Used 2016 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Reviews
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What a value!
Matt, 01/18/2016
updated 01/19/2018
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T Sport PZEV 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
30 of 30 people found this review helpful
Second Update: I sold the car in May of 2017 in favor of an e-Golf. The car was great right up until the day I sold it. Update: After a year of ownership, I still think this car is tremendous value. The car is fun to drive, and the "Sport" suspension is actually a GLI suspension, which explains the improved grip going around corners. So far, no out-of-routine maintenance issues, and the engine revs happily and smoothly. Tire wear is pretty average, I lost about 3.5/32nds of tread in the last 10000 miles. Let's see how it holds up this year! This car is of tremendous value. I have no idea what Edmunds was thinking, but my Jetta Sport MT is by far the best value I have seen in its class. While the MSRP is high, the dealer incentives and negotiating ability can easily knock the price down on this car anywhere from 3k-6k depending on your geographic location. My car just barely exceeded $18,500 after negotiations and VW Credit incentives, and has a 2-tone leatherette interior, really nice sport rims, a deck lid spoiler, navigation, CarPlay, and one of the best touch screens I have seen in the automotive market. It has a backup camera and all the other bells and whistles competitors have. Driving wise, the manual transmission is a medium throw that has very positive engagement, and the car's grip to the road is solid to say the least. The engine. The 1.8T is in my opinion VW's best value of money and delivers an exceeding satisfying punch in the back off the line. The steering, however, is dull and totally disconnected from the road. This isn't a deal breaker, especially with all of the other equipment packed into this bargain car. The trunk is ENORMOUS. The seats are hugging, soft, heated, and comfortable. The rear seats have a 60/40 split fold and even have a ski shoot in the middle. What more do you want from a car? For $18,500, you'd be hard pressed to find an LX civic with half the equipment in this car. We'll see how the reliability is, but for the life of my lease I'm not concerned. My advice is to skip the SE and SEL, and go straight to the sport model for the best value in the market. You won't regret your decision!
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Strong value for the money
John Witherspoon, 12/26/2015
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T Sport PZEV 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
32 of 33 people found this review helpful
I have a Black 2016 Jetta Sport model with a MSRP of $23,300 which includes a unique two tone white/black heated leatherette seats and automatic transmission. The two tone white interior can be found in other cars though at a minimum the MSRP would be 5K or higher. Standard features include a sport suspension, fog lights, front and rear spoiler, unique gray/black 17 inch rims, heated outside mirrors, navigation, rear view camera, 8 way adjustable driver seat and 6 way passenger seat, Apple car play ( or Android Auto) and an above average sounding stereo. It has the highest safety rating of 5 stars. Fuel ratings on the highway are 37 and city is 25. Reliability has been average. Interior volume is on par with a mid size with plenty of leg and headroom for both front and rear passengers and a mid size trunk. The places you touch such as the center armrest, steering wheel, gearshift, armrests on the doors are black leather with white stitching and are soft. The white stitching adds to the more upscale look of the two tone interior. Hard plastic and chrome cover the areas that you do not touch. Simple dash layout that is not as dramatic as others in this class like the Mazda 3. Getting to adjust the manual seats and power outside mirrors take some time time to figure out. The engine is a 1.8 with 175 horsepower and 185 in torque coming on at a low 1800 RPM. This makes the car accelerate to 40 where the majority of the driving is done quicker than the majority of compact vehicles and even cars with over 200 horsepower. 0 to 60 is also good at 7.5. The car feels like it has more power than what is under the hood. BMW has been doing the same thing for many years. You will always have plenty of power and no need to mash the pedal to get up to any speed that is needed. Tires are Pirelli at 17 R45 so they are tall and wide giving good grip for handling and smoothing out the bumps on the road. You will feel the road bumps though nothing to jarring. On smooth pavements the car is smooth and quiet as there is increased insulation and the tires do not resound with noise. Handling is above average with no body roll and the steering has a tighter feel. It is a fun car to drive. With my local VW dealers online discount and the conquest cash for switching my Hyundai Sonata the bottom line was $20,500. Other compact cars like the Civic, Cruze, Corolla and Elantra can offer more features like a sunroof in this price range though you will get a weaker engine and not as much fun driving as this Jetta. You could get a better performance and handling car like a Mazda 3 or Ford Focus though at this price point you would get cloth seats, no navigation and other features the Jetta Sport has included. Most experts agree even with the billions VW will pay over the next few years with the scandal they and their other companies Audi and Porsche are not going to fold. If your car buying budget is 24K or less it would be worth to test drive the VW Jetta Sport and see what your dealer can offer in discounts. I think it has the most value when you look at the unique two tone interior, the features, mid size interior room, good fuel economy and a driving experience that is fun.
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2016 Volkswagen Jetta for sale near you
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- 1.8T Sport PZEV SedanMSRP: $10,368In-stock online
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The 1.4 TSI Turbo is amazing-Part II
CAW, 09/14/2017
updated 09/16/2019
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
28 of 29 people found this review helpful
This is an update to my initial review. I purchased my Jetta in August 2016, and currently have over 95,000 miles on it. I am still very impressed with the car, getting great gas mileage and the overall comfort and reliability of the Jetta. I have been changing my own oil and filter every 10K, and as stated before, finding the correct oil is a challenge, but more auto stores and Walmart are carrying the correct type. I replaced the OEM Continental Tires at around 57,000 mile with a set of Michelin Defender tires-which are holding up very well. I am still very happy with the Jetta, especially the 1.4TSI engine and the six-speed automatic transmission. They are well paired and work smoothly together. Since July of 2018 I have been using the Jetta for part time UBER duties, on Friday and Saturday nights at a local ocean-side resort. It has performed well as an UBER vehicle, but I have had several instances where taller/larger riders have trouble getting into the front seat due to the lower roof-line. Other than that, most riders comment on how nice the car is and can't believe I have as many miles on it as I do. This has been the BEST vehicle I have owned so far in my 35 years of driving experience. Fun to drive, reliable, great engine/transmission pairing and easy on gas.
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2016 Volkswagen 1.8T Sport w/ Manual Transmission
Kevin, 01/19/2016
updated 01/26/2018
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T Sport PZEV 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
16 of 16 people found this review helpful
An impressive car! The sport-tuned suspension in this vehicle is what really sets it apart from the other Jetta models (not including the GLI). My previous vehicle was a VW GTI and I was always impressed with the suspension/handling, but it was unfortunately involved in an accident. I wasn't a fan of the new (2015/2016) GTI design, however, and really liked the sedan design. I test drove the Jetta SE and the Sport models, noting a significantly superior suspension/handling capability with the Sport. That fact and the other components such as the 170 hp and 184 lb-ft torque 1.8 turbo-charged engine, 17" wheels, two-tone leatherette seating, push button start, navigation, bluetooth, a backup camera, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, piano-black trim, a rear spoiler, fog lights and the bi-xenon headlights which provide insanely great visibility. The form, fit and function of Volkswagen in general, and the Sport in particular, is what sets the brand apart from others in the same price range (in my humble opinion). For the price, regardless of how many other brand vehicles I test drove.....I ultimately returned to the Volkswagen dealership!
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Liked it so much we bought two
Tim, 12/16/2015
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T SEL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
16 of 16 people found this review helpful
This is a great car for the money, especially with the large discounts off MSRP (about five grand) that can be negotiated currently. Within a two week span, my college graduate bought an S model, and I bought the SEL for myself. We both like the car for it's roominess, attractive and uncluttered cabin, technology (especially Apple CarPlay), great turbo engines, and gas mileage. We looked at a number of other cars in the same class; the Jetta was a quick choice because it feels much more "mature" than the others, and actually has a rear seat that grown-ups can sit in. The expert review makes a big deal about the cheap interior materials, but how often to you touch/feel the dash or door panels, and if you do, does it really matter if they are squishy or not? The leatherette seats are very comfortable, at a price point below the competitors' leather trims. The only real complaint I have so far is the suspension which seems quite stiff going over speed bumps and rough pavement, and a little more interior noise than I am used to. The Jetta cabin is a great place to spend my commute and a lot of fun to drive, regardless of what the experts say about the interior materials and handling. I don't plan on taking it to the racetrack anytime soon, and I'll leave the twisty back-country romps to the professional car testers. Regardless how you may feel about VW, this is still a well-engineered German car - at roughly half the price of a BMW 3 series or Audi A4. I'm still a big VW fan, scandal or not. Long live Fahrvergnugen!
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Fun, fast, efficient & reliable!
Cole, 02/10/2016
updated 02/13/2017
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
I have always been a VW fan and when it was time for a new car I knew I would be looking at a Jetta or Golf. The Jetta is an amazing value especially compared to Japanese rivals. The handling is great; I feel totally secure, tons of cargo space and good storage, super efficient engine that's fast and it has a great base stereo that's easy to use. The only con for me is, on the S trim, there is no lumbar support for the front seats. I think this should be standard. I definitely notice this on longer trips and all of my older VW's had this standard. I've been getting awesome fuel economy too. I took a trip to Minnesota and I averaged 44mpg on 87 octane! Definitely check out the Jetta; what you get for your money, you'll be very pleased. Update: The car now has approx. 20,000 miles on it and it's been a dream. Reliability has been perfect and it's been great for road trips. Only gripe is the tires that come with the car aren't very good; snow performance is terrible. Invest in some good all-season or snow tires.
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15000 miles and running great
Mike, 06/06/2018
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
Small car, great price, easy to drive and park, lots of trunk space and rear seats fold down for more. Just drove it from Tucson to Chicago (1800 miles) and I got 44 mpg for the trip with the air conditioner on and driving 70-75 mph. Incredibly efficient engine, has lots of torque and performance for city driving too! She's a plain Jane, but a tremendous value.
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Delighted with 2016 VW Jetta - Updated Dec 2017
jbrooksws, 06/24/2016
updated 12/30/2019
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T Sport PZEV 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
Updated Dec 2019 - Traded Jetta in on Passat GT. Jetta had about 50,000 miles on it and proved to be very reliable. Gas mileage stayed really high and using regular gas was consistently inexpensive to operate. In NC insurance was about $100 per month which seemed a little on the high side. Updated Dec 2017 - Jetta still doing great - have only been in for a routine 10,000 mile service and oil change - the only issue I have is figuring out how to put third party windshield wipers on car. We kept passing down our 2004 Volvo S60 from oldest son to youngest son to dad Volvo quit running. Hmmm - children in college - limited budget - shopping for a new car. Could not have been more surprised and pleased with the little Jetta. Checked out the safety - that was good - test drive was good and I am now in the car for a year and a half -- some impressions that I hope may help someone else. Sorry - can't start a new paragraph so I think this ends up as one long paragraph. First of all - my issues: don't understand why VW does not hike the price of the car $300 bucks and put key fob door unlock. The car has pushbutton start, but I have to remove the key to unlock the door, then put it back in my pocket. I know its a niggly thing but (fixed on 2017 SEL) . Performance oriented observation - be prepared -- in the midrange in middle gears - there is a little big of turbo lag. I have a pair of SAAB 9-3's and a Ford Edge Ecoboost so I think I understand turbos - I'm just not used to lag - been many many many years since I have been aware of lag. OK having said that just be prepared for it so your revs are in the right place or you are either in sport mode or manual mode and then you can manage it. Every day driving, or even Freeway merges you won't notice, and a heavy foot and kickdown will spool the turbo up fast and make up for the lag. The Sport version moves you up to leatherette from cloth - I had this in one of my past Audi's and I actually like the leatherette - does not absorb perspiration like the leather does. My interior is black and the seats are off white with black trim - it's a little austere. OK regarding fit and finish. This is a cheap car, but despite what the reviewers keep saying, it doesn't really look and feel it. I am happy with the trim and quite honestly, the more mature I get, the more I really appreciate what a car is -- what I can afford is a lot different than what I want to spend now a days so I'm happy to look at my well finished interior and thing about the money I did not spend on zerbrano wood trim et al. I have never sprung for nav systems in a car so I was presently surprised to find nav, and other gizmos standard in a cheap car. Gadget gurus may not be impressed, but I repeat this is a cheap car. So it's comfortable on the road in both city and highway - even though its roughly the same size as my SAABs, it feels a little tighter - could be the prevalance of black in the interior I don't know. The back seat has a lot of room and the trunk is certainly more than roomy. As you would expect one or both seats flip down - there is also a ski boot. Thus far I am averaging a very nifty 31 combined so this car really sips gas. While I really enjoy cars, I do look at the other part of the equation as well - watched the videos of the safety tests - that was good. Also Consumer Reports said the headlights stink so get the lighting option. I did and the headlights are really good. They are HID so I always think about what the replacement cost will be once they are out of warranty...but they are really good. One note about the lights in the low end and in the sport version (did I mention that this car was cheap?) the headlights are manual - so you have to turn them off (updated in 2017 Jetta), Anyway - summing up - I am very pleased with this car - like the color - bright red - cabin is a little dark and windshield is a little close - I am used to more expansive. However I am no longer paying luxury car insurance rates, or property tax rates. The car has good acceleration, handling and brakes - great fuel economy so its a good little car -- then add in the GREAT deal I got. I think this one is going to be a winner! Update 6-25-2017 - Edmunds asked for an update on this car. It has actually been passed to my son. He was in an accident - not his fault - which totalled the 2011 SAAB - he and his girlfriend walked away (why did GM ruin SAAB??). So he is now driving the 2016 Jetta. So far, it continues to be an excellent car with improving fuel economy. I had to have another car, so I am the proud owner of a 2017 Jetta. Could not get it in bright red so I settled for another color, but that car is performing equally well. I would purchase again (well obviously, because I did!). 2017 Jetta SEL is 13 months old and has 18,000 miles and one routine service. Lot of highway miles - very comfortable and good gas mileage.
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Give it a try, you might be surprised
Jim, 02/16/2016
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T Sport PZEV 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
This Jetta puts a smile on my face every time I get into it, simple as that. It's a very well balanced car. I have only two complaints about it: (1) somewhat lacking steering feedback - not a huge deal once I got used to it but I prefer the steering feel of Ford Focus; and (2) headlights not turning off with ignition - this one is annoying enough to force me to search for an aftermarket solution. Other than that the car is excellent and great value for money now that tumbleweeds are rolling through VW showrooms and dealers are knocking 15-20% off MSRP. Responsive engine, good torque in a wide RPM range (even better with aftermarket tuning if that's your thing), smooth manual transmission, solid handling and braking (aside from the steering that might take some time to get used to), very nice touchscreen with Android Auto support, comfortable seating position, lots of space in in the back and in the trunk, I'm sure I'm forgetting something but the main thing I use a car for is to drive it and the Jetta does that better than any car I tried in this price range.
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Best car in its class!!
Nikola Karev, 09/09/2017
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
If you are looking for a regular, normal, everyday car that can get you safely from point A to point B, then look no further. In my opinion the Volkswagen Jetta is the best car in its class. This is not a sports car, this is not a BMW or Audi, so don't expect this car to pull out miracles. This is a regular "economy" sedan and it is probably the best compared to its other competitors (ford, chevy, Honda etc.). I have many reasons why I state this. First of all the car extremely reliable. It is probably the most reliable car I owned, and I own a lot of cars (BMWs, Fords, Audis and other VW's). I "trust" my Jetta more than any other cars I have. I use it almost everyday in any season, and I never (literally never) had any problems with it. Of course I do a regular 10k service, but that's it...nothing else. Compared to my BMW for example which is a "hassle" to own (I still enjoy it though, it is really the Ultimate Driving Machine). I find the Jetta comfortable enough, and fast enough for every occasion. I traveled the whole country north to south and west to east with my Jetta without a single problem. It is also great on your pocket (you won't feel the money you spend on gas)... Overall I recommend the Jetta to everyone who likes a reliable , economical and good looking sedan at the right price... If you are looking for a sports sedan, with 300+ horsepower and 4.0 + engine size with terrible fuel economy then the Jetta is not for you.....In that case open your wallet wide and go to another dealership (BMW, Audi etc.)...but don't blame VW
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My Best New Bet Under 20K.
Marusik, 06/02/2016
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S w/Technology 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
27 of 30 people found this review helpful
When my lease was up, I was again in the market for a new car. Since I had set my budget limit at 20K, I wanted to compare all my options in this highly competitive segment. After reading quite a few reviews, including the expert ones (which in some cases differed dramatically), I test drove my three runner ups with very different results. The CVT in the eye catching Honda Civic was not my favorite feature (nor was the fact that the turbo engine is only available in the higher end trims at a price that exceeded my budget). The Mazda 3 has everything I like in a car, particularly if your daily commute is as short as mine. Perhaps through back and twisty roads (which makes it a perfect weekend date), but not quite so comfortable for everyday, especially on the highway -let alone long trips... That's why I found myself so thrilled when I drove the 2016 Jetta. The first thing that impressed me was how responsive it's little 1.4 liter engine is. It seems to be on steroids and always eager to please, even the most demanding drivers. The breaks are some of the most efficient in it's class, and it's driving dynamics are to be highlighted. Even in the voice of some the experts: "the electric power steering is precise and direct, and the crispness and agility of this compact sedan easily exceed the standards of its class." (C&D). Which by the way, contradicts some the driving impressions of the Edmund's experts... Worth mentioning, cabin space and quietness, sensible and flawless connectivity with the technology package, which works great even with my older iPhone. It makes my life much easier... All in all, my best new bet under 20K. So, if you are no too apprehensive, and/or resentful of VW as a brand name in the news lately, go ahead and take it for a spin. I'm sure you won't be disappointed...
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Only ever owned 4x4 trucks and am wowed by a car.
Jerry, 03/26/2016
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
15 of 16 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 2016 Jetta 1.4 S a few weeks ago. I did months of research online of new 2015-2016 fuel efficient cars. I narrowed the list with lowest cost, top highway mileage (including a hybrid), and top safety ratings. In the end the Jetta was top of my list on paper with an overall lowest monthly cost. I projected a 0% interest rate for 60 months with advertised sale prices and at the time (and still there is not much out there for real world Highway MPG results) I calculated a 37 mpg average (3 mpg lower than EPA estimate) @ 50,000 miles a year for the Jetta @ $2.10 a gallon. On the other cars I calculated all the same numbers except the mpg. On the others I went with the advertised estimated EPA highway mpg. I checked with my insurance company for quotes of similar cars and they were all in the same ballpark. Next I had to test drive my top three picks. It was a fun experience and also very clear to me what car was most comfortable, most powerful, and most fun to drive. Oh and ya the best priced. The EPA mpg is about right. The lowest mpg I have seen was driving roughly 300 miles all at speeds in excess of 80 mph and I averaged 38 mpg. Driving @ 77-78 mph I am averaging 41 mpg, and at 60 mph I am averaging 47 mpg.
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A LOT OF BANG FOR THE BUCK!!
Andrew Collins, 06/13/2016
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S w/Technology 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
13 of 14 people found this review helpful
Having owned nothing but Toyotas for the past 5 years, I was skeptical about switching auto manufacturers (if it's not broke, why fix it?). But I can honestly say that for the price, I cannot imagine a better car. The 1.4 TSI gets GREAT gas mileage and has way more punch to it than it's competitors. I was downsizing from a 2015 Toyota Highlander Limited Platinum because I had to start commuting further to work and needed better MPGs plus the $675/month car payment was killing me. I went from getting an average of 21 MPGs to getting 36 MPGs and the payment was more than cut in half. Having said all of that, I should be up front and disclose that I went from having the mack-daddy of vehicles to having a VERY basic car. But for $16,300, I got a HUGE bang for my buck. The technology package features Apple Airplay as well as another feature for Android users that allows the driver to use the USB port to mirror certain phone apps with the vehicle's radio display. So if you don't have pockets deep enough to shuck out the extra bucks for navigation, you can now use your iPhone map app on the display in your car. It's extremely helpful and charges the phone while it's plugged in as well. The 1.4 liter turbo-charger will be plenty of pickup for the size of the car. In fact, I'm not sure why they continued the 1.8 TSI this year because the difference between the two is negigible, in my opinion. The 1.4 gets better gas mileage than its big brothers as well. I wasn't impressed with the acceleration of the Toyota Corollas and Honda Civics, to the point that I almost thought they were a safety hazard, a huge selling point for the Jetta. The Jetta has the same old boring, German dash that it and the Passat have had for years. There's nothing spectactular about it. If you have never owned a VW before, it'll take some getting used to and unfortunately the owner's manual isn't much help. But the layout is very basic, something that I really like about the vehicle. I hated how the Civic was laid out with its radio controls slanted towards the driver and the Corollas features were forgettable. The Jetta also has a larger trunk than its competitors, something that's very desirable if you have to haul things once in a while. All in all, I've been very pleased with this car. The higher-end versions are even more impressive, if you've got the pocketbook for them. But for something basic, I can't tell that it gets much better than this.
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Update to earlier review.....
Adam, 12/10/2015
updated 10/31/2016
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0T GLI SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Since writing the initial review below, some things have changed. On 3 separate occasions, I have had the EPC light come on, and the engine loses power. This is particularly concerning when you're traveling at 70mph, go to pass someone, and the RPM's drop and you have to hope no one is on your rear end. I've had it towed back into the dealer once for this. The other 2 times (today being #3), I drove it back there. The previous 2 visits yielded the "Cannot duplicate problem at dealership" comment. And once it was blamed on a theory maybe it was bad gas or the fuel level was too low, and the car went into "safe" mode....whatever that means. Today, it had 80 miles to empty on it when it happened. VW Customer Care has been ZERO help, since the dealer cannot duplicate the issue. Which basically means, they hook up their computer, it throws no codes, they drive it down the street and back, and say they can't find anything. It's extremely unsettling when it happens, and I'm losing more and more confidence in the car and its reliability. I had 3 VW's in the early/mid 2000's, and had zero issues. Since returning to them, the 2014 GTI I had was a disaster, and now the 2016 GLI looks like it's following in its footsteps. Once I'm out of this lease, I'm done with them. Original review........ I came out of a 2014 GTI and into a 2016 GLI, so it's hard not to compare the two. For those who think the GLI is a GTI sedan.....it's not. The current GLI and GTI may have the same HP (210), but the GTI is has 258lbft of torque, where as the GLI still has 207lbft. Overall, it's a pretty decent ride, given it's older platform. They've done a good job making upgrades to the interior since this generation was introduced. There are still a few things that remain, like the hard plastic door panels, that remind you it's still a Jetta. The upgraded electronics work quite well, despite the USB being in a tight spot (under the HVAC, in front of the shifter). The Fender audio sounds great, but get too carried away with the bass, and again you're reminded this is still the old Jetta (rattles). The seats are comfortable, but if you're used to GTI seats, they don't hug you as much. And it has V-Tex, instead of leather, but I don't have a problem with that. The 2.0t is plenty peppy for my long commute to work. The GTI was more zippy, but the Jetta will get out of it's own way with no problem. I do notice more of a DSG lag in this car, than I did in the GTI, especially from a stop. It definitely rides better and is more quiet than the GTI, and so far the MPG is much better (and it uses regular unleaded now). The option content on this car is fantastic. Has all the bells and whistles. It would be nice to have dual power seats and power lumbar, however. To get this similar content in the GTI, you'd spend $6-$7k more, and with the way GTI's lease now ($500+ a month), that's a hard sell. My 2014 GTI was in the shop multiple times in the past year.....for big items.....water pump, A/C system replaced, sunroof system replaced, and a new intake manifold. That made a new one an even harder sell for me. The dealer got me out of my lease halfway through it, and into this car for the same payment, so I am happy with that decision. The new MQB platform should be coming on the Jetta within the next year or so, so you may want to wait for that. Some think the current Jetta is bland and boring, but I've always been a fan of VW's understated styling. They will look good for years, compared to some radically designed car, IMO. I still think it's worth a test drive. Just be sure to have your dealer confirm it IS NOT one of the GLI's that is on stop sale for bad cam shafts. They should be able to check that, by the VIN.
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Bought two 2016 Jetta S models
Randomdude84, 02/15/2016
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Jetta is sexy, modern, efficient, practical and a wonderful all around car compared to others in this segment. I got one auto for my wife and a manual for myself. Would recommend it to anyone looking for a beautiful economic car that's super fun to drive.
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Excellent value
Chris C., 07/30/2017
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S w/Technology 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I leased my Jetta 1.4 S/Technology Package in July of 2016. It is now one year later and I have 15,000 miles on it, and I must say the car is very impressive, especially considering the price. In the seasons where I do not need A/C I have been consistently getting 40-42 mpg AVERAGE with about 60% highway miles and cruise set at 74mph. In the summer, the A/C SEEMS to drop the average to 37-39, still very impressive for the average. The intergration of the Android auto app is fantastic 28th Google maps. I don't know if I would buy navigation in the future if the Android/Apple apps are on the car. I also love the back-up camera. I never feel like this car is under-powered, or in a situation where the car isn't accelerating fast enough (on-ramps, highway passing), not have I experienced any problems with the transmission shifting incorrectly. I'm sure the winter traction would be fine with the OEM tires, but I'm a little neurotic when it comes to traction, so I have snow tires/rims that I put on, and it is a beast in the snow. Overall, just a superb car for the money. Would highly recommend.
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A truck guy but love this car
Don F., 12/25/2017
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T Sport PZEV 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I got this car for gas milage and did not want to pay the price for a new truck. I have always perfered trucks over cars. Owned several different cars and trucks. I can say I realy enjoy driving this car the most. I have owned it a year. Bought it with 12000 miles have 22000 miles on it now. I get 28 miles a gallon to and from work using back roads and about 35 mile to gallon on trips using highways. This is the best handleing vehical in snow I ever have had. I have had several 4×4 and all wheel drive vehicals. I bought this car to keep for about year until I had the credit and down to get a newer truck. Well changed my mind. I am keeping the car. Just love driving this car.
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Great Bang for your buck!
Danny Watson, 03/04/2016
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
The 2016 Jetta S model is my first new car purchase in a long time. But after owning this car for a week, and putting some miles on it, I wish I'd purchased much sooner. I opted for a "base" model with a 5-speed stick. Thought I might miss out on some common features that most cars have these days... NOT SO!! The Jetta comes with an impressive list of standard features that make it feel like a more expensive car. Good sound system with plenty of power, power windows, cruise control, trip computer, Bluetooth link to my phone and voice command dialing. And the steering wheel controls put most functions at my fingertips. A very spacious trunk with spit fold down rear seats for even more cargo room. And the 1.4 liter turbo gas engine is a jewel of a powerplant. Smooth and quick revving make for a fun driving experience, and 40 mpg on the hwy is hard to beat these days in a non-hybrid vehicle. I took advantage of the VW lease program. Minimal down payment, and $99 a month for two years. But I gotta say.. I'm enjoying this car so much that two years from now I will probably buy the car. I've never been a "VW" guy, but this new 2016 Jetta S model is a lot of fun, efficient, car for the money.
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Fun to drive and reasonably priced
Mike Beattie, 02/28/2016
updated 09/09/2019
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T Sport PZEV 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
First and foremost, this car is fun to drive. There are a few minor shortcuts on the interior (hard plastic interior), but I don't view that as much of a detractor. The entertainment features feel modern and can be amazing if you're using CarPlay. I've always been a fan of the control layout in a VW, and this one is no different. The touch screen UI present in the 2016 models is more responsive than I expected and works well with Apple CarPlay. The biggest issues I've noticed is that the car is a little slow to accelerate under certain conditions and the built-in navigation system is pretty terrible (but again, amazing if you're using CarPlay — or, presumably, Android Auto). Every once in a while, I have trouble putting it into reverse (I need a light rev of the engine before it will engage), but I may just need some time to get use to it. Also note that you can't use CarPlay wirelessly: you need to plug your phone into the car's USB port (which is a touch more snug than I'd like). The wireless gap is less a VW problem and more an Apple problem; I understand the standard for wireless CarPlay was released only recently. In general, I'm very happy with my purchase. I feel like I got a lot of car with the features I car about for a price that was actually pretty reasonable.
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A Dream Come True!
Louis D, 06/22/2016
updated 12/23/2016
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T SEL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Purchasing the Jetta SEL has been like a dream come true! I've always wanted a fuel efficient car to drive as an alternative to my '15 RAM Ltd. From the minute I got inside I knew it was just the car for me! The driver's seat is very comfortable and roomy. The trunk is large and gives the car a bigger feel. The car has great acceleration to!
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Bang for your Buck
Stuart, 01/24/2016
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T SE 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
If you judge a car for what it is designed for, the Jetta is tough to beat. I got the 1.4 SE with a manual. Acceleration is more than adequate if not peppy. Handling is the same. It is quiet on the inside. I drove this back to back with a 2015 Camry SE thinking the Camry would be better, but actually liked the Jetta better. The Jetta had less road noise, smoother engine, and better ride. I also drove this with other competitors and still found this a cut above. This is not a sports car, but sportier than most in its category and is engaging to drive. The new infotainment for 2016 is great. I would bet that Apple Play/Android auto will be on most cars soon. The sound system is better than I anticipated. The only real cost cutting I see is the interior door panels. People talk about the dash, but to me that is a non issue since I never come in contact with it. In the end this is still basically an economy car. Gas Mileage is spot on with the sticker, maybe a little better on the highway. Back seat room is good. Trunk room is generous, but the trunk opening could be a little larger. So far no regrets. VW's can be had for significant discounts to sticker with diesel scandal going on. You can probably get at least $3k knocked off pretty easily. I also have kids who will be driving in the next few years. It will make a great car to learn in. It is a good size and easy to get used to.
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test drove fro my wife coming out of a sentra
fred savoy, 05/25/2016
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T Sport PZEV 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
A car is a very personal thing. one man's great car is another's lousy car. I always test dive cars for my wife ,when I drove the 1.8 Jetta sport,I was very comfortable in the front seats. I was extremely impressed with the 1.8 liter turbo engine. Very responsive and quiet. suspension was just right for me. I thought this car was supposed to be a compact, but I had and Audi A4 , and this Jetta had way more room in back seat ,and trunk is huge. My golf clubs fit in the trunk completely horizontal which is unheard of in a compact car. Any way my wife says it is by far the nicest car she's ever had compared to NIssan altima sentra maxima,acura infiniti. the only thing lacking was front and rear sensors. she's had about 8000 trouble free miles. I was so impressed I switched out my Audi A4 for the Jetta Gli Sel. For about $12,000. less I felt I was getting a better car. The Gli s identical to the Jetta sport with the following : Gli has 2.0liter turbo (no big difference in mho.but it came with front and rear sensors,and cross traffic alert and blind spot spot monitoring which was important for me to have. It also has a sunroof (which I never use) If I could have gotten the Jetta sport with those safety features,I would have done it in heart beat.Bottom line we are both extremely happy with the cars to date,and I advise prospective buyers to test drive them.
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Yes..Another VW
dj jefferson, 12/20/2015
updated 06/27/2016
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T Sport PZEV 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
I purchased a 2016 Jetta Sport 1.8T with Hid lights for under 20k...Wow..and this is a great car. I had a 2014 Passat 1.8T SE another great car. I discovered during the ownership of the Passat that there is a discernable performance and a measurable mileage increase if you use 91octane or above. So do it.. The 1.8T likes it you will too. The Sport model also has the Sport suspension of the GLI with about a 1-1/2inch lower ride height that provides this model with a added responsiveness and control without having to move-up to a GLI or GTI..consider it a GLI-lite. The interior has Sport seats like the GLI but trimmed like a CC with a tu-toned theme.., nice. This model has also has Navigation standard and the new entertainment interface is excellent. Truly a upgrade..not available on the 2015 models. Overall I already notice an almost 3mpg increase in everyday use. The owner loyalty and large cash incentives were the deciding factors the made me consider another VW. The Passat had zero Problems. I did my comparison shopping and after driving Civic, Corolla, Forte, Elantra, Golf, Jetta, and Mazda 3 the best drivers are the 3,Golf and Jetta. For the price and content the Jetta shines. I did seriously consider the 3 but the closest model a 3s was over 4k more. The 3i 2.0 model compares well with the 1.4T and the 1.8T with the 2.5 3s. Shop with diligence and you will be surprised with the VW overall goodness.. The current available incentives only make it better.
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I can't believe this car is volkswagen base model
Robert M, 11/25/2016
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
gas mileage is amazing I get average 27mpg on my 20 mile round trip commute everyday, long trips I get up to 35mpg, and If I drive easy I have gotten upwards to 45mpg! Coming from a previous Acura TL, G35, and G37 coupe owner this car handles the best out of all three of those, driving on the highway at 80mph feels th same as driving at 40mph, the only downside is that its lot slower , but if it had 300HP like those cars the Jetta would be the winner. Reason I went with the Jetta is because It was time for me to get a 4 door car that was fuel efficient and more long term. The ride is very smooth, its comfortable for long trips, and while this isn't a "fun" car I never got that anxiety I get when I drive corollas or Hondas where "I just want to get to where I'm going because I'm bored". The trunk is huge, the back seats are big enough to fit adults. My only gripe is that I got the base model S, this is basically a car, with air conditioning, and a steering wheel, no fancy tech, but Volkswagen offers Jettas with more tech. If you are looking for a 4 door car I recommend no further, out of all the cars in this price range the jetta has the most torque (184) and lots of HP (150), it handles the best, and it looks the best.
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Jetta 1.4T TSI
Jared, 03/11/2016
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
I upgraded from a parent-lent Ford Taurus to a Jetta, my first car purchase. I absolutely love it compared to my old clunker. The ride is so smooth, the engine loves to purr, the acceleration is excellent... There's so many good things to say. I use the Jetta to commute and it handles confidently on the highway for its compact size. It doesn't get blown around by wind and it keeps its smooth composure. The combination of fun and fuel economy (I average 43 on the highway) this car delivers is basically a steal. There's nothing like German quality!
Six Week Review -- 2016 VW Jetta 1.8T Sport
Daniel, 08/08/2016
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T Sport PZEV 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
9 of 11 people found this review helpful
We have owned several VW products and multiple Jettas -- traded in the 2006 VW Jetta TDI with 105K miles for a new 2016 VW Jetta 1.8T Sport (diesel for gasoline). Our 2006 was before "DieselGate" so we weren't in the running for a VAG payout or buyback...Let's first discuss pricing -- strategically, I worked this "deal" for over a month, wanting to wait until VW publicly announced the $$$ for their DieselGate settlement; we closed the day after their announcement, and there was no one in the dealership...I had purchased from this same dealership before, so we had that going for us as well. To make a long story short, the week on July 4th, the MSRP (about $24.5K) was discounted about $6,500 and we pounced. They gave a decent trade allowance and were able to purchase a brand new Jetta for about $16.2K -- remember that the Jetta 1.8T Sport is loaded except for the Light Package, so we are very pleased. Compared to the 2006 TDI, the 2016 1.8T Sport has a much more smooth ride (sport suspension) along with softer interior plastics...no more leaky sunroof from the 2006 TDI...the audio and communications are extremely updated versus the 2006 TDI (which didn't even come with an aux jack...) I'm well aware of the potential issues - replaced the dual mass flywheel on the 2006 TDI's DSG transmission, replaced the refrigerant control value on the 2006 TDI, and ignored the 2006 TDI headliner issue. But the 2016 1.8T has some "maintenance" improvements -- for example, in order for me to change 2006 TDI's headlamp bulbs, I had to remove the entire front bumper/grille in order to access the light assemblies (no room for your hand inside the engine compartment...); now, on the 1.8T, I can easily reach and twist!!! The 2 biggest cons (I really don't care at all) between the 2006 TDI and the 2016 1.8T Sport is (1) trunk clearance, which the 2006 wins with its large opening, and (2) fuel consumption, with the obvious 2006 diesel beating the 2016 1.8T gasser (but the gasser runs on regular unleaded so that's a plus...)
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Love My Jetta!
Christina Dresen, 10/28/2016
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T SE 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I love my Jetta! I never cared much about a vehicle besides it's dependability to get me back and forth to work and my kids to school. This car is a great smooth ride. For being a compact car, it feels extremely roomy. Anyone that has ridden in the back seat has commented on how much room they have for their legs. The trunk is incredibly spacious. The only problem I have is that the ride is so smooth that I often don't watch my speed and that turbo is fast! Of course that is user error! I love the turbo engine for getting on the freeway. I also think that the sight lines are great in this car. Some of the other compact cars that I had driven had smaller windows and I felt somewhat claustrophobic. Extremely satisfied with this car!
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Great to lease, would not buy
Craig, 01/23/2019
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0T GLI SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
My wife and I leased two Volkswagens around the same time in late 2016. I got the GLI SEL and she got the Tiguan Wolfsburg Edition. Both have 30k miles and both have been reliable, but the GLI is not aging as well as the Tiguan. The steering wheel looks very worn and almost sun damaged, despite being garage kept and using a sun shade when not in the garage. There are rattles coming from behind the instrument cluster as well as from the glove box lid. The stock tires started making a TON of noise at 20k miles but do have plenty of tread left. Besides that the car has been fine and I feel that the deal i got on the lease (3 years, 15k miles a year, $209 a month) was worth what I got in return. I do not plan to buy the car out at the end of the lease. Pros: The DSG transmission is a ton of fun compared to a normal automatic. The headlights on the SEL model are great. Fender stereo system sounds awesome. Gas mileage is respectable. No un-expected repairs so far. Warranty is awesome - 6 years/100,000 miles. Styling is more timeless than some competitors (civic si for example). If you're into it, the Volkswagen community is awesome. Tons of car shows and meets focused on VW. Cons: DSG transmission requires a service every 40k miles which the dealership quoted me $650-$700 to complete. Engine could easily be a lot more powerful. 2.0T with 210 hp and 207 lb.-ft. torque is hardly pushing the limits of what is possible. Easily tune-able but run risk of voiding the warranty. Interior showed signs of aging a lot quicker than our other Volkswagen which has the same mileage and subject to the exact same conditions.
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Excellent car: minor nits but overall suprised
TonyB, 10/12/2016
updated 10/12/2017
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T Sport PZEV 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
18 month update- still agree with my review, although wheel alignments seem to go pretty easily. Absolutely excellent car. Purchased the 1.8T Sport with LED headlight package for $17900. An absolutely excellent deal as it looks like a much more expensive car than it actually is and goes for about the same price as a Corolla. It comes loaded with a lot of bells and whistles. Off the lot it comes with an impressive SAT/NAV/Bluetooth Infotainment system that works in all of North America, not just the lower 48. It also came with push button start and heated imitation leather seats that are quite comfortable and look great. It is quite zippy and accelerates quickly and comfortably, perfect for negotiating stop and go city traffic. The "sport tuned" exhaust is great as it gives you a little bit of throatiness when the gas is punched down but is otherwise incredibly quiet. When idle the car sounds like it's off. I think it is a PZEV but it is not marketed as such. I would struggle to call this a "compact" as it actually fits four adults quite well- in another market it would likely be called a mid size. For long highway drives it's perfect as the seats and climate controls keep the cabin comfy. It also gets just under 40mpg highway (I average around 39.2)- on regular gas. My only nits are- while very comfortable, the imitation leather seats do not breath well. Wet bathing suit? Sweaty? You're going to have a hard time... This car is also pretty low to the ground. Not great if you are older or need to go on dirt roads. Finally- while not really a negative- the Infotainment Computer can be very complicated at first and extremely dangerous to fiddle with while driving. I recommend spending about an hour or so in your driveway to fiddle with it first to get used to it before driving. This car is definitely meant for an urban professional millennial. Someone who wants something sporty, yet responsible. I have had it for 18 months and am incredibly pleased so far.
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Reliable and running great
Vincent, 05/22/2016
updated 08/06/2021
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T SEL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Approaching 70,000 trouble free miles on my 2016 VW Jetta SEL 1.8T. Granted I baby this car. Oil changes every 5,000. New coolant and transmission fluids at 50,000. New plugs at 45,000. I average 35MPG per the computer. Oh heck yes I would recommend a Jetta.
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I leased it based only on price, then fell in love
Lars Bogard, 02/05/2017
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T SE 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I leased this because it was the absolutely cheapest lease I could work out on any car that wasn't bottom-barrel. I never thought I'd buy or lease a VW. Amazing economy. Gets 500miles on a 12-gal fill-up. At 75mph avg, it gets 41mpg, at 55-65mph its 45mpg. Combined with 25/75 city/hwy is around 38 mpg. Acceleration is like a big rubber slingshot - amazing for a 1.4. Feels much faster than any other 4cyl and most 6cyl I've driven. Transmission is fantastic - manual downshift reminds me of my brother's BMW 135 - shift from 5th-4th gear at 70mph and all you notice is the tach jumps and the note changes, but no lurch or discernible transmission shift friction. Can take 25-mph curves at twice the speed with NO drama, as if its yawning and laughing at the guy that made the speed-sign. Sport mode actually makes a difference, but it is mostly unneeded unless you intentionally want to drive like a moron - or have fun up the interstate entrance ramp. Transmission disengages at stop-light to save gas but doesn't stop engine (smart). You can feel it gently and immediately re-engage the instant you let go of the brake causing no take-off delay. I added the Helix sub-woofer/amp (about $900 installed) and it has completely changed the character of the entertainment system. iPhone integration is fantastic, especially map integration. Speakerphone is so good that I hold hour-long conference calls in my car and nobody knows I'm in a car. The longer I have this car, the more I realize all the things it does correctly, and all the things the other guys, including Toyota and Honda haven't figured out yet. Cruise control, gas gauge, speedometer, odometer, and MPG calculations in the trip computer are actually accurate - especially not over-stating the MPG like just about every other trip computer I've used (and I've rented a LOT of cars). If the car does not have any major issues by the time my 3-yr lease is up, I may actually buy it out.
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Excellent
Jared, 02/18/2016
updated 08/23/2017
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Bought this new as my 1st car. I use it to commute. This car is absolutely wonderful. The turbo engine is so lively and wants to move. The car is comfortable and smooth. The fact that it gets me 41mpg on the highway and is SO fun is a HUGE. I'm 6"5' and don't even put my chair all the way back. I'm definitely going to remain Volkswagen loyal. Updating on this review: 10,000 miles later and I still love it. The car is very fun and very smooth for a commute. Nothing is too harsh on the road. The only negatives I could find about it is that the speakers sometimes have an odd vibration and the car sometimes lacks lumbar support on longer drives but if you adjust your seat properly you can be very comfortable.
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Great car! Fun to drive!
glenn savary, 09/21/2016
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T SE 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I highly recommend leasing or buying. Great acceleration and handling. Only cons are basic climate control (no temp control or automatic settings) and unable to lock doors manually. Otherwise a great car.
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2016 Jetta TSI Impressive!!!
Joe, 04/24/2016
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S w/Technology 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
My last three cars have been Jetta's . A 2006, 2011, and now a new 2016 TSI w/ Technology 1.4 Turbo. The Jetta's have been the best car's I have ever owned and other than regular maintenance, the most reliable. All have been very economical on gas, and the 2016 has been averaging a little over 39 miles per gallon. Unbelievable power for a 1.4 Turbo. Car is smooth and handles well. I truly believe the Jetta is the best quality car on the market in its class. I would definitely buy this car again. Stickered for over $19K, purchased no trade for $18.2 with tax and title out the door. Can't touch this quality of a car for under $25K.
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Tornado sport
Maat953, 06/07/2016
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T SEL PZEV 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
A great replacement for a Saab. We drove them for over 25 years. Sport w/ headlight steering package, 1.8 liter turbo has a lot of low-end torque. We just finished a 800 mile trip- w/ac on and averaged 36 mpg! I'm 6'2"and my 5'10" daughter can sit behind me. We absolutely love this car.
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The definition of a utilitarian car
tmizzle, 02/21/2020
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have been pleasantly surprised how it has held up after 2 years of ownership. I got it used from a car dealership with very high mileage (70k) after only two years. I bought it expecting a few problems with it, so far there has been no issues whatsoever. Drives nice, not a quick car but it is quick enough. The high points for me are its cabin and trunk space as well as a nice audio system. The trunk space in this car is insane for a base model sedan, I have seen very few other economy cars that have similar trunk space. The audio system is what has surprised me the most, it compares in quality to my friend's 2015 Audi a4. I have a few very minor complaints with it. One of them is how the base 2016 Jetta comes with a "Sports Mode" (which isn't very sporty), but not an eco mode. Most people buying this car don't want to win a drag race, we'd rather have fuel efficiency. Some people complain about the interior quality, and while this car certainly looks cheap on the inside, it doesn't feel cheap in the sense that its comfy and has plenty of room, so for me its not a big issue. Overall, I'd very much recommend this car to someone who is looking for a cheap, functional car. In terms of getting you from point A to point B without a hassle, the Jetta does quite well.
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Fun fuel efficient car
Banff Luther, 01/19/2017
updated 07/19/2018
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T SE 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The 1.4T engine has lots of pep for what it is and amazing fuel effenciency at 40gph on the hwy. the fit and finish are standard for this value of a car. The interior is much roomier than the older Jettas and the trunk has more space than my Sportwagon. Its a good car over all and fun to drive. Its still new and not sure of long term maintenance. Update at 26,000 miles. Been super happy with the car and the only issue Ive had is the radio likes to cut off all by its self. Will report next oil change and see if they have an update. Other than regular routine maintenance ive had zero reason to go to the dealer. Great little car and still very happy with it.
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Very impressed
Mike A., 09/19/2016
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T Sport PZEV 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Having only ever owned Honda Accords and Civics, I decided to take a chance on an attractively priced new 2016 Jetta Sport 1.8t automatic with Lighting Package. I really love driving this car. It's smooth and refined. The 1.8t has nice power delivery and the automatic transmission shifts quickly and smoothly. Style wise the Jetta is understated and more mature looking than other cars in it's class. There are a good amount of hard plastics used in the interior, however the fit and finish is superb, and the overall look is upscale and classy. Very Audi-esque. The interior also delivers where it counts with a very nice leather wrapped steering wheel, amazingly comfortable and good looking two toned leatherette seats, and a nice infotainment system. You can tell the engineers put a lot of thought into driver enjoyment. Little niceties include a fully adjustable arm rest, quality leather around the shifter, factory all weather floor mats, one touch window up/down switches, extremely comfortable front and rear seats, auto opening trunk, and xenon headlights that turn while steering. The car is also smoother, quieter, and noticeably quicker than my Civic. All this for less than $18,000! The only negatives worth mentioning are that the audio system needs a lot of tweaking just to sound decent, and the piano black trim on the interior scratches very easily. Again, great car for the $$.
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Why buy an A3
TampaJES, 07/23/2016
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0T GLI SEL PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
First VW. Switched from owning Mazdas for many years. This car is beautiful with many compliments (red). Fast and fun to drive. Originally going for GTI after renting one, had to have one. But they seemed expensive for what you get and the seats were too tight. Stumbled upon the GLI...sold! My friend just bought an A3. Seems cheap and doesn't drive or handle as good as the GLI. He paid like 10k more!! I have more options. He has real leather versus vtex. Getting 38 on the highway (two road trips). Only complaint is the piano black trim everywhere. Scratches easy as does the instrument cluster glass.
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Amazing gas mileage.
Rob M, 03/31/2017
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S w/Technology 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This car routinely gets 36 MPG city and 48 MPG highway. I've actually measured 51 MPG - more than the onboard computer registered - on trips between gas stations at Exit 4 on the NJ Turnpike and Northampton, Massachusetts, via the GW Bridge. The 1.4T engine/5M combination is phenomenal, but you have to be in the correct gear to get the torque you need when you need it. An inexperienced driver will get bad results. I have had 6 other (manual) VWs - two Passats, two Passat Wagons, a CC and an EOS. Although this Jetta is the base model, it is as good as any of the others, all of which were arguably more luxurious and certainly more expensive. The car is a pleasure to drive, and it is comfortable on long trips. I've had no maintenance issues in 14 months and 16,000 miles. The techology package is a must-have. It works with very well with iPhone and well with Android Auto. (My Pixel works better than my LGG3 ever did, but neither are as consistently reliable as my wife's iPhone.) If I could change anything about this car, I would add heated seats, an engine temperature gauge, and a pocket behind the passenger seat. Those details would make it perfect.
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Diesel-Like Fuel Economy - Sporty Ride & Steering
Wes Lem, 09/19/2016
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T SE 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Outstanding Class leading fuel economy with new 1.4 Turbo Engine and 6 speed automatic. Well equipped for under $20,000.00 price point. Quiet ride, torque galore, car loafs at 1600 RPM in 6th gear while hitting 65 MPH on a straight road. Averaging 37 MPG in mixed city and hwy driving, (running on Premium Gas). If you are looking for a real sleeper of a German engineered sports sedan, this car really fits the bill. It really stacks up amazingly well to an Audi A4 from a technical and design perspective but is priced way lower than the $40,000 ask price for a well equipped Audi A4. The Jetta exterior styling is pretty ho-hum and nothing really exciting or appealing about the generic lines and plain jane front and rear fascias, but the engine and transmission are buttery smooth and the fuel economy will really blow you away. Corning is razor sharp and you can feel the road when cornering and traversing country roads with all of the proper feedback that comes from sports sedans. VW really designed this car to be a stellar performer at a bargain basement price. It has so much more sports car DNA and solidity still lacking from similarly equipped Toyota, Nissan , Mazda and Subaru sports sedan models.
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My Jetta -- gets me there!
C-G Welch, 02/04/2019
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is a snappy little car and don't underestimate its ability to maneuver in traffic, don't underestimate its ability to "take off" when you need to, and don't underestimate its handling ease! My Jetta has gotten me up and down I-95 (from Florida to DC) many times. Great gas mileage (cruise-control helps) and in city traffic in Washington, DC, I can get in and around congested areas with ease.... no bulk -- just get-up-and-go! Grandkids and I have had many good times in my Jetta. I'm getting ready to lease another one in 2019.... I'm hoping it will be just as good as my 2016! It is in mint condition and it really has been a great, reliable ride!
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Get All of Your Needs and Most Wants Too!
Braden, 05/24/2018
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S w/Technology 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Absolutely love this car for the money. Over 35K Miles, my records show a combined mileage is 37.58mpg (93 Octane). I take very good care of my cars and added accessories (Bra/Dashmat/Seat Covers) to prolong the life of the materials. I wash the car at least once a week. That said, Paint looks brand new and all interior materials are wearing very well. This version of the Jetta does not have a button to disable Traction Control, but you can buy oem parts and use vagcom (VCDS) to add the feature. This is well worth the money to do. Comfort and Convenience: All controls are simple. There are not a ton of buttons so you can adjust what you need to without be distracted from driving. There is very little chrome trim so you don't get annoying sun glare at all times of the day. You can only MANUALLY move seats forward/back/adjust height/recline, yet the drivers seat is exceptionally comfortable. The center armrest is highly adjustable. The MIB2 Head Unit is exceptionally well laid out, responsive and easy to use. The 1.4T engine has power for when you realistically need it. This is a commuter car that is peppy, but is not a race car. I have done all scheduled maintenance and have had zero issues so far. No shimmies, rattles etc. Take care of this car and I think it will take care of you. I will update in 30k more miles...
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2015 Jetta 1.8 T auto trans rocket.
Roger Ramjet, 12/07/2016
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T SEL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This motor really was a blast to drive thru the mountains to Reno and back. Plenty of power even at high elevation. On the ride home I traveled 205 miles in 2 hours 40 min and used about 5 gallons of gas. This car has amazing performance with gas mileage approaching a hybrid. I may buy one.
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Wonderful Value
Steve, 06/18/2017
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this car one year old with 12,000 mi, certified at a VW dealership, for $12,700. It's been an excellent car for the money. On a level highway, I routinely get more than 40 mpg. The car is quiet, composed, comfortable, and hasn't had any reliability problems. It's worth taking a look at, especially if you need something simple for commuting. I only wish the car had 6 forward gears as the 5-speed gearing shows some gaps on mountain roads.
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Great car!
Robert, 01/06/2016
updated 07/07/2016
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
love the VW Jetta. I keep looking at other cars thinking maybe I'll find something that I like more, but it still hasn't happened. Jetta has a nice interior, great ride, great engine, the only thing I dislike is the DSG transmission in some of the models, when it's cold out it can become very "stiff" and jerky feeling until it warms up. I hope with newer models they stop giving plastic dash boards and make the interior more quiet.
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Tank Like
Marcello Belmondo, 07/12/2016
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
8 of 11 people found this review helpful
The Jetta feels like it weighs two tons - when cornering and braking. It feels pretty light when accelerating, which is fairly smooth and pleasant sounding - because of the turbo I presume. I love small turbo charged engines. The accelerator is somewhat sticky, you don't know how hard to press to get it rolling. Same with the brakes. I bought the car for the engine and the great price, and the 6 speed trans. The engine is the car's greatest asset, a very important feature obviously. The transmission is mostly smooth, but there have been a few clunking shifts which made my heart beat extra. I have owned it 6 months. If it is a reliable car for the next several years, then I won't complain, but if there is more than one problem, I will be very disappointed in my purchase. I already received a notice that VW wants to reprogram the exhaust before my first smog check. Other notes: the door is heavy. The rear visibility is bad. A rear view camera would be a big help. Most models have them, mine does not. It is smooth on highways, but corners so poorly. I wouldn't rate it highly for city driving because the cornering is so lumbering. I haven't checked the gas mileage. It better rate as high as they say, which is very high. The trunk is great. The air conditioning does not feel very cold. The seats are adequate.
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Love my Jetta
Anthony, 10/15/2015
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T SE 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
14 of 22 people found this review helpful
I bought my '16 Jetta TSI about 6 weeks, and 2,000 Miles ago (I do love driving it.) You may ask, why didn't I rate it 100% in everything? Heres why: -Shifting: clutch feels very springy to me, drive by wire accelerator is hard to get used to, constantly over revving during shifts. -Getting in/out: Transitioning from a pick up truck, I'm just not used to it yet. -Instrumentation: I could use a voltmeter. -Outward visibility: Horrible blind spot around the rear quarter panel/ C Pillar -Fuel economy: you're going to get good milage (30-35MPG Average) but as with any turbo charged gas engine, you want to put 91-93 octane in, it runs so much smoother. you can expect to spend about the same if you're transitioning from a 3.6 liter V6 engine (or similar) like myself. WHY I STILL LOVE IT -Fun to drive (I defiantly recommend the 1.8T) -sporty, modern AND luxurious (amazing seats, for any average sized guy like myself. There are so many seat adjustments though, I'll bet almost everybody would be able to get comfortable) -still affordable
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Less flash, more value
Morgan A, 09/15/2016
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
While other cars in this class might have a more balls and whistles, the 2016 VW Jetta is a great drivers car. Immediately apparent once in the seats is great visibility out all directions, nicely laid out instrument gauges, and comfortable seats. Rear legroom and trunk space is phenomenal! The new 1.4L turbo engine has plenty of oomph in every year for merges or just run driving with the sport mode. It also offers great fuel economy both in the city and on the highway. I love this car and would be another today. The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta might have just made me a VW owner for life.
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Absolutely amazing car for $250/mo w/ no money dwn
Balki Bartakamoos, 10/12/2016
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T Sport PZEV 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The more I drive it, the more I like it. The overall design of all of its functions was very well thought out. It's not a sports car with a ton of boost, but be in the right gear and it's plenty quick, handles great, is comfy with plenty of storage, great electronics connectivity and controls with apple software support, and a very quiet interior 2x better than any car in it's price range. It's really like they're giving them away. I can't possibly imagine a better car for the price. I feel bad for the people paying all that extra money for the GLI as there's no way it's that much better than the sport and for many thousand dollars more, I highly doubt it even compares once a month when you have to make the payment. Maybe I'm just bias coming from a soul crushing ford focus, but I also have a racecar and this thing is a great time for a daily driver.
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