Used 2020 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Jetta, so we've included reviews for other years of the Jetta since its last redesign.
Great Basic Car
Bill, 09/19/2018
updated 03/19/2021
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
71 of 72 people found this review helpful
I was looking for a basic commuter car for 100 mile daily round trip to work. The new Jetta looks great, understated but with some character. It is very quiet and comfortable on the road. Acceleration and handling are adequate, but nice for a base model car. Averaging 39 mpg over the first 1,500 miles with a max of 47 mpg for a 50 mile trip to work. It's great being able to drive the 500 miles a week for commuting to work on one tank of gas. Yeah, it's the first year of a major redesign, which is usually a non-starter, but the 6 yr, 72,000 warranty puts my mind somewhat at ease. UPDATE: After 2.5 years and almost 60,000 miles the Jetta has been a great car. Still averaging around 40 mpg. Everything has held up well - looks almost new and no mechanical issues. I've been very happy with the car.
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Pleasantly suprised by this one
Bob Patterson, 11/20/2018
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T R-Line 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
63 of 64 people found this review helpful
I've been car hunting, planning to buy a small sedan when my current lease is up. I've had an opportunity to spend a few days with a 2019 Jetta R-line, and I am really surprised by how much I like it. Not that I expected it to be a bad car, but I was cross-shopping against the Mazda, Subaru, Hondas, and some higher level brands like Audi and Acura. Frankly, the Jetta provides the best bang-for-the-buck compared to the others I have tested. The interior layout is excellent, with a dashboard that puts everything exactly where you want it. Handling and stability is as good as it gets at this price point, although I think the 17" wheels are a must for this. The engine is suprisingly punchy, with plenty of jump for passing on the highway. It's also got a great selection of tech & features (Apple Carplay, drivers assist features, sun roof, LED headlights with side-turning assist, etc.) for a car in this class. The steering is tad mushy, but still responsive. It's not going to compete with the luxury cars on finishing details, but it's a great alternative at a reasonable price.
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Bye bye BMW
Germanaficionado, 11/11/2020
2020 Volkswagen Jetta SEL SULEV 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
21 of 21 people found this review helpful
This car is absolutely amazing. I love that it has all the modern features and then some compared to my 2016 BMW 335i. The acceleration is very quick especially if you venture into manual mode. I typically leave the car in it's sport setting because it feels like it handles much better however if I'm crusing or low on gas I'm for sure in ECO. Speaking of gas the fuel economy is spectacular!!! I have gone over 520 miles to be specific during long distance drives. I can easily make a long distance trip on 2 tanks such as Austin to Denver. On a daily note I am closer to 40 mpg and depending on how heavy my foot is but never below 25mpg. I liked how the handbook had recommendations on how to be economical by not filling the car up with gas unless you are on a trip. This has saved me sooooo much money! Also not having extra items in the car to weigh it down. The LED bulb headlights on the Sel are also perfect if you live in dark areas and light up so much however I'm still not a fan of the auto headlights as the tend to flash other drivers and there is no quick way to shut it off without flashing again. The sound system by beats is actually really amazing and I have no complaints. I dont like that my phone always triggers the seatbelt warning in my passenger seat but heavier items don't but there isn't any real space to place the phone as I have a note 20 and also had the issue with my galaxy 10+. I would buy this car again and again and tell everyone it's worth every penny. I giggle inside seeing audis and fancier cars that have the same stuff but cost way more. Me and my bank are happy hopefully yours will be too! Happy driving!!!!
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Improvements are in order!
Zvi Arie, 03/23/2019
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T SEL Premium 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
59 of 64 people found this review helpful
This car drives very nicely. Engine is peppy and transmission shifts smoothly the most of the time. Sometimes downshifts are noticeable. Suspension is on the soft side and provides comfortable ride. All the technical features in this car command an applause. Heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats are awesome. Digital instrument cluster and infotainment unit are incredible and very easy to use. Beats audio system is dissent. Ambient lighting is very nice and gives the interior a warm atmosphere. Now, there are things which I personally do not like, but other people might not notice an exception. The front passenger seat is very uncomfortable. It seats low, does not have height adjustments nor lumbar support. And this is top of the line trim. It feels like I am seating flat on the floor with no back support. Long drives are not comfortable. In my opinion, this kind of cost cutting is unacceptable. The passenger seat should be afforded the same amount of adjustments as the driver seat. The materials on rear door panels look and feel very cheap. Sometimes they squeak when the temperatures are cold. There are no air vents for the rear passengers, but rear heated seats make up for it a little. The trunk insulation materials are barely present. The trunk lid and hinges are exposed and look ugly. The trunk lid itself is heavy and require a push up in order to lock in the open position. The interior lights are not LED and they are on a dim side. The rear camera does not have a projection trajectory. Overall it is a good car with an awesome fuel economy and if the manufacturer fixes these shortcomings especially with the front passenger seat adjustments, it will be even better.
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Fantastic car but serious ding for weak A/C
trutell, 07/16/2019
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
Went for a test drive today and the car is superior in most every way especially for the price. Have been comparing the Honda models which are also quite good. But at 85 degrees, the A/C couldn't cut it for the front seat occupants let alone the guy in the back seat. If you get hot weather in the summer you will not be happy with the results. We also tried the Golf for comparison's sake. A/C was also a dog. You would think VW would get the message after decades of experience with the bug which never could supply enough heat. Now we have the opposite. People actually care about climate performance. Dealer's excuse was they had to shrink compressor/evaporator capacity to preserve top mileage.
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Great car!
Cadence G, 01/30/2021
updated 08/03/2023
2020 Volkswagen Jetta S SULEV 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
Very quiet, solid and smooth car. Very smooth engine and transmission also. Not a rocket but excellent acceleration for a 1.4 Turbo. I highly recommend. Cons: Center console in the front is a little intrusive on the right leg while driving. Update: 12500 miles in! A/C is OK, it can " soft restart" rarely during the middle of the drive but it is HOT where I live and this not including what happens during the start stop. Also if you brake too hard sometimes the music pauses? probably an electric thing. But driving wise? Still super super smooth. Update: 46000 miles. Nothing has changed. Nothing has broken, new (standard tier) tires. Radio electric problems have gone away. I love this car so much. I've decided to keep, I will not trade it in.
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Things to Love and Hate
Alexander, 01/07/2019
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T SE 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
45 of 49 people found this review helpful
One Month Review... We decided to get the newest Jetta fresh off the lot after we spent months after months test driving other brands. We decided to go with the new Jetta for many reasons. One reason was due to the all the upgrades you get for the money. Second reason was the new infotainment which offered Android Auto and Samsung Mirriorlink, other manufacturers only offered Iphone car-play. Third reason we decided to go with VW was the new 72000/6 yr warranty. Fourth reason is because we love the VW/AUDI conservative designs inside and out. Fifth and final reason is because it was the only 4 cyl car with a turbo, a turbo should be a requirement for all 4 cyl engines. My complaints are the following: I wanted the manual transmission however, the manual transmission only came in the S model and it didn't offer leatherette, heated seats, heated steering wheel nor dual climate. I was then going to choose the SEL, well the SEL didn't offered power seats for some reason, the only difference i found was the SEL had the full display on the gauge cluster and the infotainment was 8 inch instead of 6.5 inch oh yeah it also offered the ambient lightning. We checked the R line as well it didn’t fit our lifestyle. The only one we found to have everything we wanted was the SE with cold weather package. I would have loved the full display but i will wait 3 years to see what else VW brings to the table. I initially had a problem with the remote start which wouldn't work for some reason it’s ok now but that was very annoying at first. The basic sound system really sucks unless you upgrade to a higher quality which to be honest i don’t really know what they offer as an upgraded speaker system. My minivan and my 2008 Ram truck have a better sound than the 2019 Jetta. Listening to music on my new Jetta is like listening to music from a 3.5 inch speaker it painful and a bit embarrassing. While listening to music using USB Android auto the right front speaker rattles at low volume. I haven't even listened to music at a high volume because they are terrible. I feel that VW should offer a recall on the speakers and upgrade them for free. It is a good thing we leased the vehicle instead of buying. I will keep updating my review as the months go by. Should you get a VW Jetta i say yes, if you like a conservative style and a simple elegant interior, leatherette rather than cloth, and are looking for a quick 4 cyl turbo engine for the best MSRP and warranty then the VW brand is the way to go.
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great commuter
Bernie, 09/09/2019
updated 09/29/2022
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
A few things first - I drive 110 miles daily through the hills of NW NJ/NE PA. The drive is ok in the morning (I leave before the rooster crows) and sucks on the way home. I am not looking for a "driving experience", just to retain what little left of my sanity remains. I tried several cars in the price range, with the Mazda 3 coming the closest (and was quite a bit more $), but didn't like the high beltline, the handling was a little stiffer, and the mileage wasn't as good. The Jetta has great visibility, the base seat works very well for me (supportive yet comfortable for a short, fairly lean guy), handling is good enough, and while not a sports sedan, I can easily merge or pass trucks on the hills. The truly magical part is I can get 44 mpg doing 80 mph through the hills in the morning. I cut my trips to the gas station in half, and I don't drive to optimize fuel consumption. Due to the stop and go nature of my return trip, only get about 37 mpg on the way home. The trunk is also cavernous - more than once I have loaded 8' pipe into the car (with the back seats down), and had no issues. Overall, I'm thrilled with the vehicle, but there are a few downsides: - The base tires are only ok in rain, and quite poor in snow. You'll need snow tires if in the snow belt. The price you pay for great gas mileage. - For some reason, at the slightest hint of humidity, the front windshield fogs. My defroster is almost always on. - It is a pretty bland looking car, especially compared to the Golf, Passat, or any of the Audis (I'm indifferent to the appearance, but tend to go to the wrong car when in parking lots, which wouldn't happen to any of the others - probably should not have bought white). - No one carries the specified oil, except VW dealers, and the dealer isn't conveniently located. This is the only "con" that truly bothers me. - When driving in eco mode, early shifts at too low revs, and the trans sounds a little rough. Less so when taking out of eco mode, only impacts the highway mileage by 1 mpg. - VW reliability scares me a bit. Fingers crossed that I can get 200k without a major issue. If you just want to get through a commute in a comfortable, quick, fairly agile, quiet car while stopping at the gas station as infrequently as possible (or about every 550 miles for me), this is a great choice. 1 year update: I'm now at 40k miles after a bit over a year. I've had 1 minor oil leak (fixed under warranty), and the tires are about shot (surprised me a little, as I typically get 60k+ out of tires with mostly highway driving). I feel exactly the same on the car. I'm getting a touch over 39 mpg with spirited highway driving, experiencing no odd noises or decreased performance. The seat is still firm and comfortable, and the car has required no major work. This is still the perfect commuter car for me (roomy, comfortable, handles well, decent acceleration, great fuel economy). If you are looking at a Corolla, Civic, or Elantra, throw the Jetta in your search. You may be quite pleasantly surprised. Update 27Mar2021 With almost 80k miles on the car, it hasn't changed much. The seats are still firmly comfortable, I still get almost 40 mpg in mostly highway driving, no odd squeaks,... I replaced the stock tires with General Altimax, and do much better in the snow. The tradeoff in mileage (about 1 mpg worse) equalled out due the lack of traffic (still much lower than pre-Covid levels). I've had nothing besides routine maintenance (except when I knocked off the mirror casing when backing out of the garage). Routine service costs a bit more than most American or Japanese cars, but not by much (although this year I have to get the brake fluid flushed, not sure what that goes for). Overall, still pleasantly surprised, and if I had to buy another car today, a Jetta would still be in serious consideration. Update 29Sept22 - At 130k, only standard maintenance, another set of tires and alignment (another Altimax, got 70k out of the previous with good wet weather performance, decent in the snow). No noticeable change in performance or odd rattles, still comfortable on long trips. Mileage is down to about 38.5 mpg (from just over 40), but due to increased traffic post covid. My only complaint is the driver's side sun visor clip broke, Volkswagen doesn't sell it separately (that I can find), and they want $370 for the assembly. Will get creative this weekend. After 3-1/2 years, still very happy with the vehicle. Maybe I'm just lucky, but if looking for a compact commuter, I suggest adding the Jetta to your test drive list.
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Amazing car.
Luigi Battaglioli, 06/25/2020
2020 Volkswagen Jetta S ULEV 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
33 of 36 people found this review helpful
This car is awesome. It’s fast, it’s sleek looking, and it’s full of the coolest bells and whistles like adaptive cruise control, CarPlay, wifi, and remote access from my phone. It’s fun to drive, it feels safe, and it was really affordable. I got one heck of a deal on it. I’d recommend this car to anyone, especially as a first car. It’s awesome.
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Great economy car - Replacement for 2017 Sentra
John, 08/27/2018
updated 09/06/2019
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
53 of 59 people found this review helpful
Our 2017 Nissan Sentra was totaled, it was a great value car. This car will eventually go to my 16 year old when he leaves for College. So we came up with a list and I threw the Jetta on their because I saw a good deal advertised. I couldn't find any Six Speeds close to me so I didn't get to test drive the '18 model. We drove the Kia Soul, Corolla Mi and lastly we decided to drive the Jetta. I was blown away by the Jetta and ended up buying one. The car has a lot to offer in performance and comfort. The fuel economy is great - I could get better but its so much fun to drive and I'm still getting in the mid 30's. This has car play which is a plus and gives us the GPS, etc. This car is a winner and the prices you can get are great!!! Edmunds asked me to update my review - I can say after 7,000 + miles we still love this car and believe its a winner. There are no complaints about this car except I will need to give this to my son at the end of the school year (he earned it by his grades) - it is a lot of fun drive. We ended up enjoying it so much we added an Atlas to our garage also.
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Pleasantly surprised
Bill Malec, 12/22/2018
updated 12/27/2023
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
24 of 26 people found this review helpful
Price was much less than expected. Coming from a VW diesel I'm impressed with the 1.4L engine's torque and especially the mileage. I averaged 47 mpg driving home with the car 200 miles from where I bought it. That's diesel territory! Interior quality is much improved. Very quiet and comfortable inside. Update: 59,000 miles now. Absolutely zero problems.
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Needs Improvements
2019 Jetta Buyer, 08/12/2019
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T SE 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I purchased this vehicle in October 2018. I thought it was a good value compared to a Honda Civic (previous owner) and a Toyota Corolla. Overall this car is ok as a daily vehicle but it is not comfortable on long road trips. The passenger seat is not adjustable and has no lumbar support. The transmission does not shift smoothly at speeds below 35. The service technicians said the other Jettas on the lot performed the same way so there was no problem. Also had 3 service alerts (basically a manufacturer voluntary recall) in 9 months. I recently decided to trade this Jetta for a Subaru.
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Perfect commuter car if you have your own business
DoctorNano, 01/31/2021
updated 08/11/2021
2020 Volkswagen Jetta SE ULEV 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
I have my own consulting business, with many clients within 50 miles of my home office here in New England. I need a car that has plenty of room, can be comfortable for drives of fifteen minutes or two hours, gets good mileage, has a reasonable level of performance, and won't break the bank when it comes to cost. The Jetta SE has all of these in spades. First, VW has a lot of great deals, and I got my fully loaded SE for a figure that my accountant thought I would only manage a stock subcompact. Second, fully loaded here means heated seats, a leather wrapped heated steering wheel, automatic climate control, very adjustable seats, a sunroof, a telescoping steering column, cruise control, blind spot avoidance, an 8-speed automatic transmission, heated washer jets, and remote start from a wireless app. You can also lock the car and pop the trunk from the same app, and the app senses the outside temperature and will activate the heated seats if it is too cold. Third, the car gets great mileage. I am hovering around 40 mpg, which is achieved in part by having the computer actually turn the engine off when you're stopped at a light for too long. This value is on 87 octane. When mated to the 8-speed tranny, the 1.4T's torque is more than sufficient for most driving. And fourth, there is plenty of room inside. I am 6' and 190 lbs. and I don't feel cramped, and the seats provide plenty of support. The trunk is actually useful, with proper padding and carpeting. My wife has a 2019 Golf All-Track so I can see some differences. Yes, the plastics in the Jetta appear cheaper than the ones in the All-Track. Hers also has a genuinely nice interior lighting package that is absent in the Jetta. But that's about it. So, if that's a deal breaker for you, move on. But for me those plastics and lights cost money, and as this is a car for business purposes, I can live without them. One bone to pick: the factory issued Hankook tires. I guess these are low rolling resistance all-seasons to get the best mileage, but frankly they lack grip, and you have to be careful when you get moving from a light. I'll get rid of them as soon as my accountant says I can. So, it's a comfortable and peppy commuter car and if VW had to cut out some things to keep the price down, I think they cut out the right things.
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Almost 5 Stars
Curtson, 12/18/2019
updated 01/09/2025
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T SEL Premium w/CWP 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I have had this Jetta for 1 year and 15,000 miles. The gas mileage has been excellent; I have gotten 44-46 mpg driving interstate from IA to NM, WY, and ND. It is quiet. It handles very well in high wind conditions. On the trips to WY and ND, I did not realize how strong the headwind was until I stopped at a rest stop. It can be a little sluggish from a stop because the transmission shifts at low rpm to increase mpg, preventing the engine from generating momentum. If I need a quick start or am merging into heavy traffic, I shift the transmission into Sport and that improves the take-off noticeably. The handling can be improved by setting the Driving Mode Selection to Custom mode and then change the Steering to Sport; I have been satisfied with the result. I have not needed any repairs or had any malfunctions of the drive train. There have been no squeaks or rattles. The rear doors need to be firmly shut, however. If just bumped shut they may not close completely and the alarm will sound when you start to drive. The trunk has popped open 4-5 times in the past year when I thought I had it closed. The driver's seat is ventilated. How much do I like that? I will never buy another vehicle without ventilated seats. It is a very comfortable seat (I am 5'9", 190 lbs). The passenger seat, on the other hand, is disappointing. I can only take this on long trips when I am by myself. Any trip over 3 hrs (at best) causes my wife's back to stiffen. VW really needs to give the passenger seat at least a manual vertical adjustment. Also, the passenger floor mat does not have anchors so it always slides up higher under the dash, resulting in about a 4 inch gap behind it for dirt to get on the carpet. I understand why VW tries to save money to keep the cost down but these seem like poor choices. There is going to be a passenger much of the time and this cost-cutting ends up being very noticeable. Interior: a little much hard plastic but not unreasonable for the price. The infotainment system is excellent. The screen is a nice size. The Virtual Cockpit is very nice. The Beats audio sounds very good. I like the navigation better than Google or Apple Maps but there is 1 glitch - it will stay on interstates to a fault. For example, I drove from Kansas City to Hugoton, KS. The logical route is I-70 to KS-156, then to Hugoton by a diagonal route. The navigation will, instead, take you all the way west to a highway in western KS, then south before backtracking east to Hugoton. Following that route takes an extra hour. The problem is avoided by adding a stopover along the preferred route. My service manager and I checked all 2019 VWs with Navigation on his lot and found this is a system problem with VWs software; we reported it to VW last July but I haven't heard of a correction. For my efforts diagnosing the problem and dealing with the difficulties it caused me until I figured it out, VW gave me a free 10,000 and 20,000 service package which I appreciated. I think the wheels at this trim level are ugly and dull. In the brochure and website, the wheels appear much more shiny than they really are. I even waxed them to brighten them up. The other trim on the car is a bright chrome so it just doesn't match visually. I suppose it's dumb (and my wife has suggested that whenever I mention it) but I'm always vaguely annoyed that I bought a car that I don't really like looking at. I just get inside quickly. Overall, I am glad I bought this Jetta and enjoy driving it. VW really needs to improve the front passenger seat and get the navigation bug fixed since that package is a $1,000 extra; those things are costing the car a 5-star rating. Other than that, I have no meaningful complaints. Update @ 28,000 miles. I have had no problems with the Jetta. The Hankook Kinergy tires that came on it need to be replaced before winter, which seems like not many miles on them. The trunk popped open a few times at first but hasn't in a long time. Mpg remains very good. I have taken it on several long trips and was always comfortable. Update @ 48,000 miles: Still runs well. Not an exciting car to drive but above average acceleration (Sport mode is useful when needed) and handling. I have had no problems and have only done routine maintenance. My main complaint about this car remains and always will be the front passenger seat. If VW was going to not give it any adjustments, they could have at least set it at a comfortable height for an average size person. It's so low that's almost like sitting on the floor. 60,000 miles. No problems. The warranty just ran out and I'm considering buying a 2025 Jetta to replace it because of the improvements that VW made (slightly larger engine, heated steering wheel, general styling updates). I would recommend this to a friend, as they say.
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Very Good Fuel Mileage
David B, 05/19/2020
2020 Volkswagen Jetta SEL ULEV 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
22 of 25 people found this review helpful
I rented a 2020 VW Jetta I think with a 1.4T engine and Automatic transmission for 4 days. Overall I liked the car and I actually found the car to be the most fuel efficient model I have ever driven by far. I drove 375 miles two ways and was shocked at the fuel efficiency. At first I suspected the fuel gauge was malfunctioning as I drove for over an hour at highway speed ( little to braking and maintaining steady rate of travel). I had intentionally turned off the Economy mode, automatic engine Start/Stop system and had the transmission in sport mode. After 1 hour of driving the needle on the fuel gauge had hardly moved. Eventually I pulled off at a rest stop/fuel station and tried topping off the fuel tank to get an idea of whether the fuel gauge was working or not. I was only able to fit between 1-2 gallons of gasoline in after driving at least an hour at about 70mph. I obviously had to estimate some but provided the fuel gauge was accurate and knowing how much fuel I had filled the tank with I figured that for a 375 mike highway trip I had only used about 6-7 gallons of gasoline. As that works out to as much as 60mpg I figured it was incorrect. On the return trip I had the car systems set up the same way yet drove somewhat less conservatively as I had realized I was hardly using any fuel. I had completely topped off the fuel tank at the start of the return trip and did not refuel along the way. At the conclusion of my trip I refilled the fuel tank in the same exact manner to find I could only fit a little over 7 gallons of fuel. That would mean I was getting slightly over 50mpg in actual highway use. I drove at the speed limit or greater the whole way with little braking or unnecessary acceleration which does improve fuel efficiency. The only other possible contribution to such high fuel efficiency might be that I generally try to follow another vehicle traveling at a similar rate of speed. Not close enough to be unsafe ( at least 3 car lengths behind if not more). But it might have provided some assistance. However I drove the same way I drive regularly and the best fuel mileage I normally achieve is 35mpg and that would be in a Ford Focus ULEV. So the only conclusion I can reach is that this car is extremely fuel efficient. The only real complaint is that at highway speeds if one has to decelerate rapidly it does feel like the back end of the car gets very sensitive to small changes in direction and feels a little squirrelly.
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So far it run great.
Ali, 04/02/2020
2020 Volkswagen Jetta SEL ULEV 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
22 of 25 people found this review helpful
very quiet in cabin ,shift very smooth and i like to drive with this Jetta.
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BEWARE!
Nicol M, 03/11/2019
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T SEL 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
40 of 47 people found this review helpful
This is the worst car I've ever had! My car has been in the shop around 9 times and I have only owned it for 8 months! Numerous problems with my crash sensors, and blind spot monitor sensors going off at the wrong time, so unsafe! I have expressed to my local dealer numerous times that the car has a steady murmur coming from the engine and it took me 3 separate trips to the dealer for them to hear the noise, they looked at me like I was crazy until other customers reported the noise as well. My car sat in the shop for a little over a week just for them to tell me nothing was wrong with it. The last time I took it to the dealer they had told me VW Corporate was aware of the issue and were actively working on a solution. Well, fast forward 2 months later I still have not hear a thing back about it. I also just found out there are 3 current recalls on the car so I am beyond frustrated that my car is currently been in the shop. Too bad I am stuck with the car for another 3 years.
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A premium sedan deserving a more premium interior
Jonathan, 06/18/2019
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
I rented a spanking-new Jetta for a 10-day Alaska vacation with my wife and adult daughter. We put about 700 miles on the car and my overall impression is that this is a premium sedan that deserves a more premium interior. The trunk swallowed three big roller cases with some room to spare though a lower lip would have made loading and unloading easier. I appreciated the spring-loaded trunk lid. My daughter had plenty of room behind her 6-foot parents and we all found room to put our road-trip things. Bridging our trip was a 300-mile drive from Anchorage to Valdez and back. It begins and ends at sea-level with mountains in between, and with cruising speeds mostly in the 60s and 70s, we received a truly impressive 42 mpg. The two-lane road required frequent passing and the tiny 4-cylinder turbo never wanted for power. Using manumatic for engine braking on down grades, the eight gears, meant a few downshifts at a time; sometimes all the way down to 3rd gear. Paddle shifters would have been nice, but gear changes were sufficiently quick. Passing and engine-breaking were the only time I heard or felt the engine. Echoing, Edmunds, the steering was lifeless around town, but felt fine on the highway. The ride was stately and composed rather than sporty, which was perfect for family hauling. In this respect, the car felt a step or two above its class, which I think also can be said for its exterior. I can’t speak to the headlight quality as it never got dark. This being a base model, I appreciated having Apple CarPlay for navigation. It was my first experience with the app, and if there is a way to zoom in and out on the nav screen, I didn’t find it. The base audio is merely adequate, and the base cloth seats were terribly plain in appearance but perfectly comfortable on both 5-hour trips. I found no need for a lumbar support control. As mentioned, a car with this level of engine and ride refinement deserved a more upscale dash, like say, the Golf’s. That said, the controls are clear, feel good, and the steering wheel looks quite nice with well-laid out controls, particularly for the cruise control and gauge-cluster display. Were I to own this car, I’d quickly stitch on a leather wrap for the rim. I’m a big fan of the Mazda3 for this class, and it still may be my choice, but the more efficient Jetta may be my choice if my daily driving were significantly longer.
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Amazing Value - 2nd VW!
Christian, 02/04/2019
updated 08/28/2020
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T SEL Premium 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
I previously had a 2011 VW Jetta that got me through college and I loved that car everyday. As soon as I saw this model, I knew it was the perfect replacement (7 year old VW with 135,000 miles with no issues!) I admired the sunroof and habanero metallic paint the most. I enjoy all of the high-tech features, particularly the drivers assistance aids. However, I will note that the lane assist can be somewhat frightening on unclearly marked roads (starts to veer into other lanes unexpectedly.) However, it takes minimal effort to defeat the vehicle’s attempts. The fuel economy is phenomenal. I’m averaging 40.2 over 2,500 miles in an even mix of highway (traffic), and city driving. The turbo is fun; I don’t miss my old car’s extra 23 horsepower whatsoever. The 8-speed automatic isn’t the fastest shifting, but meets my expectations for a $28k car and keeps the turbo in the torque band easily. The suspension absorbs bumps well, but doesn’t lean much during sharp cornering. I was unpleasantly surprised to find several small things missing from my last Jetta. These include trunk hooks, glovebox lighting, power port or door lock switches in the backseat, and the light switch looks very cheap. I am, however, pleasantly surprised by the increase in materials quality (to include genuine leather seats.) The Corolla doesn’t compare to this vehicle in my opinion, the Civic makes for great competition but isn’t as high of quality, the Sentra is a joke, the Mazda 3 is probably this car’s biggest competition (actually it’s smaller than the Jetta), and the Hyundai/Kia twins don’t provide similar refinement. Overall, I’m very pleased with this upgrade and continue to encourage friends and family to join the VW family (we have cookies [my dealer actually sent me cookies in the mail from a charity that helps place disabled workers].) Update (8/3): 10k miles, 2 road trips, and one $45 dealership oil change, this car keeps a smile on my face. Update (2/26) 19k miles, more road trips, a $23 dealership oil change, and I (easily) changed the cabin air and engine air filter for ~$40. Still love the car and the Habanero Orange still shines like when it was new. Update (8/26) 29k miles and the 30k service complete. There was a transmission recall, so VW gave me a loaner Passat for the day. I’m still very pleased with my purchase, and have averaged 42mpg over the last ~3k miles!
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Audi-lite
BRG, 11/30/2018
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
16 of 18 people found this review helpful
Some reviewers have called the 2019 Jetta "Audi-lite" and that is a pretty good summation. Fit and finish are above that of comparable Japanese-Korean-American cars. Fuel mileage is excellent even in stop-and-go rush hour traffic. The 1.4 L turbo has plenty of torque and power for normal, and even spirited, driving. The manual transmission is smooth and easy to use. The handling is very stable and ride comfort is excellent. It is quiet in normal driving but you can still hear a little satisfying engine growl when you put your foot into it. Th Driver Assistance package is non-intrusive in normal driving but a tremendous help in congested traffic. Price was acceptable even though Hawaii dealers do not give the Mainland price incentives and discounts; with those discounts and incentives, the Jetta is a steal. While shopping, I was also looking at the 2018 Honda Civic, itself a very nice car, but chose the Jetta because it has better, classier styling that should age better than the "Gee-whiz Boy Racer" styling of the Civic. My only real grip about the 2019 US version of the Jetta is that only the base "S" model comes with a manual transmission (Those lucky Canadians can get manual transmissions across the model spectrum). Really, Volkswagen, at least put a manual in the R-Line. If you are looking for a nice, comfortable, roomy compact sedan, you owe it to yourself to look at the Jetta. Consider it an Audi Fox for the 21st Century.
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Torque converter issues 2019 Jetta. VW Recall....
Andrew, 11/06/2018
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T SEL 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
28 of 33 people found this review helpful
After I purchased my new 2019 Jetta the noise from the defective torque converter started getting louder. I took it back to the dealership and the lead mechanic Steve said wow there is definetely an issue with the RPM’s. This was from the LEAD mechanic at VW. They gave me a rental car and said they would fix the issue. After a couple days Salem, OR VW Called me and said there was nothing they could do and the sound was normal. I would highly Not recommend purchasing a 2019 Jetta.
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Driver centric
John, 01/02/2019
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T R-Line 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
I am not one to make rash purchases and did a good deal of research in comparing what car to get. When looking at comparable models in this class, the Jetta provided an excellent value considering the quality of the ride and the options included. There are a lot of safety features standard which was attractive to me as I have young drivers who will be on the road in the years ahead. The Jetta rides smooth and is responsive. While I have only have it for a few weeks, I am happy with the value, performance, and comfort. The designers definitely focused on the driver when designing the interior. The intuitive design has enhanced my experience.
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Awesome value for the money
Marsh, 12/24/2018
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T SEL 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
19 of 22 people found this review helpful
I traded in a 2016 Audi A3, which had too stiff of a ride, very little tech compared to this Jetta SEL. I love the ride and technology really has jumped up! The engine isn't as powerful as in my old Audi, but it is plenty fine getting up and going when you need it to on the highway. The gas mileage is great and the materials and craftsmanship is very well done.
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Coldest Car I’ve Ever Owned
JTincher, 02/10/2019
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
64 of 78 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 2019 VW Jetta S Manual in September of 2018. The first few months I was very pleased with the car. The MPG were fantastic. On the highway I’d average 44-46 MPG and on several ocassions, on longer trips even over 50 MPG. Everything was great until the cold of winter set in. I started to notice that I would feel cold towards the end of my 19 mile daily commute to work. The first day I thought nothing of it, maybe I just caught a chill that wouldn’t go away. The second day I felt cold I noticed my engine temperature gauge was dropping. I was very confused. The engine had warmed up, the car was running with a load (still driving it), had been running for over 30 min and traveled 18 miles. Yet the temp was dropping. As anyone knows the car uses the heat from the engine to warm the coolant that then passed through the heater core. If the engine is cold, so if the heater core. This means a substantial drop in cabin temps. I took my car into the dealership the first chance I got. I was confident they would resolve the issue. The car has a “great” warranty. I was called a couple of days later to pick up my “fixed” car. They assure me that after replacing both thermostats (with only 5800 miles on the car) that they had resolved the issue. I picked up my car and drove the 10 miles home. I parked the car that night and slept well believing what they had told me. The next morning I traveled out for breakfast. While sitting in my car eating my breakfast, listening to a pod cast I noticed the air from the vents became cold. I then noticed the temp gauge on the dash was dropping fast. I immediately drove back to the dealership only having the car back in my possession for 14 hours. They were surprised to see me again and quickly grabbed a loaned. I was upset but thought maybe the coolant was low or there was air in the system from the work they had just performed. I left assuming they would make it right. A few days later I get a call to come pick up my car. This is where things get very interesting. The tech on the phone explained that they tested my vehicle and it was cooling down but that there was nothing wrong with my car. He informed me that they had tested other 2019 Jetta’s from the lot and they did the same thing. Because of that they said my car performed just like the others so there was nothing wrong. //Sanity Check// So my car and other on the lot all lose heat and blow cold air in the winter so nothing must be wrong? Maybe more than one car is broken or share a flawed design?//Back to the review// The tech then began to try and sell me on the excuse that the blower motor is “too efficient” and is preventing the car from warming up. He recommended that anytime I’m at a stop I rev the engine! I swear, I can’t make this stuff up. Rev the engine! So in order for my new car to have heat in the engine I can either turn the blower fan off (so no air is moving at all) or I can rev my engine constantly. This is insane! My car is broken and they want to tell me “that’s how Volkswagen designed the car”. Does it not get cold in Germany? This is crazy! (I know the car was built in Mexico) I then meet with my Salesmen who tries to sell me in the same BS. The car is not broken, that’s how it’s designed, blah blah blah. I’m not having any of it. I talk to the General Manager who preceded to try the tell me the same BS. They said that my car is the way it is and it’s functioning the way VW intended. This is absolutely insanity! Who in the world buys a new car with the expectation that the heat won’t work? Nobody! That’s who. It’s a new car the heat should work. It’s a safety issue. My windows refog, it’s colder than all get out. It’s uncomfortable and unacceptable. The kicker is on the second time my car was tested and had the issue, the ambient temp was 47 degrees. That’s not even that cold, at least not for where I live considering just a week ago it was -10. I’m thankful I had the loaner car (2018 Jetta) to keep me warmer that my 2019 Jetta would of. I just picked my car up yesterday and it still is broke and VW has yet to make it right. I’ve already been jumping through all the hoops they car throw at me and if they throw many more, I’ll just going the circus. I would not recommend this car anyplace the temp drops below 70 degrees. They might as well only offer it as a convertible at this point. Cause the car can’t be used unless the weather is perfect. Rest assured on those golden days you’ll get great gas mileage though. To end my horrid story: BettaNotGettaJetta
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Hybrid Level Highway Fuel Economy
JettaFan, 05/14/2019
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I absolutely can't believe the highway mileage I'm getting, and usually these days manual transmissions get worse gas mileage than CVTs. On a recent 1,100 mile 95% highway trip, I averaged over 47mpg traveling at 65mph. Unreal!!! I did exact measurements of mileage and gallons added so it's accurate. Combine this with good handling and 0-60 around 7.5 seconds and this is the sedan all others in the segment should try to replicate. I was able to get a dealer down quite a bit off sticker and am thrilled with the quality of the car and the options for the price. Standard LED headlights are supurb, the seats are long distance comfortable and the trunk is pretty big. With a good size gas tank I was often getting around 600 miles per tank so you don't need to stop for gas often at all. I'm enjoying the standard Apple Carplay and love the styling which reminds me a lof of the Audi A4 from the back. To make this car perfect, I wish it were offered in hatchback and the S model's stereo system is pretty poor - the max volume just isn't nearly loud enough to really feel the music. The dealer was pretty bad with their sales tactics compared to nearly all others I've dealth with. I also don't like the styling of the S model's alloy wheels. But, the stick is a joy to shift, the car tracks straight on the highway, and it's not often you get complimented for a sedan's styling paying below $20k. This is my first Volkswagen and I'm now a huge fan.
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Bang for your buck
gregb , 01/31/2021
2020 Volkswagen Jetta S ULEV 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
We intentionally purchased the S model to avoid the sunroof (some have problems) and couldn't be happier with our decision. The base S model is well equipped and ours included the driver assistance package which rolls in forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring. These safety features in addition to high crash test safety ratings give me peace of mind that this car will help protect our family in the event of a crash. The car is a joy to drive, effortless acceleration, responsive handling and braking, and stellar gas mileage. VW made this car feel more premium than it is, the effortless acceleration, quick and smooth shifting 8 speed and quiet cabin have a lot to do with it. Hopefully we will have a long and happy ownership experience. Time will tell how reliable it will be.
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The Best New Car Right NOW TO BUY UNDER 25K
Josh the Car Enthusiast, 10/13/2018
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
17 of 20 people found this review helpful
This review should make a huge decision choice to many who are deciding about getting this vehicle here. Well one let me start saying it is a surprising mid-sized sedan with a lot of potential. I chose to go with the S model because I am a fan of the Manual Gears still and with this preppy little engine honestly is so much fun to drive. Let me tell you first, is the fuel economy is great on this car. I am averaging about 38mpg all round. I have traveled on the free way on long trips and achieved the 40mpg that the Manufacturer was advertising. Another thing is the car is really like a baby audi. With the Ques of the hard body lines and the very nice chrome grill in the front if you go with the S and SEL/Premium trims. The interior even in the S has alot to offer which Apple Car Play comes Standard in all Trims. No need for NAV anymore! With that, I have Golden Lab, and there is enough room in the back for his furry little behind. Also the rear passenger sits 3 very comfortably while I took my friends out to Dinner in the New Car. They were even surprised about how much space was in the back and one of them is 6'4 and still had leg room. The trunk space is massive, I installed 2-12in Subs and I still have enough to fit a dead body in their if that was the case. My decision on buying this vehicle, comparing it to the New Corrola Hatchback, the Mazda 3 Hatch/Sedan, and the Focus ST, was the reliability and peace of mind that VOLKSWAGEN Offers on their cars. That really amazing 72 month/72,000 miles BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY!!!! No other manufacturer can touch that amazing warranty especially with this vehicle starting at 18,xxx. I was able to buy mine at 14,888 at participating dealerships! So I would say go out there buy one. Have fun on the road, and I got to say, It is a huge improvement from other Jetta Models in the past. Also with this car, I am planning to make alot of modifications to this car. BUY IT RIGHT NOW!!! ITS AMAZING!!!
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‘19 VW Lemon-Jetta!!!
Andy H-K, 07/10/2019
updated 07/12/2021
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T SE 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
17 of 20 people found this review helpful
Where to begin... Noise from the transmission that VW of America claims is normal, but in actuality it is a horrible defect that they are hoping people will not notice. I have had multiple sensor failures in wet weather, told it is just sensitivity and nothing to do with the water intrusion. Windows roll down when you try to put them up - it’s been to dealer several times and they can’t seem to fix it. Closed the trunk one afternoon and the back window cracked into pieces, but stayed together until I attempted to close a window that then decided to go down on its own and blow out at road speed, causing hundreds of dollars in damage to the paint that both me and my insurance company are on the line for. About 10K miles and I have a lemon that VW refuses to do anything, meanwhile I’m paying for a lemon that is not being driven. Also, I thought about trading it in, only to find out less than 10 months in, it’s worth half of what I paid for it. Never again! Update: worst experience of my life
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first time vw owner
david, 03/25/2019
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
13 of 15 people found this review helpful
only complaint is with the passenger seat does not adjust higher or lower. my wife is short and does not feel comfortable seating so low. Other than that very happy with everything else.
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If I could turn back time
Kay Brown, 03/13/2019
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
30 of 37 people found this review helpful
If I could turn back time... I never would have leased this VW! I should run as soon as I figured out that no one at the dealership knew how to properly register a lease. But I didn’t, so now I’m stuck...Don’t miss your first oil change, because the car is leaking transmission fluid from faulty materials in and around the transcooler. Oh and be prepared for all of the recalls to need to be fixed when you arrive for that first oil change. Shortly after the oil change, you can expect the heat to stop working. Be prepared for everyone to laugh at your brand new car and the sound it makes at around 30-40mph because of faulty materials again... oh but VW will deny that part... it’s normal for a 2019 to growl and grind. SMH I’m sure I’ll be able to comment on here dozens and dozens of times before my lease runs out... If only I could turn back time...
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Great Car For The Price
Marz M, 05/05/2019
updated 05/09/2022
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
12 of 14 people found this review helpful
Got a great deal. The S trim has a very plain interior so be advised. I bought the black exterior, storm grey (looks tan to me) interior. Everything is really good so far. Drives well, good amount of torque to make up for the low H.P, transmission shifts smooth and MPG is outstanding. CAUTION!!!!! As far as I know the 2019 Jetta S does not come with a spare tire, it is a dealer installed option that costs in the neighborhood of $300. Each Jetta S comes with an electric, plug in air pump and canister of fix a flat. I knew this going in a did not purchase the spare tire kit. BIG MISTAKE. I got a blow out on the freeway and had to call VW road side assistance. Tow truck arrives in 3hrs, they can only tow to a VW dealership, VW dealership wants $190 to replace 1 tire and this really sucks!! Buy the spare tire kit is my advice. UPDATE: no longer own the car, traded in for a Jetta GLI.
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Fun Driving Car with a lot of Extras
Johnfots, 09/05/2019
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T R-Line 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
The R-Line Jetta is fun to drive. The interior features related to screen position, seat comfort, climate control are all top notch. The car is quick while being excellent on gas. Cabin is quieter that larger vehicles. Very happy with the initial use.
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Best Jetta yet
Charles Michener, 05/06/2019
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T SEL Premium 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I'm a longtime leaser of VW cars (Jettas and Golfs), and the 2019 Jetta is a huge step-up from its predecessors. The added interior space makes the drive much more comfortable than before, and the roomier back seat accommodates my two dogs (one large, the other medium) comfortably. It handles very well, without being too "German" in its steering precision. I have the top premium trim and the extra cost is well worth all the add-ons: driver safety features, adaptive cruise control, optional driver modes, rear-camera, etc. It's still in the compact class, which makes it great for getting around town and in and out of parking spaces. But it's also excellent on longer drives, where I've averaged over 40 miles per gallon of regular gas. (28 mpg in town.) Even at the top premium level, it's a lot less expensive than, say, a comparably sized Volvo, Audi or BMW. Sure, it's lighter on its feet than those luxury cars, but for my money it's every bit as good. A terrific upgrade and a terrific value.
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great of gas awful on oil!
Anne, 12/05/2020
2020 Volkswagen Jetta S SULEV 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
23 of 29 people found this review helpful
We have had our Jetta for 5 months and the oil light came on at 7000 miles. Checked the dip stick and there was nothing on it. I took it to the dealership and they told me it was perfectly normal. This particular engine tends to burn oil more than others. He said we should be checking our oil at ever other gas fill up.....who does that? Especially with a brand new car. I think it made me more mad that they make it out to be nothing than the fact that it's an awful car that I have to pump oil into every 1000 miles.....and not just any oil synthetic. Why make an engine that requires such expensive oil if all its going to do is burn it. Don't buy this car not only is it poorly made but the dealership will not help you get the problem fixed...
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SEL Premium - Competes with mid size luxury cars
Ken Shapero, 10/16/2018
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T SEL Premium 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful
This model has every conceivable tech and lux items I can imagine. Drive a lot for work and need something comfortable, quiet and up to date. This Jetta is the best one yet ever. I am a business executive and feel proud and self confident driving this beauty.
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No EDL as advertised on S and SE
Greybirch, 02/26/2019
updated 04/07/2021
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
15 of 19 people found this review helpful
No EDL as claimed on VW’s website! slip, spin and get stuck in winter ruts and summer-incline on gravel driveway too for real....... Volkswagen representatives told me the car does not have EDL.... Edmunds website indicates that you have to go to the R-line trim to get it. My window sticker claims the car has it! So what’s going on here & who’s right and who’s wrong? This is not right for the customer. All I can tell you is the car appears not to have it because, I’m getting stuck in ice ruts and slipping on the driveway gravel incline in the summer. This did not happen with the previous Jetta S models & I have had 4 generation 6’s.... Except for the larger glove box, larger console, no lock on the glove box compartment, trunk has no place to secure anything & no hooks nothing, they’ve been removed. Storage is very poor on the S model. Floor mats have been cheapened, gone except for the drivers floor mat, are the studs that connect & secure floor mats. They stay in place only buy Velcro and not very secure.... Better design & very a good economical car but, they removed many features from the old car, EDL & heated mirrors, among the most important & claim to give you more..... So far almost 2 years out 4 recalls, 1 software, engine gasket somewhere and rear trunk spring , I complained after it hit me twice, trunk lid did not stay up and that took over a year after purchase to fix! 2 A pillars replaced, 1 more pending, peeling off, first one winter cold second ( drivers side ) summer heat.... Radio button L/S actually discolored, the auto hold brake was set wrong and holding my car and after 3 visits, they found the problem, which was the wrong software setting and should have never left the Mexican plant like that! 7 problems all QUALITY related shame on you VW...... Update! 3rd A pillar failure same driver side, that’s 2 on that side plus passenger side. that was the first. VW calls me and is telling me of a fix, but no solution to the prob. If you can’t give us German built VW’s, build some in China and not so many in Mexico they do very poor work in Mexican plants and I have seen 20 years of this w/VW....... Poor quality... MECHANICAL reliability seems fair only too, cars interior workmanship, good at 18,000 mile Exhaust cam cover was falling off and making a noise it took a week to fix and they had to give me a loaner car and replace the camshaft because of that it was rubbing on the cover! Overall all manufacturing problems! and I blame the Mexican plant for the issues..... As the cars gets older, I see how nice it performs for a cheaper car..... I have taken it on summer vacation 3X since 18’ and it rarely get less than 50 mpg on a summer trip..... So I don’t know what else to say it is a nice car for the money but this is Volkswagens problem for building these cars there!
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Total Luxury For Under $30k
Smart Buyer , 11/26/2019
updated 06/02/2020
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T SEL Premium w/CWP 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Listen, I’ve had a lot of cars; almost exclusively high end (Lexus, BMW, Audi, MB, LR) and this Jetta SEL Premium really impresses me. For the money, I’m just not sure what compares. It feels larger than a compact, is quiet and agile..all safety features; understated design yet elegant. I purchased the rear window sunshade accessory kit and I kid you not- it’s like an Audi inside- Digital cockpit rivals cars that are $10k- $15k more. 40-45 MPG on the highway, I mean for real readings all on regular gas and the warranty is terrific at 6 year 72k bumper to bumper. Well I hope this review helps you..try to find a new 2019 SEL Premium model now, most dealers are discounting $5k off MSPR- all this car for $25k is just crazy people. Update: 20k mile complimentary service complete with no problems or concerns - swapped the OE tires for Michelin’s and still very pleased. Leased my mother a 2020 Jetta S model for dirt cheap and she loves it! So now two Jettas in my family; should tell you a lot about how I feel.
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Love this car!
Jacob, 10/11/2019
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
We purchased this vehicle last weekend, PLENTY of low end torque, comfy and the electronics options you get are outstanding for a sub $20,000 car. We fell in love with this car while on vacation and rented a Jetta SE. We couldn't believe the car was getting 42 mpg going up and down canyon roads! I've received multiple compliments on the sleek styling and the silk blue color. I looked at the new 2019 civics which look like boy racer cars. The Jetta looks more sophisticated and 'grown up'. Only complaints I have are not being able to lock the doors from the inside when you get out and 1st and 2nd gear shift too early, sometimes making the car feel like it is hesitating.
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Made a good choice for a first car
Conner Smith, 03/25/2021
2020 Volkswagen Jetta S SULEV 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I mainly considered VW because I wanted a car with a manual transmission. The clutch is light, the shifter moves with ease, and the steering is light enough to be driven comfortably but firm enough to not cause anxiety every time you try to keep the car in its lane. The infotainment without CarPlay is a little lackluster, but with CarPlay (which is standard) things are so much better. Acceleration is really good in 1st gear, but once you hit 2nd gear, it accelerates half as fast. Fuel economy is great, I always shift to 3rd or 2nd when I’m coasting to a stop so I can engine brake, and because of that I get about 40+ mpg in the city. Most I’ve ever gotten was ~52 mpg, on a clear night when nobody was on the streets and no lights were turning red, so I had the cruise control set to 45 mph. Pedals are within good range, I can heel-toe pretty easily. Engine is really quiet, interior noise isn’t too bad, the seats are good quality, and the suspension is nice and soft.
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Sleek finish, luxury feel, & performance vibe!
Victoria , 03/01/2021
2020 Volkswagen Jetta SEL SULEV 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I really enjoy my extra bells and whistles on my SEL, from my digital cockpit to my 10-color ambient lighting are just a couple favorites. I love my adaptive cc, design of my machined rims, exterior design, my sunroof, driving modes for fun driving and sport mode to get up and go when I want. The leather interior is comfortable and has a finished feeling. I get pretty good fuel economy. It’s reliable and I feel safe in my car. I really enjoy driving it. It’s hard to imagine ever replacing it. I’m a Jetta girl.
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Best value for a Mid Size Sedan
Wilson, 07/10/2018
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T SEL 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
13 of 17 people found this review helpful
I got the SEL and feels like it’s got all you need. I only miss the power seats. Besides that I’m super happy with this car. Feels super powerful for a 1.4 liter as long as you’re not driving with 4 passengers and full trunk. Really gets 35+ mpg so great gas saver. Technology is awesome! Overall best bang for the buck at 25K!
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Great car for the money!
HappyGuy, 05/30/2020
2020 Volkswagen Jetta SE ULEV 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
8 of 10 people found this review helpful
The negative review part about being "plasticy" I don't really get. I think it is a very clean and well placed interior. So if you like clean lines inside the vehicle this is it, not super busy. Comfortable interior with good amount of room and is quiet inside. Even the base level Jetta is a good option if you are trying to save every dollar. The little engine is a good one and the transmission is smooth. Smooth ride and handles fine. Not like you are buying a sports car here so don't hold that against it. The SE is trimmed out very nice with dual climate and heated front and rear seat as well as steering wheel.
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Terrible Experiance
S, 01/09/2020
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T SEL ULEV 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
8 of 10 people found this review helpful
Like others I was attracted to this car for the tech. for the first month the car was great and I loved the gas millage I was getting, but then all the issues started happening. safety sensors would randomly come on and go off. The radio would stop working and say that my phone was not corrected and then would reconnect later. the radio screen would also just go black and leave me to just drive with nothing playing at all and shutting the car off and turning it back on would not solve the black screen either. Four months into my lease and the cars check engine light came on and would go off, and continues to do so. The auto start stop has also failed 3 times now and when stopping at a red light or stop sign the car would shut off to idle and then would fail to come back on. the door locks also have failed and then it just because the driver door lock failed. so to unlock my car i would have to open the passenger door and reach in to open the driver door. multiple sensors have failed to the point that my car has been in the garage for over a month at a time and im only a year into my lease. while the sensor fail the car was also turning on the e brake while driving. the dealership called me a liar and told me that doesn't just happen till i showed them the video of the car doing it. because of the e brake randomly coming on while driving it has the destroyed the breaks on the car and Volkswagen has refused to take ownership. As soon as i can trade out of this car i plan on it. It is unsafe to drive and unsafe to be on the road with other drivers.
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absolute nightmare car
Damien Tobias , 07/08/2021
2020 Volkswagen Jetta S SULEV 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
12 of 16 people found this review helpful
brand new 2020 jetta S. ok decent little car at first but then you realize the stereo is garbage and so is the touch screen. if you buy it replace the while entertainment system or get a different car. The transmission while quiet when you first buy it turns into a nightmare after 5k miles. shifting hard shifting late and loudly. after a month of having it the ac broke apparently there is a recall on an ac part for the car which was replaced under warranty then two weeks later broke again. currently driving my brand new car with no ac and now waiting for a hose to arrive to get it replaced. estimated arrival time 4 weeks. in Arizona where we touch over 105 degrees Fahrenheit everyday. Tonight I was driving and a light came on to tell me I'm low on oil, car started immediately driving rough. currently parked and hoping to go to dealership tomorrow. next oil change not scheduled for another 7k miles. Seats get uncomfortable really quickly and start lopsiding and wrinkling almost immediately. my drivers seat looks sad right now, very cheap. boring interior. window in back seat is broken and doesn't want to roll up properly anymore. trunk is not closing properly anymore either. the firewall liners under the hood are melted, I investigated and noticed it because I smelled burning plastic from the interior cab. headlight housings are fogged and gross and no car wash can fix it. I have 10k miles on it. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR.
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First and last Volkswagen
Bryan, 11/29/2018
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
23 of 33 people found this review helpful
This is my first and last Volkswagen Jetta 2019. Within two months the back panel popped off. Within two month the brakes started making noises way worse than squeaking. And within two months they issued a recall to fix some sealant where water can leak in somewhere . I was leery about buying German as I've heard mixed reviews but I did anyway because of the warranty. I thought this meant they were so confident in their car that they can offer that. Well the car is not good. By the end of 2 months of ownership I'll have been at the dealer 3 times. If not more
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Not a happy camper
Not happy, 08/20/2019
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
9 of 12 people found this review helpful
Bought a new Jetta S 2019, and within 50 miles my transmission makes a grinding noise going about 30mph. VW says its normal...but its not. I see that this happens in all 2019 Jettas with the 8-speed auto transmission. Please research this model before you buy. Lawsuit Investigation into VW Jetta 8-Speed Transmission Problems
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Some shortcomings
John K, 06/14/2019
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T R-Line 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
9 of 12 people found this review helpful
2 nd Jetta Owner. Long tine German car owner The car looks great the mileage is incredible , however the front suspension is garbage bottoms out on potholes. One of my biggest disappointments that drives me nuts. No locking glove box and you can’t secure anything in the trunk. My last Jetta had a keyed lock for trunk switch. They really cheated out on these features. 👎🏼
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Poor build quality
Darren, 07/25/2021
2020 Volkswagen Jetta SEL Premium ULEV 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
9 of 12 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 2020 Jetta SEL premium approximately 3 months ago and it now has just over 1700 miles and I have already had several issues with the car mainly related to software glitches causing issues including cruise control disabling itself due to a remote start software glitch (if you use remote start before entering the vehicle cruise control will not work). I have also already had to have one of the computers replaced and the sunglasses holder has decided to be broken. I was a huge Volkswagen fan before and now I will never own another.
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2019 VW Jetta SEL - Problems
AlanaJW, 12/31/2019
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T SEL 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
9 of 12 people found this review helpful
Dec, 2019: I just bought a brand new 2019 Jetta SEL. Beautiful, high-tech car, but it started making a grinding or growling sound as soon as I drove away from the dealership. The noise is consistent, every day. It mostly happens when the car is trying to shift in low gears. It also seems to lack power in low gears. It doesn't sound or feel right to me. VW dealership claims everything is fine. Did some research. As it turns out, many, many people across the U.S. are having this same problem with their 2019 Jettas & other problems too. A class action lawsuit has been filed against VW in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California (Parrish v. Volkswagen Group of America) concerning defective transmissions and torque converters in the 2019 Jettas. The lawsuit alleges the Jettas sometimes automatically shut off while driving & that the defective transmissions leak oil and could be a safety hazard. SHAME ON YOU VOLKSWAGEN!... AGAIN! I want out of this car!
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The 2019 Jetta SEL makes adulting fun!!
19JettaOwner, 11/05/2018
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T SEL 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful
I absolutely LOVE my 2019 Jetta SEL! It’s super hip with all of its fancy tech, beats sound system, and ambient lighting. Yet it’s also very classy with its elegant lines, 17” wheels, and spacious interior. It is really run to drive and It mirrors my hip mom vibe ;)
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