2018 Volkswagen Jetta

Price Range: $12,910 - $17,998

Below Average

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Starting MSRP of $23,995 for a 2026 Jetta S 1.5L TSI® with 8-speed automatic transmission. Prices exclude destination, taxes, title, other options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.

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Appraise My Volkswagen Jetta

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Jason Kavanagh

Pros

Spacious cabin feels like a class larger
Large trunk has plenty of space
Quick acceleration with optional engines
New, longer warranty coverage

Cons

Downmarket cabins in many trim levels
Limited availability of advanced safety features
Not much fun to drive because of lifeless steering and handling

What’s new

For 2018, the Jetta receives only minor changes. There are two additional trim levels (the Wolfsburg Edition and SE Sport), but the GLI trim loses the manual transmission option. Cosmetic alterations are also subdued, with various new wheel designs and several trims receiving a new chrome grille.

Vehicle overview

In previous generations, the Volkswagen Jetta delivered a decidedly European driving experience and had refinement in spades. In its current iteration, the 2018 Jetta is all about size — a large cabin and trunk are its standout features. Refinement and fun are nowhere to be found. It's as if Volkswagen finally caved and traded the Jetta's uniquely Germanic values for generic attributes in the search for mass-market appeal.

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2018 Volkswagen Jetta
1.8T SE Sport Sedan
$16,631
fair price
$331 above market
- 45,834 miles
- 24 City / 33 Hwy MPG
- 343 mi away
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Blind Spot Monitorin...
Close
Located in Green Bay, WI
Why BUY from Bergstrom Volkswagen of AppletonWhen you choose this Pure White w/Black Roof 2018 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T SE Sport with 45,834 miles, you ...
Features and Specs:
28 Combined MPG (24 City/33 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
3VWD17AJ2JM224686
Stock:
TV26318A
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
09-12-2026
2018 Volkswagen Jetta
1.8T SE Sport Sedan
$17,297
fair price
$145 below market
- 35,678 miles
- 24 City / 33 Hwy MPG
- 343 mi away
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Blind Spot Monitorin...
Close
Located in Green Bay, WI
Why BUY from Bergstrom Subaru of Green BayWhen you choose this Pure White w/Black Roof 2018 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T SE Sport with 35,678 miles, you are...
Features and Specs:
28 Combined MPG (24 City/33 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
3VWD17AJ8JM227236
Stock:
TA8457A
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
08-28-2026

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Certainly, having a lot of interior space is a good thing. And the Jetta boasts a couple of turbocharged engines that provide strong acceleration and agreeable fuel economy. But your choices for a small sedan are varied, and many of them surpass the Jetta in terms of style, handling and features.

It's likely that Volkswagen will completely overhaul the Jetta for the 2019 model year. In the meantime, might we suggest taking a look at models such as the Honda Civic, Kia Forte and Mazda 3? Volkswagen's Golf hatchback is a more desirable choice as well.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

6.4 / 10

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta SEL Premium (turbo 1.8L inline-4 | 6-speed automatic | FWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Jetta has received some revisions, including the addition of driver assistance features and minor revisions to the infotainment system. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Jetta.

Driving

7.0

The Jetta with the 1.8-liter engine is a bit of a drag racer among compact cars — faster than almost all its rivals. But show it a corner, and it fails to deliver any semblance of responsiveness, engagement or confidence. Lower trims with the smaller 1.4-liter engine would fare even worse.

Acceleration

7.5

The 1.8-liter turbo-four is a superb engine (lower trims have a 1.4-liter turbo-four). Low-end power galore makes it feel every bit as quick as it is — 0-60 mph in 7.4 seconds is topped only by a few, very quick competitors.

Braking

5.5

In our emergency braking test, the Jetta posted impressive performance for a small sedan. Around town, the brake pedal has a long-travel, low-effort feel.

Steering

6.5

The steering has an elastic-band quality — it's numb, with ample dead play at center, then weights up when turning increases. Scarce response and feedback. It's hard to think of a competitor that is worse.

Handling

6.5

Overall grip is on a par with rivals, but there's an awful lot of body roll when you're going around a turn. It's not at all playful, and it utterly lacks feedback. You don't feel confident driving it energetically, nor would you want to.

Drivability

8.5

Many will dislike brake pedal effort and travel, along with its positioning relative to the accelerator. Jumpy acceleration at times.

Comfort

6.5

The Jetta is a small sedan you could envision taking a cross-country road trip in as it is suitably quiet and comfortable. Is it more so than its competitors? Not really, and it also can't match the altogether more impressive Volkswagen Golf.

Seat comfort

6.5

Power seats, even on loaded trims, adjust only six ways (there's no front-seat bottom lift), reducing potential driver comfort. Acceptable adjustment in lower trims. The seats themselves are firm and supportive.

Ride comfort

6.5

The Jetta is composed, and it imparts a sense of solidity when going over bumps and undulations. No impact harshness detected over potholes and especially bad pavement. This is one of the few ways the Jetta feels like a proper German sedan.

Noise & vibration

7.0

The turbocharged engine is more pleasing to the ears than most other four-cylinders in the segment. Levels of wind and road noise are average for the segment. A road trip would not become tiresome.

Interior

7.0

The Jetta's generous size would be the reason to consider this car, especially in one of its less expensive lower trims. Quite simply, this is one of the most affordable ways to get a new family-friendly sedan.

Ease of use

7.5

The smallish infotainment screen is mounted a bit low, but it has crisp graphics, quick responses and nicely sized icons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard with this 6.3-inch system. Straightforward controls elsewhere.

Getting in/getting out

7.0

With its sizable interior proportions and big doors, this is an easy sedan to get in and out of. The squared-off roofline provides additional head clearance for rear passengers.

Roominess

7.0

The Jetta is a lot like a midsize sedan, as a pair of 6-footers can easily sit in a row. Headroom is plentiful, even with a sunroof. A viable family car — most competitors cannot claim that.

Visibility

7.5

The big windows, thick pillars and squared-off roofline create good visibility all around. A rearview camera is standard on all but most basic Jetta. Excessive reflections from plastic trim front and rear.

Quality

6.0

High-quality switchgear, but the only soft-touch surface is the squishy dashboard found on upper trims. Everything else is hard and shiny. Materials are subpar for this segment and in no way indicative of an as-tested $28,000 car.

Utility

6.5

A huge trunk goes a long way toward making the Jetta a truly practical sedan. Its cabin storage isn't quite as impressive, ranking about average.

Small-item storage

6.0

Small-item storage for the front occupants is just OK. The forward bin works well to keep a phone and wires out of the way.

Cargo space

8.0

This trunk is enormous — wide and very deep. Its 15.5-cubic-foot dimension is on par with capacity in midsize sedans and easily bests compact rivals.

Build Your Volkswagen Jetta

At a Glance:

5 Colors
4 Trims
1 Package
$23,995starting MSRP

Build & Price vw.com

Starting MSRP of $23,995 for a 2026 Jetta S 1.5L TSI® with 8-speed automatic transmission. Prices exclude destination, taxes, title, other options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.

Which Jetta does Edmunds recommend?

The range-topping GLI is the most compelling of all the Jetta trims for those shoppers who prioritize performance. But we recommend that most buyers take a look at the SE Sport, which hits the sweet spot among Jettas for performance, comfort and value. Its engine has more oomph than the one in the base Jetta, and it has a solid complement of standard creature comforts.

Compare 2018 Volkswagen Jetta trim levels

Volkswagen Jetta models

The 2018 Jetta is available in six trim levels — S, Wolfsburg Edition, SE, SE Sport, SEL and GLI. All Jettas are four-door sedans that seat five occupants, and all are offered exclusively with front-wheel drive. The trim levels are differentiated mainly by engine and feature content.

The base S model is pretty sparse. It has 16-inch aluminum wheels, cloth upholstery, manual seats, heated side mirrors, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 60/40-split rear seats, a rearview camera, and a four-speaker sound system with a 5-inch touchscreen interface, a CD player, a USB port, and an auxiliary audio jack. An optional Cold Weather package adds heated front seats and windshield washer nozzles; this package is standard on every other trim level.

A 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (150 hp, 184 lb-ft of torque) is the only engine available in S, Wolfsburg Edition and SE trims. All three of those trims have a standard five-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic transmission.

New for 2018 is the Wolfsburg Edition trim, which is largely similar to the S trim save for a few additional features. It adds foglights, simulated leather upholstery and driver lumbar, heated front seats, a backseat pass-through, and a leather-wrapped transmission selector knob and parking brake cover.

SE models add a few goodies, including a sunroof, color-keyed mirrors and chrome side window trim, blind-spot monitoring, keyless ignition and entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 6.3-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

The SE Sport model is like an SE with more power. SE Sport models come with a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (170 hp, 184 lb-ft of torque) and a six-speed automatic. A trunklid spoiler, 17-inch wheels, gloss black cabin trim, and a black headliner and roof are part of the deal.

SEL models share their engine and transmission with the SE Sport and add a few creature comforts such as automatic headlights, automatic wipers, a power-adjustable driver seat, navigation, a premium Fender sound system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a cooled glovebox. Adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking are also included.

The GLI trim is where things get zesty. It gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (210 hp, 207 lb-ft of torque), a six-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission, larger brakes, 18-inch wheels, and unique body and cabin trimmings. Standard equipment includes sport seats, a unique steering wheel with shift paddles, parking alerts and a self-dimming mirror. Adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking are two notable deletions, however.

Volkswagen Jetta Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.2

87 reviews

5(62%)

4(21%)

3(3%)

2(2%)

1(12%)

See all 87 reviews of the Volkswagen Jetta

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2018 Volkswagen Jetta video

2017 Volkswagen Jetta Expert Rundown

NOTE: This video is about the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta, but since the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.

Looking for a sedan with generous interior space and a range of lively engines? The 2017 Volkswagen Jetta might be a good match. Here's a quick rundown of what we like, what we don't and the bottom line from the Edmunds editors.

2018 Volkswagen Jetta Features & Specs

Type:

Sedan

Trim:

1.4T S

Est. Market Value	$13,624
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	33 MPG
Cost to Drive	$159/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	6 years / 72,000 miles

See all features & specs

Reliability

The 2018 Volkswagen Jetta has a 6 years / 72,000 miles basic warranty and 3 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #25 out of 46 among Compact Cars.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average

#25 out of 46 among Compact Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$443/yr

vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car

Frequency

1.15x/yr

vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car

Severity

9.8%

vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car

Recalls

3 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 20V648000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 24Gi
Number of vehicles affected:: 218192
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Jetta vehicles. The fuel rail bolts may become loose over time, allowing fuel to leak.
Defect Consequence:: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action:: The remedy is currently under development. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24Gi.

Recall Number:: 20E064000
Number of vehicles affected:: 38
Defect Description:: Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
Defect Consequence:: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 26, 2020. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.

Recall Number:: 19V615000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 37M2
Manufactured from:: 2016-06-23 to 2017-07-12
Number of vehicles affected:: 679027
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
Defect Consequence:: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Corrective Action:: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 11, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.

Warranty

6 years / 72,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 6 years / 72,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 6 years / 72,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 7 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles

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Volkswagen Jetta
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Safety

Our experts’ favorite Jetta safety features:

Blind-Spot Warning System: Alerts you with visual and audible warnings if other vehicles are in your blind spot.
Post-Collision Braking System: Applies the brakes once the airbags go off to reduce the possibility of further damage during an accident.
Forward Collision Warning: Sounds an alert when a front collision is likely, and primes and applies the brakes if necessary.

NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	4 / 5
Driver	4 / 5
Passenger	4 / 5
Side Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings	Rating
Front Seat	5 / 5
Back Seat	5 / 5
Rollover	Rating
Rollover	4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result	No Tip
Risk Of Rollover	11.1%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test	Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test	Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated	Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original	Good
Side Impact Test – Updated	Not Tested
Roof Strength Test	Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint	Good

Research other Jetta years

FAQ

Is the Volkswagen Jetta a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2018 Jetta both on the road and at the track, giving it a 6.4 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2018 Jetta gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 87 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the Jetta ranges from 15.2 to 15.7 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Volkswagen Jetta. Learn more

Is the Volkswagen Jetta reliable?

To determine whether the Volkswagen Jetta is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Jetta. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Jetta's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2018 Jetta and gave it a 6.4 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2018 Jetta gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 87 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2018 Jetta is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2018 Volkswagen Jetta?

The least-expensive 2018 Volkswagen Jetta is the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $18,645.

Other versions include:

1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M) which starts at $18,645
1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $19,645
1.4T Wolfsburg Edition 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M) which starts at $20,345
1.4T SE 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M) which starts at $21,245
1.4T Wolfsburg Edition 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $21,345
1.4T SE 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $22,245
1.8T SE Sport 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $23,245
1.8T SEL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $26,245
2.0T GLI 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) which starts at $29,545

Learn more

What are the different models of Volkswagen Jetta?

If you're interested in the Volkswagen Jetta, the next question is, which Jetta model is right for you? Jetta variants include 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M), 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A), 1.4T Wolfsburg Edition 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M), and 1.4T SE 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M). For a full list of Jetta models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Iowa

$159/mo

$234/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

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