Interactive Review: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta SE

[Drew Dowdell]

Interactive Review:

2011 Volkswagen Jetta SE

Due to incredibly crappy weather here in Toronto - Stock Jetta Photo Shown

I'm in Toronto this week for training. Work policy dictates that if I need to drive more than 200 miles, I am to rent a car instead of using my own. The nice lady at the rental counter gave me my choice of 2011 Chevrolet Impala, 2011 Ford Fusion, or 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. I thought "Hey, the Jetta would make a good car for an interactive review since it's been debated so much already". I got all of 5 miles before I regretted not going with the comfort of the Impala..... so just remember the sacrifices I go through for you lot. You better ask LOTS of questions to make this worth it.

Clearly not a good start eh? (only been in Canada about 8 hours now). For one, road noise in the Jetta on concrete highways is loud.... it's turn-your-stereo-up loud. Seat comfort on the other hand is excellent. The leatherette VeeDub is putting into this Jetta will fool a good number of people into thinking it's leather. The dash looks soft touch, but it's not. The interior is a sea of gray and punch outs where switches would be if it were a better equipped version. I've counted no less than 8 punch outs for non-existent buttons.

The Interior is VERY roomy. I'll look up specs later, but being the largest of the compact class surely has some advantage. I'm thinking that this new Jetta is larger than some mid-size cars from years ago.

What has already been said in other threads about the 2.5 liter 5-cylinder is entirely true. I question it's very existence. It is the only non-turbo engine I have ever driven that feels like it has turbo lag. The lag is so distinct I'm going to actually try to get a video of it. It provides neither the power of a V6 nor the fuel economy of a 4-cylinder. The transmission is very shift happy and it needs to be to get any power. All sport mode does is stop the transmission from lugging the engine constantly. In typical driving, the engine note is smooth and pleasant. Under full throttle it's loud.

The Jetta is EPA rated at 31mpg highway and my first fill up calculated out to be a smidge over 26mpg. However, I don't know that the tank was truly full , so we'll see more fuel economy postings later. Fuel economy numbers also could be down because I am the very first customer in this car. It had 14 miles on it when I picked it up. Knowing the area, it had to have rolled from the dealer to the gas station to the rental lot into my hot little hands.

Handling is unremarkable so far, not that the weather has allowed for any pushing of the car.

So have at it C&Gers, what do you want to know about this 2011 Volkswagen Jetta?

[CSpec]

Do the looks put you to sleep more than any other car?

[Drew Dowdell]

Before anyone says anything about my wish for the Impala over the Jetta... it's purely in the "I have to sit in this thing for 6 hours going in a straight line how can I stay comfortable" sort of way.

[William Maley]

Is this a barebones Jetta or does it have some options?

[Drew Dowdell]

well... um... it has Cruise.

[SeanLoh]

Are you embarrassed to be seen in it? Is it even more of a chick car than ever?

[Cory Wolfe]

Ignoring the obvious differences to the previous Jetta, how would you compare it to other compact cars, such as the Cruze? (Not for me, but probably informative for others)

[ocnblu]

You obviously have not detected the special feel in a Volkswagen. Relinquish the key immediately.

Seriously though, how do the doors and trunk lid sound when you close them? How does it feel while driving, structure-wise?

Having owned a couple of five-cylinder vehicles, I know they have an unusual sound. Does the engine song turn you off or endear you?

Concrete roads are the worst for noise, no matter the car you're driving. Rolling a tire on a concrete road is like running your fingers along corduroy pants... you're going to play a tune.

[Drew Dowdell]

Are you embarrassed to be seen in it? Is it even more of a chick car than ever?

I don't think the new one is a chick car at all. I'm not embarrassed to be seen in it because most people won't even notice it's there.

[Drew Dowdell]

Ignoring the obvious differences to the previous Jetta, how would you compare it to other compact cars, such as the Cruze? (Not for me, but probably informative for others)

It's roomier than the Cruze by a lot. The trunk is massive for a mid-size much less a compact. In 2.5 form, it doesn't feel *that* much faster than a Cruze turbo (which I had two weeks ago as a rental).

Interior wise, the Cruze uses nicer materials, but the Jetta is put together better.... though in the case of this car, that isn't really hard when most of the buttons are blanks.

[Drew Dowdell]

You obviously have not detected the special feel in a Volkswagen. Relinquish the key immediately.

Seriously though, how do the doors and trunk lid sound when you close them? How does it feel while driving, structure-wise?

Having owned a couple of five-cylinder vehicles, I know they have an unusual sound. Does the engine song turn you off or endear you?

Concrete roads are the worst for noise, no matter the car you're driving. Rolling a tire on a concrete road is like running your fingers along corduroy pants... you're going to play a tune.

It is solid. Very solid car in that regard. Much more so than the Elantra or Kia or even above a Ford Fusion.

The engine turns me off by doing nothing well except make noise. I get that a 5-cylinder is supposed to be a compromise between a V6 and a 4-cylinder, but the 312 HP Camaro gets 30 mpg now. So why is this 170hp unit only rated at 31? It doesn't seem to have much torque low in the power band because the transmission is always wanting to kick down. I did the speed limit the whole trip.

I get that concrete roads are loud, but some cars handle them better than others.

[Drew Dowdell]

Here's another thing about the Jetta.... it uses cables to operate the HVAC airflow control..... what other car still does that?

I'm going to ask my friends in Germany their opinions about the Jetta's image. I remember them saying something about "old men in hats"

[Cory Wolfe]

I'm going to ask my friends in Germany their opinions about the Jetta's image. I remember them saying something about "old men in hats"

I'm not sure that would really amount to much. The Jetta sees most of its success here in the U.S. It's always been an outcast in Europe, selling much like the Golf does here.

[Lamar]

If you've driven it, how would you compare the driving dynamics to the previous Jetta?

[CSpec]

I'm going to ask my friends in Germany their opinions about the Jetta's image. I remember them saying something about "old men in hats"

I'm not sure that would really amount to much. The Jetta sees most of its success here in the U.S. It's always been an outcast in Europe, selling much like the Golf does here.

Yeah, no one really drives compact sedans in Europe.

[G. David Felt]

How was Fit and Finish? So far VW has not been a good quality fit and finish compared to many other vendors out there.

So while the auto might have a tin sound in regards to opening and closing doors, does it seem to be well built or just too cheap of content to really put it in a solid build category?

[Robert Hall]

Interesting..didn't realize you could take a rental car to Canada. Seems like a long distance to drive on a work trip (I've always flown on business trips).

Anyway, how are the cupholders? NVH? Outward visibility?

[Drew Dowdell]

Interesting..didn't realize you could take a rental car to Canada. Seems like a long distance to drive on a work trip (I've always flown on business trips).

Anyway, how are the cupholders? NVH? Outward visibility?

Why couldn't you take a rental car to Canada?

The flights from Pittsburgh to Toronto are super expensive if you go direct and only a little less expensive if you connect in Newark or Philly. If you take a connecting flight, total travel time downtown to downtown is greater than just driving it.

When I priced flights for this trip I was coming up with rates of $650 round trip and travel times of 8 hours. I rented the Jetta for 6 days for $240 plus tax and drove it in 6 hours (took my time).

The cup holders are good and sturdy, and can handle a big gulp. They have 4 spring loaded arms that come out and hold your cup in place.

NVH is ok. The engine is smooth enough but gets loud if you rev it to pass. There is a lot of tire noise. Outward visibility is excellent, I'd rate it much higher than any of GM's current offerings.

My main comparison is the Cruze 2LT since I had one two weeks ago as a rental. Cruze is much quieter and the interior is more warm and welcoming. Jetta has more power, feels more solid, and is much roomier.

The Jetta platform feels like it is a mid-size car in the compact class; but in this trim, it is held back by its engine, spartan interior, and some cheap materials in noticeable places.

The 2.5 is the biggest issue with the car. Changing that one thing would likely change my opinion of the car. If I'm going to drive something spartan like this, it should at least get better gas mileage, right?

How was Fit and Finish? So far VW has not been a good quality fit and finish compared to many other vendors out there.

So while the auto might have a tin sound in regards to opening and closing doors, does it seem to be well built or just too cheap of content to really put it in a solid build category?

I'm going to go over the car in more detail later this week, but the fit seems excellent and the platform feels very solid... not tinny.

However, they used cheap plastic materials in a lot of places they shouldn't have.

[Robert Hall]

Interesting..didn't realize you could take a rental car to Canada. Seems like a long distance to drive on a work trip (I've always flown on business trips).

Anyway, how are the cupholders? NVH? Outward visibility?

Why couldn't you take a rental car to Canada?

Legal reasons like insurance, etc. I've noticed on rental agreements before clauses about not taking out of the country.

My main comparison is the Cruze 2LT since I had one two weeks ago as a rental. Cruze is much quieter and the interior is more warm and welcoming. Jetta has more power, feels more solid, and is much roomier.

The Jetta platform feels like it is a mid-size car in the compact class; but in this trim, it is held back by its engine, spartan interior, and some cheap materials in noticeable places.

I haven't noticed in reviews/comparison tests, but I assume the Jetta is dimensionally bigger inside (rear leg room, etc) than other compacts like the Cruze and Focus, or at least it *looks* bigger on the outside..surprising they are still using the 2.5, guess it's a cost issue in trying to keep the prices down.

[Drew Dowdell]

The Jetta is really approaching small-mid-size class if not by EPA standards at least by everyone else's. It feels about equally roomy as a Fusion. I'm not in a position to look it up right now, anyone know the official EPA classification?

I'm surprised they are still using the 2.5 AND the 16 valve 2.slow in the really base version, but at least that engine returns decent economy numbers.

[ocnblu]

The 2.slow in this new car is 4 valves/cylinder? That's an update, IIRC the older version was an 8-valver, 2 per cylinder if my mathematics are correct.

[vonVeezelsnider]

Legal reasons like insurance, etc. I've noticed on rental agreements before clauses about not taking out of the country.

Usually Mexico is the issue, I have heard.

[Drew Dowdell]

Well I know that Zimbabwe is right out.

[dwightlooi]

I have actually driven one... Here's the verdict:-

• Exterior looks -- looks less defined and less solid than the previous generation. Nice chrome grille gives way to black plastic slots.
  
• Interior Finish -- Significantly WORSE than the rather posh previous two generations. Looks cheaper without the flush shut vents and rubberized thumb wheels. Lots more hard plastics, dubious chrome trim that's plastic and looks plastic. One piece dash molding looks like Rubbermaid is the subcontractor.
  
• Ergonomics -- Generally an improvement over the previous A5 Jetta/Golf. White on black is sharp and well defined over the booey blue lighting. Buttons are easy to reach, but are no longer exquisitely damped in their detent action.
  
• Powertrain -- 2.5L I-5 engine revs slowly but is relatively smooth. 5000 rpm redline is a tad low though and the 170hp feels like 130~140.
  
• NVH -- Pretty good, better than the kinda roary Civic, but not as good as previous two generations. More road noise and wind noise.
  
• Handling -- Nicely Planted but a tad too much under steer up to 7/10ths. Didn't push beyond that because colleague is in the car.
  

Generally, the new Jetta looks and feels like it went downmarket with this revision. But, wait, that is exactly what it did. The new Jetta starts at $16.5K. That's about 2K less than the previous based model despite less favorable exchange rates. Heck, that is less than the Cruze. And... well... it shows! BTW, I haven't driven the BASE modek with the 115hp 2.0L SOHC-8v I4 in the A6 Jetta, but if memories of the A3 (1992 model) which has the same engine serves me correctly, that engine might actually rev a tad higher and be a tad quieter. The good old 115hp iron block 8v is actually quite smooth.

Volkswagen tried the posh compact route and now it is trying the me-too at a low price route.

Edited May 19, 2011 by dwightlooi

[Drew Dowdell]

• Interior Finish -- Significantly WORSE than the rather posh previous two generations. Looks cheaper without the flush shut vents and rubberized thumb wheels. Lots more hard plastics, dubious chrome trim that's plastic and looks plastic. One piece dash molding looks like Rubbermaid is the subcontractor.

I'm glad I have backup on that one. I was expecting a fight there. I pretty much agree with the rest of your assessment so far. The interior design isn't as refined, but it is put together well for what it is. I just want to make that distinction.

[Cory Wolfe]

I'm surprised they are still using the 2.5 AND the 16 valve 2.slow in the really base version, but at least that engine returns decent economy numbers.

The 2.0 is only 8 valves and still SOHC, as before. It hasn't changed.

Also, I'm not sure what or who gave you the idea that the 2.0 returns decent fuel economy compared to the 2.5. As far as the EPA ratings are concerned, have a look below. The automatic 2.5 actually gets better gas mileage than the anemic automatic 2.0... with 55 more horsepower, no less.

--Manual

• Jetta 2.5: 23 city/33 highway
• Jetta 2.0: 24 ctiy/34 highway

--Automatic

• Jetta 2.5: 24 city/31 highway
• Jetta 2.0: 23 city/29 highway

For what's it worth, in my experience, the 2.5 is more deserving of its place than the 2.0. The latter will make for a good iron-block boat anchor some day. It's far past its prime.

I'm glad I have backup on that one. I was expecting a fight there. I pretty much agree with the rest of your assessment so far. The interior design isn't as refined, but it is put together well for what it is. I just want to make that distinction.

There's not really much to fight about. The Jetta's interior is solidly assembled with bargain-basement plastics and designed around parts-bin controls, neither of which go away until you enter the GLI.

[Drew Dowdell]

I'm surprised they are still using the 2.5 AND the 16 valve 2.slow in the really base version, but at least that engine returns decent economy numbers.

The 2.0 is only 8 valves and still SOHC, as before. It hasn't changed.

Also, I'm not sure what or who gave you the idea that the 2.0 returns decent fuel economy compared to the 2.5. As far as the EPA ratings are concerned, have a look below. The automatic 2.5 actually gets better gas mileage than the anemic automatic 2.0... with 55 more horsepower, no less.

--Manual

• Jetta 2.5: 23 city/33 highway
• Jetta 2.0: 24 ctiy/34 highway

--Automatic

• Jetta 2.5: 24 city/31 highway
• Jetta 2.0: 23 city/29 highway

For what's it worth, in my experience, the 2.5 is more deserving of its place than the 2.0. The latter will make for a good iron-block boat anchor some day. It's far past its prime.

I'm glad I have backup on that one. I was expecting a fight there. I pretty much agree with the rest of your assessment so far. The interior design isn't as refined, but it is put together well for what it is. I just want to make that distinction.

There's not really much to fight about. The Jetta's interior is solidly assembled with bargain-basement plastics and designed around parts-bin controls, neither of which go away until you enter the GLI.

doh! I totally knew it was an 8-valve but I typed 16v.

I've seen claims of much better than EPA with the 2.0. It may be one of those engines that doesn't do well in the EPA test but does better in real world. *shrug* You're right about it being a boat anchor though.... 115hp with 125 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm is simply insufficient for a car this large.

I'd really like to get my hands on a diesel Jetta.

[dwightlooi]

The Jetta is really approaching small-mid-size class if not by EPA standards at least by everyone else's. It feels about equally roomy as a Fusion. I'm not in a position to look it up right now, anyone know the official EPA classification?

I'm surprised they are still using the 2.5 AND the 16 valve 2.slow in the really base version, but at least that engine returns decent economy numbers.

What 16 valve 2.slow? It's an 8 valve 2.slow!

[ehaase]

VW needs a high tech, high fuel economy gasoline engine for the Jetta and Golf. However, my understanding is VW's only reliable engines are its simple ones - the 2.5 and the 2.0 8 valve. I understand the 3.6 and the 2.0T DI are not as reliable and very expensive to repair.

[Croc]

• Interior Finish -- Significantly WORSE than the rather posh previous two generations. Looks cheaper without the flush shut vents and rubberized thumb wheels. Lots more hard plastics, dubious chrome trim that's plastic and looks plastic. One piece dash molding looks like Rubbermaid is the subcontractor.

I'm glad I have backup on that one. I was expecting a fight there. I pretty much agree with the rest of your assessment so far. The interior design isn't as refined, but it is put together well for what it is. I just want to make that distinction.

But because it's a VW it's totally OK since they MEANT to go downmarket, unlike GM who is just CHEAP and LAZY whenever they do it the same way.

[Drew Dowdell]

I think I am softening my criticism of the 2.5. I just spent the evening zipping around Toronto and in these conditions it's got plenty of snot. It's when you try a passing maneuver on the highway where it runs out of breath (pretty much my entire drive up here was 99% highway)

It's also big for a compact. It's gotta be old Passat sized.

[Z-06]

What is the fuel economy have you gotten so far?

[Drew Dowdell]

it's on E now... going to fill up tomorrow before heading back to PIttsburgh and I'll be able to report.

[Z-06]

Cruze or Jetta or Focus?

[Drew Dowdell]

depends on needs.

For long distance cruising, any Cruze LT or higher. It's easily the quietest and most comfortable while being the best on gas <in the manual version and soon the automatic>

If you need Malibu size for Cruze LS price... then the Jetta

[Bimmer325]

At the end of the day, the Jetta is the ONLY car in this class I'd be caught dead in, except for maybe the Focus. Every other car in this class is either dorky or overwrought in terms of exterior styling. This Jetta looks mature--even upscale--parked next to just about anything else in the segment. I appreciate the restraint designers used.

[Robert Hall]

About the only car in the C-segment I like is the Golf..has a nicer interior than the Jetta and the practicality of a hatchback....hard choice would be a diesel or a GTI, both have appealing aspects.

Edited May 26, 2011 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[Maxy]

I see many of the new Jetta here in San Diego. Most of them look like rental cars, and I can see the sights, when I ride my bike. That still leaves a lot of things that are bought by commuters who are recovering what looks like zero Jetta content on any other "system" cars that have much better reputation.

[regfootball]

Ignoring the obvious differences to the previous Jetta, how would you compare it to other compact cars, such as the Cruze? (Not for me, but probably informative for others)

It's roomier than the Cruze by a lot. The trunk is massive for a mid-size much less a compact. In 2.5 form, it doesn't feel *that* much faster than a Cruze turbo (which I had two weeks ago as a rental).

Interior wise, the Cruze uses nicer materials, but the Jetta is put together better.... though in the case of this car, that isn't really hard when most of the buttons are blanks.

the Jetta is the only one in the compact class that really gets that space matters in the back. the trunk is also very good. The VW has great packaging, its just dated and really a half assed design as far as looks and anything exciting.

The Jetta seemed to me to be put together well inside, but that is hard to notice when everything is so cheap and uninspired. And the Cruze is put together well also.

The 2.5 flat out sucks. It has no business being in this or any car. It's not quick, it sounds crappy, Once on the boil, the Cruze turbo seems as quick really. In stick form, the Cruze turbo is nicer to drive because you can get the rpms down lower at highway speed.

The Jetta is better than a Corolla though. I just can't believe how crappy the new Jetta is. It's not that far removed from being a very good car. A decent modern 2.0 litre non turbo four popper. A more lavish interior design and materials. A bit more excitement on the outside....and better fuel economy.

The Jetta has a decent ride and handling. Not superlative, but worthy of nice comments.

The Jetta looks like a mid eighties car and it sort of feels like it still, too.

Nice idea, but its 2011.

The Jetta is a huge ripoff IMO.

[regfootball]

I think I am softening my criticism of the 2.5. I just spent the evening zipping around Toronto and in these conditions it's got plenty of snot. It's when you try a passing maneuver on the highway where it runs out of breath (pretty much my entire drive up here was 99% highway)

It's also big for a compact. It's gotta be old Passat sized.

it seemed to me the 2.5 just didn't have good throttle response, and it takes it own sweet time to build revs.

[Drew Dowdell]

I think I am softening my criticism of the 2.5. I just spent the evening zipping around Toronto and in these conditions it's got plenty of snot. It's when you try a passing maneuver on the highway where it runs out of breath (pretty much my entire drive up here was 99% highway)

It's also big for a compact. It's gotta be old Passat sized.

it seemed to me the 2.5 just didn't have good throttle response, and it takes it own sweet time to build revs.

I didn't find that to be the case at all especially with the transmission downshifting early and often.

[synchro242]

2.slow fuel economy??? I have a 2005 Jetta and can barely eke out 25 MPG on the highway. Plus I have to turn off the air to accelerate from a stop-light. I've seen alot of the new Jettas around and shake my head every time I see one.

[Cory Wolfe]

2.slow fuel economy??? I have a 2005 Jetta and can barely eke out 25 MPG on the highway. Plus I have to turn off the air to accelerate from a stop-light. I've seen alot of the new Jettas around and shake my head every time I see one.

Good ol' MK4, eh?