struck a tree and spun around once again before coming to a halt in someones front lawn. The car had immediatley shut itself off, activated the hazards and unlocked all the doors. My friend and i both walked away from the incident. The police all had agreed that had i not been in a car as safe as the Jetta, my friend and i could have both been easily killed
Fun and Fuel Efficient
tdilover3, 05/27/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
I have 13,000 miles on my 2012 Jetta. This is my third Jetta and my second TDI. I love this car. It is amazing for the money. I drive 55 miles everyday in mixed driving in this car, and I have fun the entire time. It only costs me $90 a month in fuel to drive this amazing car. It has power for days, the torque is amazing. It handles great and has plenty of space. I have two kids in car seats, no space issues. I love this car and I plan to keep it forever.
Perfect first car to own!
Shannon Nesterowicz, 12/31/2017
updated 07/01/2020
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 5M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
This Jetta is my first car, and I honestly could not be happier. I drive between Syracuse and Albany about twice a month, as well as around Albany day to day. This car is reliable and worth the ~$8,000 I spent. I've purchased a rust undercoating, as well as top-of-the-line snow tires, to handle Syracuse winters, so those purchases have definitely positively impacted the reliability and durability of the car. The only issue I've noticed is that the acceleration is slow for the first 20 minutes or so within starting the vehicle, but it is by no means a deal breaker. To summarize, this car is phenomenal and I would easily consider buying another when the time comes to purchase a new car. *update: I’ve had a new car for a year and a half now and I still talk so so lovingly about my Jetta. Hands down still the best first car I ever could have asked for!!
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Lemon Car
g_simpson, 08/03/2014
updated 08/05/2017
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
27 of 30 people found this review helpful
At 12,000 miles, the high pressure fuel pump blew up, destroying the whole fuel system. ($7500) That was bad enough for a one year old car, but then it did it again at 23,000 miles. Search the internet for articles about this problem, but VW has covered it up well. The dealer said they fix about 2 per week. The car suddenly lost power going 70 mph on I-5, then died. Just barely made it to the shoulder. Very scary. I hoped the new fuel pump they installed would be a better design, but obviously it was not, since the car blew up again 6 months later- same thing- high pressure fuel pump. We sold the car, and lost $10K. My friends Jetta did the same thing. Big rip off by VW. Smartest thing we ever did was sell it. Glad we sold before the big emissions scandal.
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Respectable Gas Sipper
jbkutah, 11/01/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
I wanted something with excellent gas mileage for business reimbursement, but respectable enough for my wife to want to ride in on date night. So far, this car is fitting the bill great. Much roomier and respectable than a Corolla, Focus, or the like. Traded the hubcaps for some 5 spoke oem wheels. Mileage is 33-35mpg in mixed driving. True, the 2.0 is not a fast car nor a luxury ride, but I don't race around in it during my commute or during business outings. Manual tranny helps give it a little pep and/or work the gas mileage numbers. Decent ride comfort and I feel safe in the car. I'm expecting decent reliability 'cause of the tried and true engine and lack of bells and whistles.
Lasted only 75000 miles VWdesign FLAW
unhappyvw1, 01/19/2015
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
Bought as certified pre-owned with 23K miles Loved the car great mileage ect Drove it to work 70 miles (reason we bought it) and at quitting time tried to start only to have engine turn over then lock up. Turns out after some research these motors have issue with inter cooler As motor is run in cold weather air that comes in freezes on inter cooler as the day warmed up ice thawed and when I tried to start water was sucked into engine (NOT GOOD) Dealer will do nothing out of warranty 600 price tag to just evaluate it. Issue with VW since 2009 USE EXTREME caution before purchase Cost 8-10K to replace this motor
Awesome Buy
jcmoore5, 06/19/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
13 of 14 people found this review helpful
Best Bang for your buck! I don't know why reviewers slam the VW Jetta TDI so bad. I have driven all the others that this site has ranked with it. I recomend driving them all for your self. Find what car fits you. Do the math for your self. I think that you would be surprised.
An excellent car, but do your homework
calex905, 06/05/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
27 of 31 people found this review helpful
This was the most reasonably priced car in this kind of fuel mileage range that did not feel like a toy. True the interior is not flashy, and I am a bit heavy for the standard seat bolsters, and it is not an independent rear suspension, but this little car is a kick to drive. I have 12,000 miles on and I have no complaints. I just got my first 50MPG trip this last weekend. In mixed driving I get 38 on the low side and can always depend on 44 to 45 MPG highway driving with cruise control on 65 or 70 from Fresno to Los Angeles and back. The DSG transmission does take a while to get used to but its a great car. Lots of torque and a huge backseat.
This car is a LEMON. Stay away!!
dirtmcgirt718, 02/03/2015
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
16 of 18 people found this review helpful
I got it used with 7k miles on it. After I ran the odometer up to 65k miles, I ran into the same intercooler problem other people have. The intercooler traps moisture in cold weather, and after the temperature rises, it sucks water into the engine, and the lights on the dashboard go haywire. The electronics are also horrible. I've burned out countless lightbulbs, and apparently, after less than 3 years, and 65k total miles, my wiring harness has a short and needs replacement. VW refuses to believe there's anything wrong with the car, but clearly, I've read about similar problems before.
Solid, Comfortable, Effecient, Elegant, Sporty
jlgolden, 03/27/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
After determining that I wanted an efficient sedan with some acceleration zip and handling athleticism, the Jetta TDI prevailed as the most appealing. The diesel's acceleration is delightful around Houston's inner-city grid, as well as when merging and passing on open highways. The DSG transmission takes some personal adjustment time, due to its characteristic (normal) hard downshifts during parking-lot creeping and stop & go traffic situations. Conversely, upshifts are fast and super smooth. Fuel economy is now averaging 42 mpg in mixed driving. This car feels amazingly stable, responsive, and capable in all driving situations.
Nice car for not a lot of $....
cavwguy, 03/12/2015
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SEL Premium PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
Owned this vehicle for about 3-yrs. & 45K miles (bought it new). Overall impressed with quality, comfort, value and performance. I stayed away from the TDI because of diesel fuel pricing and the intercooler issues (well documented here). Very happy w/my decision. While this vehicle is not a "sports-car", it does have that "German car feel" to it. Even w/the mileage, it is still pretty tight feeling drives smoothly. I also get around 28mpg (combined driving), about 1/2 and 1/2. Free maintenance service was nice for the 1st 36K miles.
Miss my VW......
mardigras413, 02/16/2015
2012 Volkswagen Jetta 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
ok so I am a big VW fan, its been about 3 years since I had my last VW and this was worth the wait. I purchased my 2012 Jetta used about a week ago yea its the 2.0 but this one gets up and goes better than my 04 Jetta 2.0 (it had a 4 speed auto) I love all the great compliments I get about how great it looks and I love all the standard features......no big complaints here!
A Nice Used Car at a good price...
freddok2, 06/29/2013
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I suddenly found myself in the position of needing a another car after my previously-reliable 2006 Subaru Impreza suddenly overheated on me. The Dealer where I had the Subaru taken for service (and from where I had bought it new in 2006) had put me in a white 2013 VW Passat as a loaner for a while, so when it came time to deal and to decide whether to take back my old car or buy a new or certified Pre-Owned car from the dealer, I was pleased when I took on a test drive a blue Certified pre-Owned 2012 Jetta with low mileage. The only thing I didn't like about it was the mostly-plastic dash, but that was a minor tradeoff in return. I bought it and have been happy with it ever since.
First-time Volkswagen owner
Liz, 05/19/2016
2012 Volkswagen Jetta S 4dr Sedan w/Sunroof (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought this car certified pre-owned as a leased car someone had turned in. So far, I'm very satisfied with it. One issue would be with the engine -- my previous car was a Toyota Corolla and its 2.0L engine seemed to have much more zip than this Jetta, especially going up hills. This Jetta is a manual shift and it is very smooth going from one gear to another and now that I have a new set of tires on it, my gas mileage is much better, in the 33-36 mpg range, rather than 29-31 mpg with my old tires. The interior is appointed nicely -- the controls are easy to read and accessible while driving. There are lots of options for seat adjustment, in both the nearness to the steering wheel but also seat height. Since I'm an audiophile, the sound system is important to me and it doesn't disappoint. Those controls are also easy to navigate and program. Another thing I'd suggest is for Volkswagen to include a couple USB ports on the lower trim models. Right now, I have an external port plugged into my cigarette lighter (not a problem since I'm a non-smoker), but even it seems to integrate well with the sound system. This car is a daily driver for me, but occasionally, I have passengers and they have all commented on the roominess not only in the passenger seat, but in the rear seats. The last suggestion I'd have is that there should be a daytime/nighttime function on the driver's side and passenger side mirrors to alleviate glare on all the trim models. Otherwise, as I said, I'm relatively happy with this car and I intend to keep it as long as possible.
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Good value, reliabilty
Liz, 05/26/2017
updated 06/09/2021
2012 Volkswagen Jetta S 4dr Sedan w/Sunroof (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2012 Jetta S as a late-model used car that had been turned in because of a lease, and it had about 22,000 miles already on it. I had not owned a VW before this and I didn't have anything to compare it with, as I had owned a Toyota and a Subauru previously. I must say, though, that I am very happy with my Jetta. I use it as a daily driver, and it rides smoothly, brakes securely, is solidly constructed, and has an overall good feel on the road. I have a 5-speed manual and although the 2.0 engine (as noted in other reviews) is not as peppy as my previous cars, I find that if I downshift to 4th gear, especially on hills, I can easily find myself traveling in the 70-80 MPH range. I have been following the maintenance schedule closely and so far, everything seems to be working fine. I hope to keep this car for a good long while. [Update 2021]: I am still very happy with this car and haven’t encountered any problems with it. It has about 86,000 miles on it now and it still drives like a champ.
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Good clean driving fun
beaverdam, 08/09/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
This VW has exceeded all of my expectations. Highway Mpg is always above 50 unless the AC is on then it drops to 46. City MPG is about 35. Only time will tell but so far it is rock solid and very reliable. Ride control is tight but not too firm. The lack of independent suspension in the rear is not noticable for me. 4 wheel disc brakes have a firm feel. Electric power steering feels like "steer by wire" but is easy to adjust to.
Clear upgrade from my last Jetta except in a few areas
golf_jetta, 01/17/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
28 of 34 people found this review helpful
I bought my first Jetta in 2006 back when they were giving away free electric guitars with each purchase. That was the cheapest Jetta they had and people were blown away by how nice the interior was. Fast forward to 2011 where you find me buying the 2012 Jetta TDI because I drive 2 hours each day and I want better fuel economy and an automatic. On balance this is a great car. The motor is peppy and the automatic is very smooth. I love the diesel, if you are going to get the Jetta then I recommend you get the automatic with the 2.0 TDI. My suggested improvments are long, but they are really quibbles and should not deter you from purchase.
Awesome commuter car!!
Happy Camper, 09/15/2016
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
Bought the car for commuting. 150 miles a day, 30 miles back roads and 120 miles Interstate. I do not drive this car gently, 75/85mph depending on the traffic flow on the interstate. Summer 42-45MPG, Winter 39-42MPG. I do run winter tires on the car in the winter and summer tires in the summer. I have seen 50MPG keeping the speed below 70mph, and I have seen 60MPG on country roads doing less then 60mph. I have the 6 speed manual transmission, Fender stereo with navigation. Now the car has 100,000 miles on it and is still running strong! I have changed the Oil, oil/air filters and tires, that is it. Now it's time for new rear brakes and a new battery, that's it. For $25,000 I think it has been a awesome car!!
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Great Bang for your Buck!
core3y, 10/29/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SE 4dr Sedan w/Convenience, Sunroof (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have had my 2012 VW Jetta SE with Convenience Package and Sunroof for almost 5 months now. I love this vehicle. Overall, the features and performance of this car make it a pleasure to drive, and I'd definitely recommend it over competition. keep in mind that I chose this car new over a used recent-model BMW 3-series :-)
Fast and Fun
stacygee, 10/25/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought this Jetta TDI in late 2011, it is so fun and fast!!! Great sound system, sporty looking. I threw some black wheels on there and feel like im driving a sports car. I was in a horrible wreck in October 2011 and the car held up pretty well, I actually drove it home and the other drive has to be towed and her car was totaled. Safe, reliable, well built and fun to drive! I get about 35-40 MPG too!
Jetta Diesel is all for Fun
tdi_all_fun, 06/28/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
After driving Toyota Camry for 8 years i decided to move on and try something that is fun to drive and at the same time has great mpg. I decided to buy Jetta TDI, i start loving it the moment i test drove it and bought it right away. I bought this in June 2011 and wanted to wait for a while before writing this review so far i have put over 15000 miles and getting 37-38 in 50% city and 50% highway. I drove it on long drive couple of time and noted 46 mpg which is awesome for car with a soul. So far i am happier with my decision to move to diesel. I don't think i am ever moving back to gas ever again.
Solid. Fun. Worth Every Penny!
fistofstone, 04/07/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
I have owned two VW's previously, a 1995 Golf and a 2000 Jetta, and was 'mostly' satisfied. The 2012 Jetta TDI, however, has completely blown me away. I simply cannot say enough great things about this car. The low end torque that is referred to in most of the professional reviews, paired with the manual transmission, has to be experienced to be believed. Simply put, driving this car is pure enjoyment. The interior plastics are not as high-quality and 'warm' as I have come to expect from VW - but they are tastefully and intellegently laid out. The stereo system is fantastic; it sounds great and it is easy to use. If you really like to DRIVE, I would highly recommend this car.
Happy VW Convert
bustoff, 11/27/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful
Purchased my TDI Jetta 4 door with premium after test driving everything else out there. That includes BMW 328i. This car's ride is ALMOST as good as the BMW...for 15-20k less...not to mention the cost to insure, maintenance and fueling up with premium and getting significantly less mpg with the BMW. 5 months old and just broke 6,000 miles. Averaged 44.3 mpg from bay area to San Diego...less than one tank of diesel. NO DIESEL SMELL detected. Handles great; plenty of power-had trouble keeping it under 80 on I-5.
I haven Driven Almost Every Car In The World, And this is the best car for the price.
vmn077, 01/21/2013
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
This car is def worth every penny for the price it has. The other competitors cars in the market can not compare its quility, features and history with VW. It drives just as good as any other expensive car. I have own this car for year now and iam just impress every time, its very comfortable, a lot of space and very rised up compare to other sedans. The fuel economy is great for the power it has. I get around 25 - 29 in city and long trip i have gotten numbers above 40 mpgs (using a real data logger). The car come pack of little features must people dont even know about. The is almost matinance free, 10k mile oil change, no timming belt change ever, it uses a map system,means less sensor.
Comments after 1 month
Bob, 02/17/2016
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SE 4dr Sedan w/Convenience, Sunroof (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
12 of 15 people found this review helpful
I typically wait at least 6 months before I write a review on a vehicle. But I got bored and decided to write one on this car after having it only a month. This is the second German-built vehicle I've owned (1982 Scirocco was the first) and told myself I would never own another one again. My wife has owned a Jetta (2001) and loved it. We needed to find a car for our daughter, who just started college and this seems to be a smart purchase. Ok...enough of that. First off, after putting approximately 500 miles on the car, the check engine light came on. I went to the local auto parts store to have the code(s) downloaded. It’s something to do with the air mapping system…after 37,000 miles. I did some research and found this is common problem with this car. Check out codes P0491 & P0442 and do your own research. I also found out that most German cars have volatile memory built into the computer. So disconnecting the battery to clear the codes will not work. I though it may have been a gas cap issue so, I disconnected the battery for 10 minutes and reconnected it. In most cars, this will clear the computer and the light will disappear. Not in this case. You have to have a scanner remove the code and auto parts stores will not do this. On with the review… INTERIOR: I'm a 6'-2" 240lb 44-year-old male that drives a full-size SUV because I like elbow room so, small cars are not my thing. The cabin in this car is actually pretty roomy. The back seats had decent leg room with me in the driver’s seat (14-year-old 5’6” tall behind me). The front seat positions are decent but, the seat adjustments are sometimes difficult to find and adjust. That's not that big of a deal for us since only my daughter will be driving the car. If multiple people will be driving the car, that may be an issue. I drove the car 400 miles the day after I bought it and the ride was quiet and comfortable...which surprised me. At 75 MPH the cabin noise was barely noticeable. We had the sunroof open…which took a while to figure out to operate it, and the mesh visor that pops up cuts the noise down a little. The instrument cluster is easy to figure out...if you're use to driving German cars. This car came with the synthetic leather that I actually like a lot. It’s easy to clean and appears to wear decent. The rest of the material in the cabin is nothing to write home about. There’s not much storage inside the car but, I’m used to having ample storage that’s in my SUV. The biggest issue I have with the car is the “entertainment system”. Yes it has Bluetooth but connecting to it is a pain. The touch-screen is nice but, is very basic. I’m an audiophile and the system in this car is lacking in everything. Granted, I purchased this car used and who knows what the previous owner did to it. Like using voice commands? 9 out of 10 times I used the voice command in this car…it didn’t work. I don’t know if it just didn’t like my voice or what. Gave up on that and told my daughter good luck. If you have small kids…don’t give them the keys! The key fob has a “switch-blade” key that pops out when you push a button. I’ve found myself playing with it and could imagine what a 4-year-old would do with it. EXTERIOR: The exterior styling is "OK" and if it wasn't for the front-end fascia, it would be on the edge of boring. The panels fit good as most German cars do and the trunk is large. Windows and sunroof seal tight. The stock wheels are typical for an entry-level car. VW…come back with the Electric Blue paint! Not much more to say on that subject. DRIVETRAIN: I was impressed with the acceleration and the handling. The car shifts smooth and zipping up and down the foothills of Georgia is fun. This Jetta is fun to drive and sticks to the road well. I had the tiptronic style shifter in an older car I had and never used it. It’s the same with this car. Overall I’m happy with my purchase.
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Love My Jetta TDI D
debrasue, 12/28/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
12 of 15 people found this review helpful
My husband and I bought this car for the gas mileage and the Jetta has delivered. I drive 100 miles a day (highway) for work plus running errands and only fill up once a week ($50 a tank). I get about 47 mpg or 550-560 miles per tank. The car is comfortable and responsive when driving. Being on the road so much I like the Blue tooth hands free system that syncs with my phone.
This car delivers
delfin1, 05/22/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
9 of 11 people found this review helpful
I have just over 2,000 miles on a new base model Jetta TDI with a manual, so I can't comment on long term reliability. What I can comment on is the performance of the package, and it exceeds expectations. We're averaging around 43 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Since this is more than promised, it is hard not to be impressed. The seating is comfortable, and while the interior finish materials are not as high quality as some other vehicles, they are certainly good enough for a car that costs less than $23,000.
Excellent Car
robertj9, 10/16/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SE 4dr Sedan w/Convenience, Sunroof (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I had been looking for a car since December 2011. I did a lot comparison between Honda, Nissan, Subaru and Hyundai. But overall the Jetta won, it is the best quality vs. price car that I found. I was looking a good price for a sedan with leather interiors, sunroof, responsive engine, and space. The reviews about the quality of the interior it may be for the one that does not have the vinyl interior. Because I really like the interior of this car and the space is more than enough. The trunk is huge. The engine is responsive. The MPG is not impressive though.
Go test drive one yourself!
carloco1, 09/10/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Yes, the 2.0 is under power, I wouldn't buy this car with the automatic. But with the manual transmission works fine. You can get this car to 70 or 80 mph with no problem. Actually, its pretty quiet at 75 mph. In order to pass other vehicles in the highway I have to put the car in 4th or 3rd gear. The Jetta is very roomy, I am six feet tall I can put the seat all the way back and my teenage sons fit in the back seats with out touching the back of my seat. I like this car better than my old 2001 BMW 325I. I am very with this car purchase, I just hope this car turns out to be reliable. I found out all the new Jetta come equipped with four wheel disk brake even thu the reviews say otherwise!
This car is a lemon. STAY AWAY!!
MS125, 10/24/2015
updated 10/26/2016
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
15 of 20 people found this review helpful
VW should be ashamed of their refusal to acknowledge the intercooler problem on this car. After I passed 65k miles, moisture got inside during cold weather, and it cracked, resulting in a pretty useless engine. VW said its not covered by warranty, but clearly, given the number of people who've experienced the same issue, it's obviously a design flaw. Stay away!!!
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Great choice
juvy2, 08/21/2013
2012 Volkswagen Jetta 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful
My 2012 Jetta is by far the best car I have ever had! Great gas mileage, fun to drive and extremely comfortable seats
Love my Not so New anymore VW :-)
DAS, 05/17/2018
updated 11/17/2022
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SE 4dr Sedan w/Convenience, Sunroof (2.5L 5cyl 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
2022 Still loving this car Still going strong!!! Still would recommend this car Best purchase I ever made ! Still loving it !!! changed to V rated tires - best thing - its tough but even better handling, less road noise would buy another without hesitation!!!! starting yr 2 - Still love the car and would by again, recommend this car with out hesitation they asked me to up date this review - 1 month shy of a full year - guess what - STILL LOVE IT - best things i ever did - sill have no idea what the back seat is like - my case it is perfectly clean - the trunk size is AWESOME - Still wish i had a temp gauge - the only maintenance i have done to-date is two Oil changes and the rear breaks - i average about 34 mpg (mixed driving, highway/city) fill it once a week with Shell 93 and depending on how many accidents RI has that week on 95 i might see the 1/2 mark - i due have to say i would have liked the car to have come with Fog lights, you can get them added - and it is by no means a Neg. just with all the other bells and whistles this car has - in the end Still love it and Would without thought do it again - Highly, Highly Recommend this car! i have the Manual and there are still times when i get bogged down because there is no way to turn off the ETC in this model so it thinks on a fast take off, you are slipping ... more, just something to get use to and adjust My driving habits. Love the manual - smooth and precise however see previous remark ... that is the only reason for an 'OK' rating. never sat in the back no idea what it is like .. sorry ... road noise - not sure it is the wrong tires .. but can be loud, miss a water gauge - everything thing is an Idiot light ... MMMM .... interior looks very nice .. but it is plastic just saying, my sitting position put the passenger B pillar is in my line of site for left hand turns ... other wise Excellent, never looked for a usb port has everything else though, no Nav system but you can have your iPhone (what i have) Bluetooth the instructions through the stereo speakers so really no need, HIGHLY recommend this CAR - get it have no question or second thoughts .. just make sure it is the SE or above version 2021 - Love this car more and more 1 - and this is VW - where in the name that is earth is the Alarm Horn??????? stopped chirping and cannot for the life of me find a manual that tells me where it is to fix 2 - get V rated tires - this car was made to move - get the tires that can keep up 3 - have a 100K plus now - still moves and looks like its new !!! 4 - and the Tune Up is at 80K - just a heads up i have been asked many time - 1 - what yr my car is and would i get it again or recommend it YES and 2012 not sure how many times this need to be updated and why Edmunds thinks every yr it does but this will be my last up date love the car and with out hesitation would get and recommend it
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Fun and efficient diesel, questionable reliability
austin28, 01/21/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
14 of 20 people found this review helpful
I have just finished putting a 1000k miles on my 2012 Jetta TDI. I have averaged 39MPG in moderate city driving. I highly recommend the diesel to anyone who is looking for added driving fun, longevity, and a higher resale value. The leather steering wheel, heated seats, and touchscreen audio system make this car seem luxurious. Despite negative reviews on the cars interior, I suspect it will please almost everyone who experiences it. Unfortunately, within the first week of ownership, I had 2 different problems with exterior body work. 1. The gas door would not shut. 2. The trunk squeaks loudly when you open or close it. The dealership noted both problems would be fixed under warranty.
A great all around car
Howie Atkinson, 09/09/2015
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SE PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Great car Love the 5 cylinder 2.5 sad to see it gone un the newer models. A great car for my petite Daughter!
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Better than a Civic, Corolla or Elantra?
GPR, 09/11/2015
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SE PZEV 4dr Sedan w/Convenience (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've owned several Hondas and Toyotas and I was in the market for a used sedan. My certified 2012 Jetta was cheaper than the Civics, Corollas, and Elantras in my area at the time. I'm very happy with my purchase. The car is sporty and fun to drive with a nice sprinkling of technology and heated seats. My only complaints are that my A/C stopped blowing cold air and my trunk light didn't work. Both were fixed under warranty. It would be nicer if the arm rest between the front seats was higher and longer. I believe that's the case with newer models.
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Good... but...
bigal11, 11/01/2014
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
52k miles. Nice look, cheap interior. Doesn't feel or sound as solid as my German built '13 TDI Golf. Ventilation controls feel frail. No mechanical problems yet but fear of the fuel pump issue lurks. Generally we like the car but wouldn't buy it again. MPG's the same as my traded '08 Civic 5sp, so no advantage using pricy diesel ar paying VW service rates. Particulate filter is a joke. Burning raw fuel without contributing to forward motion hurts efficiency. What's up with the $12/qt oil? VW owns the arbitrary spec and charges for access to it. Truthfully, I wish I could have my Red '01 Jetta again. Better materials, better MPG's, simpler, better ride and handling qualities.
Crappy car
Julius Madridejos, 12/15/2018
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
10 of 15 people found this review helpful
This car is beautiful but expensive to maintain and utter unreliable. I got this car as a cpo with 34k miles. I was excited because this is my first German car .I only used this car for 2 years and when it hits 90k miles all the gremlins and nightmares appeared. This car has gdi engine so carbon build up is common. I had electrical problems at 35k miles which is my wiper motor stopped working in the middle of rain storm. At 40k miles I had door issue, which my door wont lock. At 50k miles carbon build up problem... 60k miles transmission problem. 70k miles another carbon build up issue. 90k miles suspension and bushing gone bad. 100k miles a/c gone bad, EPC came up and engine shuts off by itself. Dealer estimated to fix the whole problem for $9000 which is, i traded the car for scion xB. Better purchase an extended warranty for this car like I did or you will shell out money and it will make you poor. This is a money pit car. Stay away from any vw unless you want to lease it.
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A little German car feeling
Manuel L., 12/21/2015
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SEL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I purchased this 2012 as a CPO with 30k miles on it and have 57k now after one year of primarily interstate driving. So far I have only had oil changes every 10k miles and a broken drive belt replaced under warranty. The car required a set of new tires at 52k and brakes are still like new. The interior has a cheap feeling for a German car but that's OK for the price of a Korean car. Leatherette is very durable and comfortable. I chose the 2.5 engine with 6 speed auto transmission because this combination appears to be very reliable. I don't see why people buy the TDI with diesel being more expensive than gas in the United States. In Europe it is the other way around. I wish I had a Jetta with a hatch but actually the sedan is very roomy inside out. Can highly recommend this car so far and plan to drive it up to 100k or until problems appear. MPG is not as good as all the 4 cylinders around but it does feel more like a 6 cylinder.
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So far so good...
23hammer, 03/02/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
9 of 14 people found this review helpful
I picked up this Jetta because of rising fuel costs and a long commute. So far I have nothing bad to say about it. The car is comfortable, quiet, solid, and performs well. It does take a little adjustment if you are not familiar with a diesel. I am impressed with the interior and how much I like the "leatherette" I was expecting a lot less from the car's interior and performance after reading the reviews on Edmunds, but I must say I am completly impressed by this car. I am averaging 45 MPG in mostly highway driving. I am 6'4" tall and 250 pounds and I fit well in the car with my spouse and 2 kids.
Wish I never bought this car...
domdpt, 06/16/2013
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SEL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
I was new to VW and relatively impressed by the Jetta, although I really wanted the GLI I was not ready to pay $30,000 for a small sedan. The car was ok to start, however within 2 months all door panels were rattling, suspension squeaked, and engine became sluggish. Almost 1 year later and after a few trips to the dealer, all door panels still rattle, the engine is not responsive, and MPGs are getting worse. VW quality has slipped a lot from what i can gether, and the dealer is less than willing to help fix the problems. Unless you get a GLI, do not waste your money.
Excellent Value!
joepalace, 10/27/2012
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SE 4dr Sedan w/Convenience, Sunroof (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Just brought on 10/14/2012. Excellent value! used 0% $0 down financing and 3 yrs of maintenance included. I was afraid leatherette seats where going to look cheap, but they actually look great and are very comfortable. In fact they are more comfortable than my Infiniti I-30 leather seats I just traded in. The space in the back seat is great as a full size adult fits comfortably. The premium entertainment is wonderful and the ipod/iphone integration is excellent. Bluetooth works perfectly. Acceleration is up to par with what you expect on this type of vehicle. It's not a racing car, so acceleration is what should be considered normal. So far a great choice!
Happy jetta owner
Ken, 03/30/2021
2012 Volkswagen Jetta SE 4dr Sedan w/Convenience (2.5L 5cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We have owned the jetta for about5 or 6years now and nothing to complain about ,runs great ,rides great,we love our jetta .We are now vw customers for life.
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Review on the jetta
Daniil, 10/03/2017
2012 Volkswagen Jetta S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I owned a car for a month now and have not had any problems with it.Accelaration is really good for car that doesn't have that much power to it.I must admit that it is easy to work on.
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Catch a Star...
MTHOM, 12/03/2016
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Diesels produce great torque, seemingly indifferent to payload, notably maintaining cruising speeds on California's I-5 Grapevine mountain section to within a micron of set point. Consistently maintains high 40's mpg in urban settings, lower 50's at posted legal speeds, including Utah 80mph section of I-80. Smooth riding with the typical firm VW suspension. A very roomy and comfortable cabin, front and back.
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It's a good car, but I don't plan on keeping it.
ne10, 05/14/2013
2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr Sedan w/Premium (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
My feelings about the Jetta TDI/Premium are mixed. I love the styling, the fuel economy is unbeatable for an ICE, and the low end torque makes it zippy and fun. But VW had to go and kill a lot of the love by leaving the DSG unrefined, not polishing out creaks and rattles, and cheaping out in areas like the MFD and the touch screen software. The car feels like it was well designed in Germany, then dressed down by a bureaucrat on computer and exported to America. That being said, the styling, fuel economy, and options are still far better than the Civic and the Elantra. Is it worth the extra $3000 on the sticker? Maybe. I'd say it's more of a solid buy as a used or preowned car.
Good run around car
Vw, 10/19/2016
2012 Volkswagen Jetta 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is a decent car I went from a Honda pilot to a Jetta people complain about acceleration but most compacts are slow and have CVT transmission anyway so it won't matter what compact there all slow. I like the interior and trunk space sad thing reason why I gave it 3 stars is the gas mileage is the same as my pilot. But this car does the everyday commuter job for getting around.
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