Volkswagen Jetta TDI
By Larry E. Hall
The Jetta is Volkswagen’s top seller in the U.S. because a core base of loyalists have been willing to fork over a few dollars more for a compact car that is known for its German engineering, superior handling and class-leading interiors. The fact that it is offered in both sedan and wagon body styles, plus its availability with a turbocharged diesel engine, has added to the allure.
For 2011, the Jetta TDI gets a new look with clean, sharp lines that provide an overall appearance of understated sophistication. Gone is the distinctive wide mouth grille, replaced with a more determined and synchronous face.
The problem is, the number of Jetta devotees is less than half the number of car buyers who drive home in new Honda Civics and Toyota Corollas every year. So, if you’re Volkswagen and you have publicly stated that the goal is to become the number one automaker in the world by 2018, including being the leading volume brand in the U.S. as well, what do you do?
Compare the Jetta TDI!
If you're thinking about buying a Jetta TDI, you might also consider a Toyota Prius or a Scion xB. Compare these vehicles.
Market research revealed that 90 percent of new-car shoppers were aware of the Jetta but 45 percent avoided considering it because of cost. For product planners, engineers and designers, that meant crafting a new Jetta that would compete with the segment leaders in price without giving away too much of its heritage.
An All-New Jetta
For starters, the 2011 Jetta sedan gets its own platform—it’s no longer a Golf hatchback with a trunk added to the rear end. The new car strains the definition of compact, pushing the envelope nearly into the mid-size arena. Its wheelbase has grown 2.9 inches, to 104.4 and overall length is increased the same, to 182.2 inches.
Since its introduction in 2009, the Jetta SportWagen has been a big hit with diesel fans. Unlike the new 2011 sedan, the SportWagen continues without any changes and if you buy before the end of 2010, it qualifies for a $500 federal tax credit.
By adding nearly three inches to the space that must be negotiated by hips, thighs, knees and toes, VW has turned the backseat into adult-ready territory. And the trunk is large enough to handle more gear than any other sedan in the compact class.
The growth is accompanied by a new body-style. Gone is the distinctive wide mouth grille, replaced with a more determined and synchronous face. Rearward of the toned down proboscis, the new look is less Germanic, more generic. While the new Jetta is not stirring or striking, it is clean with sharp lines that provide an overall appearance of understated sophistication. It’s a look that outdistances its intended competitors.
Designers carried the exterior’s contemporary look inside the car, with a driver-focused instrument cluster and uncluttered center stack. When used, switchgear has that solid feeling expected in a German automobile. That said, the cabin is the first place where the bean counters’ influence is noticed—the rich looking, soft-to-the-touch materials of the outgoing model have been replaced by shiny, not-so-soft plastic. Yet, the interior still has the best-looking and highest quality in the compact class.
The inside isn’t the only place where the accounting types had their way with the sixth-generation Jetta. The multi-link rear suspension has been replaced with a less expensive torsion-beam design and rear disc brakes on the two entry trim levels are now drum brakes. Those who regularly check the engine’s vital fluids will find the gas struts that hold up the hood are gone, ditto the trunk lid struts, replaced with gooseneck type hinges that intrude into the trunk space.
2011 Lineup
What these changes accomplished is to help attain the goal of a price that’s intended to attract Civic and Corolla buyers. For 2011, the base Jetta S rings the bell at $15,995; the Civic sedan base price is $15,805 while the Corolla starts at $15,450. The Jetta S price, by the way, is $1,740 less than the 2010’s base price of $17,735 but is nicely equipped with air conditioning, power windows, power heated outside mirrors, anti-lock brakes, stability control, six airbags, split folding rear seat, remote keyless entry, a four-speaker AM/FM/CD audio with auxiliary input, and free maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine returns 24 mpg city/34 highway when connected to the manual five-speed transmission, 23 city/29 highway with the optional ($1,100) six-speed automatic.
A step up to the SE, $18,195, finds the continuation of VW’s 2.5-liter in-line five cylinder—23 city/33 highway with manual shifter—and adds cruise control, leatherette seating and other comfort amenities. The top trim SEL is priced at $21,395 and includes rear disk brakes plus tech gear such as Bluetooth, iPod connectivity, Sirius satellite radio and a navigation system.
Volkswagen hasn’t dumped its loyal fan base in its quest to sell Jettas in large quantities. Next year the high-performance Jetta GLI four door will return. As in the past it will be propelled by a 200 hp turbocharged 2.0T four-cylinder powerplant with an independent rear suspension and higher quality interior materials. And wagon fans need not despair either, the SportWagen continues in its current form with no indication from VW when it might receive the new makeover.
We drove a 2011 Jetta SE with both manual and automatic transmissions during the media introduction in San Francisco in July. A few weeks later, Volkswagen provided a 2011 TDI (Turbocharged Direct Injection) diesel for a weeklong evaluation.
On The Road
We did three stints with our six-speed manual Jetta TDI to get a reading on fuel economy: We clocked 56 miles on city streets, 241 miles of mostly Interstate driving and a fun-filled 137 miles on two-lane back county roads. EPA’s fueleconomy.org website’s rating for the 2011 edition is 30 mpg city and 42 mpg highway, and that’s for either the manual shifter or the six-speed DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) automatic that can operate in full automatic or semi-manual mode.
During our in-town driving trek I put on my "conservative" driving hat and forced myself to shift gears according to the up shift arrow on the instrument cluster. Shifting into fourth gear at 30-32 mph, as the arrow directed, was difficult. But apparently the folks at Volkswagen know how one should drive to squeeze out fuel economy because I wrung out 33.8 mpg. (So much for the way EPA arrives at their numbers.)
The following day we topped off fuel two blocks away from Interstate-5 and headed south from Olympia, Washington to Portland, Oregon. On this leg we drove mostly in the right lane and limited speed to between 60 and 65 mph. On the return, far left lane driving seemed more like the natural place for the Jetta and we cruised most of the way at 75-80 mph. We exited where we started and pumped 5.63 gallons of diesel. That’s 42.8 miles per gallon.
Three days later it was time for the turbo to spool up and stay there, fuel mileage be damned. There are some marvelous, seldom-used two-lane roads in the South Sound area of Washington State (Olympia/Tacoma). Blacktop surfaces range from silky smooth to almost gravel, with stretches of flat or hilly straight-aways and an abundance of blind corners and off-camber hairpin turns. For most of the 137 miles the transmission was in 3rd or 4th gear, making sure that the 30 to 50 mph posted speeds weren’t exceeded by too much. The 236 pounds-feet of torque produced by 2.0-liter four arrives at 1,750 rpm, proving that you don’t need a large displacement gas engine to have fun. And a 140 horsepower diesel validates that you can have a smile on your face while averaging 32.3 mpg.
The stretched wheelbase improves the Jetta’s ride quality and despite the switch to a torsion-beam rear suspension, the sedan hasn’t lost its taut, Teutonic feel on the road. Steering is tight, well weighted and communicative and the brakes are strong under foot and linear in their response. Cabin noise is at a minimum, even at highway speeds, with less road noise and wind whistle than expected for the class.
Base price for the Jetta TDI is $22,995, and that includes Bluetooth, Sirius satellite radio, iPod connectivity and sunroof. For $24,195, Volkswagen adds keyless access and push-button start, a 5" touchscreen satellite navigation system, lumbar adjustment for the driver, fog lamps and chrome grill.
On The Green Side
On top of this, super-greenies and energy security hawks can run biodiesel in the Jetta TDI. The Volkswagen warranty only allows a 5 percent blend of biodiesel, but for some, rules are made to be broken—especially when considering the stakes of continuing our national dependence on oil. Biodiesel offers a 100 percent petroleum-free alternative today. (We can’t tell you what to do; let your conscience be your guide.)
These opportunities are only possible because Volkswagen overcame the hurdle of California’s Tier 2, Bin 5 emissions standards. Unlike the Mercedes Bluetec system, which injects urea into the exhaust system to convert NOx to nitrogen and water, the Jetta uses a NOx storage catalyst, which holds the emissions in a reservoir until they can be burned off by the engine. In addition, the common rail fuel injection uses piezoelectric fuel injectors, which permits higher injection pressure than a mechanical system. These clean diesel technologies, developed in partnership with Audi and Mercedes Benz, are a breakthrough in terms of neutralizing emissions and filtering out diesel-related particulates.
Exciting stuff, but when looking at overall low emissions, diesels still can’t compete with hybrids. It’s a big milestone for a diesel to pass California’s Tier 2, Bin 5 standards, but that’s still only about average for a new vehicle. Meanwhile, the squeakiest of squeaky-clean standards is the SULEV, reserved for the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, and a handful of other vehicles including the conventional version of the Volkswagen Jetta.
Diesel-makers will be quick to point out that the difference between Tier 2, Bin 5 and SULEV is negligible—considering that both of these standards are many times cleaner than past generations of cars and trucks. That argument is supported by the federal government’s ruling the Jetta TDI is an “Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle.” Under the Energy Act of 2005, the Jetta TDI originally qualified for a $1,300 federal income tax credit. That is now reduced to $500 and, unfortunately, ends December 31, 2010.
Once upon a time, we all figured exceptional fuel efficiency would be the modern hair shirt—righteous but painful. With the 2011 Jetta TDI, Volkswagen has delivered a car that not only dispenses exceptional fuel efficiency, it’s actually a lot of fun to drive.
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30 / 42 MPG 7.84 / 5.6 L/100km
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BODY TYPE:
Sedan
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TECHNOLOGY:
Diesel
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BASE MSRP:
$23,000
1 year ago
Its looks and MPG is still too unattractive for that price, and it is still too polluting. I'll wait for an all electric. Hurry up Japan, I can't wait forever for one of your great looking electrics.
1 year ago
I've said it befoe and I'll say it again, that TDI wagon is HOT!
Thanks for the review! It's nice to see a positive one, most of the other 2011 Jetta reviews are composed of constant whining about the changes made to make it less expensive.
1 year ago
Thanks for the Commercial.
1 year ago
does the wagon have multilink rear suspension? when will vw bring a diesel hybrid or diesel plug in electric to the US? why does europe get the good stuff 1st ?
1 year ago
Cool! This is really helping the environment. Maybe you can help me go green if you know what I mean. Lol :)
1 year ago
You should drive one before you say that. I have two Jetta TDI's and I the fuel mileage in town is never under 40MPG in Dallas. (lots of stop and go) Highway at 75 tends to be between 42 and 45. On top of that the reliablity has been outstanding. Dealer oil changes are a must or you WILL have problems. My 2006 yas 97,000 miles and I have had to change the brakes once, some tires (I get around 45k per set). When I factor in all the costs I can guarantee that I get more miles per $ than anything else. Hybrids have two drive systems and will never be as economical. In fact my 2006 gets better mileage than a Prius of similar vintage. We bought a 2009 TDI and it is a little more refined and a lot more powerful for about a 2mpg tradeoff. Electrics are at least a decade away from being ALL ELECTRIC and go more than 100 miles. The pollution levels are minimal and if you want to cut pollution where you live help get a 10+ year old car off the road. that will do more for the environment than an electric which still pollutes through other means-toxic chemicals in production as well as materials required and use of electricity from misc power plants. Do some real homework before you leave a review.
1 year ago
Taking a 10+ yr old car off the road pollutes the environment with at least 2000 to 4000 lbs of garbage. There is nothing more we can do for the environment better than keeping our cars longer. Repairing your older car is the same as recycling. Add a tune up and some tires and you reuse your old car for another year. One less pile of toxic crap going into a landfill and one less new car coming out of a polluting factory.
The only environment you are saving by taking your old car off the road is the economic environment for the automakers. If that is where you want to spend your money then try to keep your interior clean because I'll likely be buying your used car and driving it until it begins to revert to its base elements.
1 year ago
Taking a 10+ yr old car off the road pollutes the environment with at least 2000 to 4000 lbs of garbage. There is nothing more we can do for the environment better than keeping our cars longer. Repairing your older car is the same as recycling. Add a tune up and some tires and you reuse your old car for another year. One less pile of toxic crap going into a landfill and one less new car coming out of a polluting factory.
The only environment you are saving by taking your old car off the road is the economic environment for the automakers. If that is where you want to spend your money then try to keep your interior clean because I'll likely be buying your used car and driving it until it begins to revert to its base elements.
1 year ago
Yeah, good luck with that sparky at 45mpd (day).
Oh, and less see you get 200,000 miles out of your toy with out $8,000 worth of batteries.
Signed, second TDI owner.
1 year ago
Taking an old car off the road is absolutely the worst thing you can do for the environment. the vast majority of cars create less pollution during their entire lifespan on the road than they do during the manufacturing product. Hybrids are the worst, with all the toxic chemicals involved. Honestly, buying a used giant SUV and driving it 200,000 more miles will be a greener solution than manufacturing one more Prius.
I also own a TDI, a 2001 (the most efficiant year) and I get 46mpg city consistently, and over 50 on the highway. my best tank on a road trip was 57mpg. Everything on the car is stock right now, but in a few months I will be getting aftermarket injectors and a new ECU that will increase my fuel mileage more yet.
So basically, I'm getting more MPG than any highbrid, with fewer batteries than an ipod. Not to mention, I can run 100% biodiesel in there (althogh I don't do that all the time) which means burning 0 petrol and everything that comes out the exhaust pipe is biodegradable. It's really too bad the newer TDIs cannot run 100% bio...
1 year ago
Good review.
Smart and informed readers - EV's and Hybrids are not our future.
Sorry to see that the author did not include the new emission numbers that take the off-sets from the 2nd generation biodiesel into account. If so, they are far better than any gasoline burning vehicle - including hybrids such as the Prius.
http://etcgreen.com Article: Are you driving your last gasoline powered car?
51 weeks ago
I LOVE my 2010 Jetta TDI. I have purchased 3 brand new Civics and 5 brand new Accords over the last 20 years. I was looking for better mileage and a manual transmission. What I didn't expect was all the cool little features of the Jetta. The heated seats. Flicking the wiper stalk when the engine is off to raise the wipers into the perfect position in case you need to scrape the windshield. The spring loaded hook in the trunk that perfectly captures cloth grocery bags so they don't fall over. The L shaped velcro brackets in the trunk that also hold things in place. The reading lights for the backseat passengers. The black German vinyl that feels so good and stays nice and clean. The handling and power or excellent. Also a great car in the snow with Hakkipelitas. Awesome sound system. Much better turning circle than Accord.
I just love this car. 44 MPG on highway trips in new car with snow tires, 3 adults and their luggage. I expect summer mileage to increase to 47 MPG. Way, way more room than a Prius for luggage.
These cars are way better than Civics and better than Accords.
51 weeks ago
Too polluting? You hybrid/eclectic loyalists are fooling yourselves. Electricity generally takes coal to produce in the U.S., so you're polluting either on the front end or out of your tailpipe.
50 weeks ago
Not too mention all the extra toxic materials in their batteries and the inherent inefficiencies in converting chemical energy to mechanical energy to chemical energy and then back to mechanical energy.
49 weeks ago
Dumbed down American. Do you really believe that junked cars go to a landfill? I have ocean front land to sell you in North Dakota. Used NiCad batteries are considered hazardous waste. Lithium ion batteries are very dangerous too, just try shipping them by air. Petroleum fuels are still our best bet for at least a couple of generations unless a miracle breakthrough in technology occurs. Until then smoke your pipe dreams and accept reality.
48 weeks ago
This is my opinion:
The 09' and 2010 VW and Audi TDi's sold in the U.S. are under investigation by the national highway traffic safety administration.
Google "TDI NHTSA" and you will find recent news articles on the issue.
And before you buy a 09' TDi clean diesel, do some research on what a HPFP failure could cost you.
45 weeks ago
I will be getting my new Jetta TDI in a couple of weeks. I have done my research and found that having a diesel gas is better for the environment that regular gas and battery powered cars. I also found that having a diesel car will last longer than the regular gas cars, with proper maintenance.
I also looked into the "TDI NHTSA", it did state that most of the reasons why the fuel pump failed is that people put in the wrong gas, HELLO!!! As we all know, not everyone tells the truth. Adding regular gas to my new Jetta is my biggest concern. Even if i have to use a post its that says "diesel gas only." I will do that. But i know i will take good care of my new buddy.
I also looked at the Toyota Pruis. I almost got one. My dad told me to do a little bit more research and i did. I found that it is more polluting to have a pruis than the Jetta TDI. I don't really remember, I know batteries don't last to long and a replacement might be free, but look at the affect it will have in the environment. Baterries are TOXIC.
So I can't wait to have my new Jetta, TDI.
Sincerely,
Future Owner of Jette, TDA
44 weeks ago
I purchased a 2011 Jetta Sportwagen TDI on13 March. I researched new vehicles for two months and concluded the TDI was the way to go. My previous car, 1986 Honda Accord LXi, had worn out. I cannot complain about the Honda. It served me well for 25 years and with regular maintenance it was a low-cost per mile vehicle.
I only have good things to say about the TDI. The fit and finish are superior, the interior is well laid out, the seats hug you, the handling is tight, and with in-town driving it is averaging 34 mpg.
I have an 82 911 and the TDI is much closer in handling, pick up
and drivability than the Honda was. The TDI is quiet and the high torque provides quick throttle response. It drives and handles more like a sports car than a station wagon.
No regrets and I highly recommend the Sportwagen TDI to those who want to be green as possible but also have room to haul stuff (with back seat down there is a lot of room) and have a fun to drive vehicle.
I did test drive the A3 TDI. However, the higher cost with less (standard options) plus ten inches shorter, smaller sunroof, and cramped back seat made it a non-starter. GO SPORTWAGEN TDI!
44 weeks ago
Bought my 2011 Jetta Sportwagen TDI about 3 weeks ago and I love it. It is so fun to drive and I am pulling about 40MPG combining mixed use highway and city. We are running it to Florida in a few weeks and I cannot wait to fill up at home in NC and drive all the way to FL without stopping once and still having a 1/4 talk to tool around town.
44 weeks ago
NHTSA blah blah blah... your car will fail and you will die instantly, blah blah blah.
Well, I bought a car that makes sense. Although I could care less about saving whales and the hole over Green land (I don't live there) I said to myself "Let's get a green car." My wife, who is an eco-terrorist, drives a Subaru Forester, a gas guzzling beast of a car (JK, I like the Forester fine) and me, me, the red meat eating troglodyte moron who wants a wagon to carry guns to hunt little animals and just wanted a nice car buys a Diesel.
I bought a 2011 Jetta TDI Sportwagen. If the TDPHFGDTDG breaks, who cares, it's got a warranty. I like cars, cars that men fit in... mainly because I am a 6'3" man. Prius, I have waited 3 thousand years for a prius to get out of my way while driving my motorycle before. These people and their poisonous little midget cars should be outlawed. I wanted a man car. Something you don't have to make excuses for. Something with comfy leather seats for my rotund bottom.
OK, I traded in my jeep Liberty (you can see why I wanted a nice car after driving that pile of rust, rubbish and failing iron. Hey NHTSA guy; my front wheel dropped in the street once and the whole front end was going hinky, try that sometime (LOL)
I'm two tanks in, I love this car. I'm not some weenie in glasses driving down the freeway watching the fuel gauge and doing little calculations in my head. I'm a weenie in glasses that rips by hausfraus babbling on the phone. 80 MPH, or whatever I can get away with.
This cute hippie girl even got me my 2nd tank in the form of cheap bio diesel. My fuel mileage to date... 39MPH! For me, that's like Christmas, Easter and the lower Oakland Roller Derby Championships rolled into one. So I have a nice comfy seat, room for my stuff, a wonderful driving cabin and environment and at worse 39MPG. Add on to that young, hip people complimenting me for trying to change and getting cheap gas from them, fre wheat grass smoothies, politically correct recycled pamphlets and who knows what else. Will the next tank be hemp diesel? Yeah.
Anyway, I don't live in Nepal, if it breaks I'll take it to the shop and they'll fix it. I'm gonna save my self $100 bucks this month and spend it on cigars, ammunition and cheeseburgers. Ja!
43 weeks ago
I'm astounded by the comments on this page defending eco terrorism with gas guzzling SUVs while bashing hybrid electric batteries. Those of you committing the offense outlined in the sentence above, have you considered a cost benefit analysis? How about some hard numbers on pollution comparisons between hybrids and other cars? Until you provide some meaningful, your comments are uninformed at best, forum trolling at moderation, and eco terroristic disinformation at worse.
43 weeks ago
That or we don't don't take it too seriously. People drive what they like. Have fun (I know how I am) I'm just very pleased about having a car that is comfortable and can get out of it's own way while at the same time solving a few problems and maybe saving a few caribou.
At the same time, reminding folks not to worry about problem this problem that (all vehicles have problems) well, that's good too.
42 weeks ago
I'm about 9 months into my 2010 SportWagen TDI. What a car! Room for family and gear, comfortable, *fun* to drive (get the manual tranny!), phenomenal build quality (more BMW than Honday), and averaging 36 mpg in mixed driving. I hit 45 mpg on my last tank (road trip). And well under $30k.
WHY AREN'T MORE PEOPLE DRIVING THESE CARS???
41 weeks ago
I have owned 2 jetta diesels. The first was bought in 1985 non turbo. I drove it for 593768 miles without any breakdowns. Average mpg 52. I gave it to my son who drove it for 3 additional years. Then sold it for 1000.00. My second was a tdi.
It was driven for 238000. And got 47 mpg average. It died in a wreck. I will be buying another.
40 weeks ago
As an American, cigar smoking (not), burger eating guy goes (yes), this totally cracked me up! We need to support American interest and that is buying American. Buy American means ‘global economy’ (ever call for help in India or Mexico?). To buy American means owned by American international interest. I love your review. Thank you and I needed it.
I am waiting on delivery for my 2011 VW TDI Jetta this week. I am a loyal Subaru owner and expect my car to last a lifetime (only American Lincoln and Cadillac still do that do that). Like just about everything American, a car is considered a consumable. To be used up well before its really used. Things used to be made to last but that mentality has been totally ‘left behind’. This diesel engine will last, but the car will not. The TDI is a cheap car and VW is not hiding the fact.
This is the bottom line. Diesel is the future. Europe has understood this years ago. Brazil (South America) is way ahead of everyone. Diesel engines are not understood (no spark plugs for starters). Bio-fuel is not understood. The word is Bio-diesel (there is no ‘bio gas’).
So you ready to really save money? Find a place who manufactures biodiesel. Not only is it better for your diesel engine (the ignition products are lubricants), the cost is well below your pump cost. Locate a co-op (chemist, like me binars68@yahoo.com) who can make this simple fuel reliably. The person manufacturing it is getting his cost for a very low amount and giving you a great rate per gallon.
End of green revolution. Go ahead and get your gas ‘hybrid’ or electric, 35 miles to the charge battery (while we burn ~ ¼ mile of coal rail cars to support the energy costs). But hey, North America is the Saudi Arabia of coal. Never mind the huge fresh water mass above the N55 parallel affected by carbon output (doesn’t Saudi Arabia wish they had that seeing how they have no water at all). Oil for water, I’ll take water {dah!} but we really are that mixed up.
Car engine diesel guys have us over a barrel right now (don’t you love the terminology? Kills me that Its real). The mark up is wayyyyy over value due to economy craze. If you are doing a lot of highway miles then you cant expect pump costs to break even around 5 years. It’s much longer if you are doing city miles.
I hope to get a lot more than 5 years out of my Jedda. Yet my warranty only gets 3. You don’t see a lot of 10 year Jeddas on the road, but you do see a lot of Jeddas out there. Must be a fun car to drive then right?
The EU, Japan, Korea and the US have really got this economy thing figured out. What we are willing to pay vs cost to operate and maintain has been carefully balanced with the current economic conditions.
Another bottom line for you. We have to reduce using fossile fules. Even if I say please? That’s what I thought. Your Coca Cola (yeah its mixed with water and transported with fossile fuel) doest not cost enough yet for you to release your 15mpg vehicle. Our fattened reality. Lipids and water don’t mix.
40 weeks ago
Jetta TDI's actual emit less CO2, CO, and hydrocarbons than a Prius. They still emit slightly more NO and particulate matter but these are very short lived in the atmosphere. In defense of the Prius, the batteries hardly ever fail and they can be recycled. They are not toxic midget cars, but they are extremely ugly.
The diesel vs hybrid debate is dumb. Diesel + hybrid is the way to go. 100mpg and the ability to still have fun while driving -- coming to a town near you.
40 weeks ago
Great car... great review... :)
38 weeks ago
We bought the 2005 Jetta TDI for a business car. It now has almost 300,000 miles on it (283,000). The oil has been changed as needed and we have gone through three (maybe four) sets of tires. All else on the car, is original....and it still gets over 45 mpg.
LOVE the JETTA!!!
We are picking up our new 2011 Jetta TDI this week. So now we are a two Jetta family!!!
THANKS VW!!!!
37 weeks ago
Cars are completely recycled, what the hell are you talking about? Where do you think they get the metal for new cars / engines?
37 weeks ago
I have to say my wife took a road trip massachusetts to her friends house ad got 44 mpg when they quouted her 42...plus i autocross and the car has great pickup. I hate the pause between the gear shift but i figure a safety feature but wish it was a continuos power. besides that great car
33 weeks ago
If you wait for the hybrid, have you considered where the electricity comes from, and the toxicity of the batteries, which must be replaced?
Just curious.
32 weeks ago
Here are represent the reasons that i like the Jetta you see the design the motors are very powerful i don't know what yo say as for me this is one of my favorite cars.
kamagra
32 weeks ago
We have a new 2011 Jetta Wagon TDI. Over the first 3000 miles we have averaged 46 MPG, mostly on country roads and some around town. When I drive carefully I get 50-55 MPG on round trips of 40-50 miles. Those are real world numbers.
32 weeks ago
I don’t understand why Japanese auto makers do not release diesel cars in U.S. They do in Europe..
32 weeks ago
Have put about 2500 miles on my 2011 Jetta sportswagon TDI. It is fun to drive, gets great mileage (about 40 average) and I have to drive 15 miles one way on a dirt road to reach pavement. My other vehicle is a chevy silverado 4X4 that is required when it rains and the dirt road that turns to the equivalent of deep duck shit (13 mpg). It is 80 miles one way to the nearest grocery store and 31 miles to get my mail.
I had an early VW Rabbit diesel pick up in the early 1980w and loved it. that was a big reason for returning to the VW this time. It died in an accident at 135,000 miles. It had the original tires on it at the time and would go so far on a tank of diesel, that I would forget to watch the fuel level gage and run out occasionally. It would go almost anywhere my nephew's Toyota 4X4 would go and it was comfortable.
Planning on making a bumper-sticker for my 2011 VW that will read "thanks for driving a Prius - so I don't have to!"
31 weeks ago
The whole debate about recycling should include impacts to cost/benefit analysis by the cost of disposal. Costs go up with the toxicity and down with higher material recovery. Niether one is currently favorable in the Li world. Will it change? Yeah in time but at what factor of improvement? Anything like the 100% improvement of ICE over the last 15 years? Doubt it.
There has been a major debate about the carbon footprint of a Prius where some studies (one from UConn??) equated it to a Hummer over a four year period; just before you have to replace the batteries.
Bottom line is that the batteries make a BIG impact on the environment at assembly and recycling. Big enough to think my diesel will be a better alternative over the long term. Yeah, and I would love to burn Bio-diesel 100 and can't wait to have a car to do so with. And a much better alternative to ethenol. Haven't heard as much yelling about it over a couple of years ago before they calculated the net energy loss to produce the liquid. So is a Prius the same all over again??? Just asking.
My pet peeve - Prius owners who talk of reduced gas usage but drive the vehicle at speeds that reduce their '54mpg' to rates much lower than 45mpg and still hold the highway left lane hostage to their slower speeds due to handling issues on 14 inch tires. Really. Take your go-cart back to the city streets, where they really make the highest gas savings possible, and start recovering some of that toxic pile you created.
I think they should have those quiet electric vehicles operate like the automobile had to in the early 1900's, with someone leading them with a bell since pedestrians could not hear them coming before they met with a bump.
31 weeks ago
Hi;
Just wanted to let you know that I loved your comment... simple, funny, and straight to the point. It had me laughing while reading it....
29 weeks ago
I have a 2011 VW Sportwagen TDI DSG, solid car, hope the car will last (aside from the engine). Someone's comments above regarding a possible diesel/electric combo, just will not happen due to the prohibitive cost. Its bad enough with two separate drive systems with a gas and electric engines, but a diesel engine and electric? Obviously the best gas mileage yet, but too expensive. I have a better idea. Lower the weight of each car 1,000 lbs and you will increase the gas mileage at least 20% on each car. Think about it. the 2006 Jetta was about 2,600 lbs. Now the sportwagen is 3300lbs. That is ridiculous! We have the technology with plastics and light metals to lower the weights, but we are not doing too well.
29 weeks ago
Just ordered a 2011 Golf TDI Wagon (Canada designation) and am waiting a similar great car experience as had with my '78 Rabbit diesel smoker, but without the smoke. (sold after 330 000 km). My brother raves about his Prius and the technology package, but a drawback is that in very cold weather, there is a considerable delay in the electric system "kicking in" and the cabin warming. I anticipate a little loss of economy in winter and a slow warm-up with the diesel, but after warm-up, the fuel economy should still be pretty fair.
29 weeks ago
You are so wrong buddy, 2011 jettas are 0% emission, the government will stimulate you to get one of this. As for the mileage, I got 750 miles with a full tank, made it from Indiana to Greenvile in NC on a single tank= $53.
Rethink it.
28 weeks ago
Oh goody! I can't wait for the gov'ment to "stimulate me." Stimulate away I say.
Currently own an '03 Jetta GLI. Love it. 2.8L VR6 w/ 6 speed is awesome. But do not want to put ethanol into my car when state makes it mandatory next year. Would like a diesel, maybe A3 TDI, but cannot live without a manual. So, am considering VW Sportwagon TDI 6-speed.
And having UnKle Sam is going to stimulate me is an added bonus. (Bonus. Hee hee.)
28 weeks ago
when you compare Jetta with any model of VW you may feel that mileage is better and even the fuel economy and pricing is reasonable.
26 weeks ago
Bought the 2011 Jetta TDI 6 speed just over two weeks ago and i can say that I love the car. My previous car was a Nissan Maxima and got 25 to 28 mpg. I do all highway driving back and forth to work and I can say it's almost addicting to see what the best average trip mpg is going to be. Driving at the speed limit on an empty highway the other day on my way to work at 5 am I got 58 mpg. I was so shocked I took a picture of it with my phone.
With the Maxima I filled up once a week with premium gas, with the Jetta I should be able to go 2 weeks for the same price. (1c difference at my local station) It is fun, sporty, has all the comfort and features that I like and the gas mileage is awesome.
I drove all this week back and forth to work and the gauge says I'm between 3/4 tank and full. (60 miles a day) What an impressive car. Research pays off.
25 weeks ago
The interior of the Jetta is one of the most elegant, high quality and comfortable of the entire luxury class.
http://bit.ly/q1x3Fi
24 weeks ago
I have a 2010 Jetta SportWagen TDI with a manual trans. Over a one year period (July 1, 2010 to July 1, 2011), I have averaged 43.2mpg. I live in Minneapolis, MN where we have snow and cccold weather. It does take longer to warm up than a gasoline vehicle so I added a 200 watt, 12 volt portable ceramic heater that I velcro'ed to the dash and helped to clear the windshield in the winter. I purchased it on eBay for $25. The lowest average tankfull was 37.7mpg on Dec 20th, 2010, the only one below 40mpg. The highest was 48.3 on the fourth fill-up in July 2010. I filled up 35 times over a distance of 19,780 miles averaging 565 miles per tankfull. The shortest fill-up distance was 367 miles, and the longest was 646 miles. I have seen numerous trip to and from work with over 50mpg. All of these numbers have the tire diameter offsets compensated for using a GPS and mile markers over a 100 mile run. I run winter tires that are 3.5% taller and the summer tires are .5% taller than the odometer. My work travel is 23 miles and it takes about 30 minutes, I spend about 30% of the time in town and 30% on 55mph highways and 40% on 65mph highways. There are seven stoplights each way to work and back. The car performed excellent in the winter in the deep snow, ice, sleet, rain, ect...The stability control, traction control, differential lock, anti-lock brakes work seamlessly and are not over-controlling like in the Kia Soul that I had previously. The electric steering always provides excellent feedback without too much or to little boost. The clutch was grabby the first few months but then smoothed out and is not a problem for others like my wife and kids whom only drive it occasionally. The only issue was at the 10K service I had the passenger seat lumbar knob replaced as it would fall off, problem solved. Our family uses this car as much as possible instead of the 2004 Sienna van which we need to last us a very long time. I am looking forward to a whole bunch of years with the SportWagen. I have a friend whom has a Honda Civic hybrid and gets 47mpg. When you quiz him on that, you soon find out that that is the most he has seen on a tank and not a full year average. He says that in the winter it drops down into the low 30's per tank. There you go.......
24 weeks ago
I agree Jetta is a solid ar and sports TDI is outstanding. People who are concerned about the budget and performance along with quality, yes it is the best choice. The fuel economy is improved and is free from emission.
24 weeks ago
The reason we don't get the good stuff over here is money. Congress and the oil industry as well as the auto industry really don't want the good stuff here. Do you know that there is a car made in Europe that gets 100 mpg? It's main engine uses compressed air instead of any kind of fuel. It uses regular gas to run a small compressor to recharge the air tanks. Do you think we will ever see it. H*** NO! The oil and auto industries have bought out Congress and that car will never be here.
23 weeks ago
Went 209 miles & just hit 55.5 MPG's @ 63 MPH. AYKM!!!! I love this whip. A little smaller than the Legacy Wagon. However, I still enjoy the wagon aspect. A couple of things to take note of:
1. A knocking sound from the front end on fast tight turns.
2. F I've noticed a little stutter that might be the fuel recall problem while in 2nd gear going into third. I have just under 8200 miles and this hasn't gotten worse. Only time will tell.
3. IPod 3 is unable to be controlled with the touch screen. May need to upgrade to IPod 4.
Enjoy the ride and remember to always drive it like ya stole it!
23 weeks ago
I have just retired my 91 Integra with 210k on the clock, it still has plenty of life in it hope to sell it to the Hyundai dealer guy who was hoping I would buy an Elantra (40+mpg and a good little car)
My new daily grind will be 120 miles return to NJ from CT and having tried a couple of cars finally decided it made sense to go A> Jetta then B> Diesel The Hyundai was under active consideration but the sales tactics put me off a little.
Whilst the Jetta will cost me I have to spend money to make money as my new job is important to me and public transport is an option just not a 5.5 hrs a day option. (Lincoln Tunnel Traffic in the evening adds the killer 1 hour).
Looking forward to getting some great service out of my Jetta TDI and since I am not a hard driver I hope to get high 50's out of it,
+ NJ Diesel is about 3.70 gallon
22 weeks ago
Diesel prices? Has anyone compared gas and diesel prices between a TDI and a hybrid?
22 weeks ago
Just hit 212,553 miles in my 2004 "Toy" with batteries. With 47.2 lifetime mpg, Go back to the drawing board VW!
21 weeks ago
"when looking at overall low emissions, diesels still can’t compete with hybrids..."
Correct me if I'm wrong, but It is my understanding that a vehicle running B100 is as close to zero-emissions as you can get. For every molecule of carbon that such a vehicle emits, a molecule gets removed from the atmosphere to make more B100.
I have in fact been shopping for a used diesel Jetta TDI for a few weeks now, and my experience with used car salesmen leaves one with a bitter taste for humanity in general. Out of sheer frustration I am considering just buying a new 2011 Jetta TDI and violating the warranty with B100. If anyone thinks this is an awful idea (or even a good idea) please feel free to contact me.
21 weeks ago
Like the car design very much and I have seen the interior elsewhere on the net that too very specious. In all a good car for the buyer.
http://www.motorexpress.net/carblog/
21 weeks ago
You maybe right about the price but you should get more infos about clean diesel wich is FAR less polluting than gaz and most other alt fuels.
19 weeks ago
Nice try but your electric pollutes, only because you don't see it you think it doesnt. The generator plant using fossil fuels or coal to produce your PURE electricity is as dirty as hell. In reality solar and wind are too expensive and still only about 2-3% total electricity production in america. The hype does play well with the Obama crowd though!
19 weeks ago
Anyone who is smart and does their homework will clearly see that getting a VW Jetta TDI is the best option when considering all the variables! Hands down, there's no other vehicle which can match its combined fuel economy, performance and total cost of ownership! NONE!!!
19 weeks ago
Anyone who is smart and does their homework will clearly see that getting a BMW X1 with a diesel is the best option when considering all the variables! Ha, consider these variables: 204hp, 295lb-ft of torque, intelligent AWD with normal 40/60 front/rear drive, 0-60 in 7 sec, manual transmission or your option of 8 (eight) speed automatic. AND (hold on to something in case you pass out) 32mpg in city, 45mpg on highway and 39mpg combined. This is not a fantasy.
Oh wait, actually it is a fantasy for Americans because this miracle of engineering is not offered in the United States.
You need to move to China to get it, or Russia or India. Of course, Europe gets it too. Australia get it. Heck, even Canada get it (only gasser though). But Americans are out of luck on this one. Go figure
19 weeks ago
Anyone who is smart and does their homework will clearly see that getting a BMW X1 with a diesel is the best option when considering all the variables! Ha, consider these variables: 204hp, 295lb-ft of torque, intelligent AWD with normal 40/60 front/rear drive, 0-60 in 7 sec, manual transmission or your option of 8 (eight) speed automatic. AND (hold on to something in case you pass out) it gives you 32mpg in city, 45mpg on highway and 39mpg combined. This is not a fantasy.
Oh wait, actually it is a fantasy for Americans because this miracle of engineering is not offered in the United States.
You need to move to China to get it, or Russia or India. Of course, Europe gets it too. Australia get it. Heck, even Canada get it (only gasser though). But Americans are out of luck on this one. Go figure
19 weeks ago
Anyone who is smart and does their homework will clearly see that getting a BMW X1 with a diesel is the best option when considering all the variables! Ha, consider these variables: 204hp, 295lb-ft of torque, intelligent AWD with normal 40/60 front/rear drive, 0-60 in 7 sec, manual transmission or your option of 8 (eight) speed automatic. AND (hold on to something in case you pass out) it gives you 32mpg in city, 45mpg on highway and 39mpg combined. This is not a fantasy.
Oh wait, actually it is a fantasy for Americans because this miracle of engineering is not offered in the United States.
You need to move to China to get it, or Russia or India. Of course, Europe gets it too. Australia get it. Heck, even Canada get it (only gasser though). But Americans are out of luck on this one. Go figure
19 weeks ago
Just talked to the VW dealership about bio-diesel on the new Jetta TDI's. They flat out told me not to, took me to their repair shop and showed me what happened to a 2011 TDI when it was fed 100% Bio-Diesel. The engine carrodes, the fuel tank shrinks and let me tell you, it looked really ugly... Plus VW's warranty is violated when doing this. The person who was making their own fuel thought that if their Mark IV TDI can take it, so can the new 2011 model... Not so. Apparently, Bio-Diesel does not contain the same chemical properties as Ultra Low Sulfer Diesel and does some serious damage to ones car. This is why VW strongly reccomends not using bio-diesel. If there is an alternative way to make Bio-Diesel that can run on the new model's, please let me know.
19 weeks ago
Pure Joy, My black beauty sport wagon with the roof and 6 speed stick with grey spoke rims and red painted calipers remains my secret. As people ask questions I boast, ride handling and fuel mileage along with handling and practical wagon use. Some don,t get it. They say, but diesels are slow smelly and the fuel prices are higher. None of the above if you use high test unleaded. The best was a guy in a Smart Car telling me he gets 43mpg. I said "me to". He said but diesel is more expensive! I said "why are you pumping high test that's a penny more a gallon? He went on to say it was required by the manufactures. I said, Cool, I can almost fit it in the back of my Sport wagon.Some friend think I have a Mercedes or BMW wagon, when I tell them it's a VW, they look puzzled.
I love this car.
18 weeks ago
Old cars don't go the landfill, they go to auto salvage yards where about 90% can be recycled or crushed and sent to steel mills to be melted down and turned into usable steel products.
17 weeks ago
Love my 2011 Jetta TDI. Fast and high MPG with an engine I plan on driving 200-400k easy on it.
If I was going to get a Hybrid, my drool car is the Volt. I don't know how anyone else would want to drive around in a car that takes 13 seconds to get to highway speed? To each their own.
17 weeks ago
My wife has a 2010 jetta TDI to replaced her
Totaled Toyota I talked her into it after reading
About the new tdi's it puts my 2009 Corolla s to shame
So superior in every way. Starting with superior paint.
My Corolla's paint is soooo soft chips every where.
Toyota and Consumer reports claim 40 miles per gallon
For my Corolla on the hiway , maybe true if you drive 50 miles
an hour! The Jetta TDI you can drive at 80 miles an hour
And get 40 miles per gallon. Something consumer reports
Fails to mention. After driving the TDI Jetta, I hate
My boring Corolla. My next car will be a VW maybe a Jetta wagon?
I think most people who would try a TDI would buy one
Over a gas car.
16 weeks ago
reading the comments on this page really made me laugh. i dare say majority of tdi owners here hates the prius for some reason. what have the prius done to make you hate it so much?
i myself drive a prius 3rd gen. i have friends who drives jette tdi, and we all share our joy of fuel efficiency and savings at the pump. i enjoy its torque, and they enjoy the silence and regenerative braking.
for those who said producing NiMH batteries are environmental more polluting than hummers/suv, please gather your facts right and make sure this hoax is not coming from those oil digging and drilling $%^&* companies. oh and btw, NiMH batteries are recycable.
for those who say that the jette tdi can match/beat the 3rd gen prius in highway fuel economy - thumbs up because you maybe right!
for those who say the tdi can match/beat a 3rd gen prius in city economy - better think again if not, go out and test drive a 3rd gen prius before farting through your mouth. yes, people can hypermile their jette and get 40-45mpg. if a prius hypermile it can get 75mpg (tested and well proven).
bottom line - prius or jette - both are great cars. but to bash one without strong facts just goes to show how idiotic one can be. love your car and love your neighbours. don't go start bullying prius drivers instead, smile at them. don't you guys ever forget that if not because of EV cars and hybrids, gas price will just keep rocketing up because we are giving those $^&((^$ oil speculators a chance to raise gas price
15 weeks ago
I am thinking of purchasing a Jetta TDI 2012... but this going green crap is for the insane! Im doing it to save money on gas because of the people are worshipping this new religion and are causing us to pay higher amounts for gas. For all you "Green" maniacs.. quit being sheeple!
13 weeks ago
I'm about to buy a 2012 JSW. As I do most of my driving in the city, and average less than 15,000 miles annually, I didn't seriously consider the diesel.
Until reading this forum.
My concerns about the diesel:
1. Engine noise at lower speeds.
2. Is it worth it if I mainly drive in the city?
3. Fear of the unknown (naive about cars generally).
Thanks for your comments.
12 weeks ago
I have had my 2011 Jetta TDI for about 7 months. The fuel mileage is not as advertised. I've had it in for service twice because a bolt in the drivers seat keeps coming out making the seat loose. Now I have an appointment to check out the sunroof because it will not close. It's making me wonder about the workmanship thats put into these cars
11 weeks ago
I just wanted to say that we just purchased a used jetta sportwagen (17000Mi) and it is sooo sweet. It is our FOURTH TDI and we love em.Our first one was a brand new 2003 jetta wagon and each one is durable,dependable.Our soon to be sold to a new home 2006 has 94000 and only replaced the tires. We do service a VW dealer and do all required servicing and I think that is the key.3 Yrs from now you will still love it.
11 weeks ago
I drive a 2011 Jetta TDI, in Houston, and average over 45 MPG driving approximately 70% hwy and
30% city with the air conditioning on and driving 60-70 mph. This beats the milage I ever got with
my 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid driving at highway speeds and with the air conditioning running. Commuting daily 36 miles one way, I get over 50 mpg consistently.
9 weeks ago
I bought a used 2000 Jetta TDI 5 years ago, with already 262,000km (155,000 miles) on the clock . At that time I was driving almost 200 miles daily for my work, for 6 months. My drive was 90% highway. I drove a little over our speed limit of 100km/hr - actually it was an average of about 125km/hr to 130km/r (up to 80 mph -don't tell anyone) depending on safe driving conditions.
With all these factors I still managed 19km/litre ( 45 MPG US gal.) in REAL world driving, and easily saved $1000 in fuel compared to my 2001 Venture van. The $2,400 premium for the diesel motor would have paid back in less than 2 years -I don't think any hybrid could match that with REAL world driving.
I did not see any change in consumption using the AC. The car drives like it is on rails - especially with Michelin Rain Edge tires (lasted over 100k miles), and still has plenty of umphh.
Now it has almost 400,000 km (250,000 miles), and aside from a timing belt change, battery, brakes plus a few small issues that have never left me stranded, has been virtually maintenance free. I should get at least another 200k on it. I love hybrid in concept, but the TDI is reality.
8 weeks ago
I have a 2011 Golf TDI with the DSG (dual clutch auto) transmission. This is my first diesel car and so far it has been awesome. I consistently average 37 mpg regardless of how I drive it, including a recent trip where I drove 90+ mph for quite some time. Obviously I was out in the middle of nowhere! My only complaint is the price of diesel fuel which I believe is kept artifically high by our friends at Shell, et al. I drove the Prius and Volt before buying my VW and I can honestly say I wouldn't accept the Chevy Volt as a gift. Maybe someday they will make an electric vehicle I would have confidence in, or more accurately with a battery system that is actually efficient, affordable, long-lasting and small. I have read lots of articles lately on upcoming battery improvements, but I doubt these will become readily available and cheap for quite some time. I really wish VW would bring their Amarok diesel truck to the US, but for some reason they are reluctant to do so.
8 weeks ago
This was really a fantastic and interesting article for me to read. I really do think that I have learned so much from this information. Thanks - David Lichtenstein. Thanks so much.
7 weeks ago
Tdi is better than hybrid ? I have a Prius 2010 and a Lexus 400h. Both amazing car. Prius 44 mpg Lexus 27. In 1990 I bought a golf tdi 95 hp it was 1 year old. I put 150 000 km in that car! Replace it break pad air and oil filter tires and usual stuff. I still have this golf until today! Great car and I think that car pay back my money! I really hope my Japanese machines will be the same! Sorry for my English.
7 weeks ago
german tdi or trustful Japanese hybrid? great question.. how about both in one package?
after 8 years hybrid batteries can be die..
german tdi service kind of expensive...
At europe they saling japaniese tdi. Like toyota lexus or any kind.. run forever and MPG is 50+
next generation is diesel-hybrid! Yes! Can be 80-180 mpg! YES! cant wait! 0-60mph 7sec!
6 weeks ago
I take pleasure in, cause I found exactly what I was taking a look for. You have ended my four day lengthy hunt!God Bless you man nutritional supplements. Have a great day. Bye
4 weeks ago
I was considering a 2012 VW Sportswagon TDI in black to replace my 2006 Honda Accord V6 with a manual transmission that was totaled. My Accord actually got decent gas mileage of 24MPG combined and 30 - 32MPG on hwy. I dive hard.
Anyway, I could find the black one in Southern CA. Also, I was still apprehensive about reliability of VW. Diesel is also $0.60 to 0.70 more expensive and rare to find. I love how it drove and handled.
Then I test drove a Toyota Prius V with a Package V. It is slow . However, it is more spacious and has more technical amenities than its counterpart, VW. Yes, it does not have a true moonroof. It drives fine and it gets about 42MPG so far in mixed driving. I do drive slower, now. It is excellent in a city or traffic jam situations. Overall, I was surprised by how the new Prius V drove. We should all be happy with these two different and superior automobiles.
4 weeks ago
This was a very cool and fun article to read. I really have enjoyed this information so much. I cant wait to drive this car. Thanks - Facebook Applications
4 weeks ago
See the above link for an idea to public transport. Electric bikes which can be used to charge and therefore pay for transport on a public bus. We need more innovative solutions like this to move to more renewable patterns of transport.
4 weeks ago
This was really a great and fun article for me to read. I really have enjoyed reading this great and fun information so much. This was great. Phase 1 habitat survey
1 week ago
This was really so interesting to read. I love this little car. It is really a great and fun treat to say the least. I really do appreciate this so much. Designer jewellery
1 week ago
I ride my bicycle to commute to work (14 miles)—sometimes I take the bus (diesel). Or i may drive my 1973 220D Mercedes— also diesel, which gets high 30s mpg in the city. The argument to keep what you have and drive it is valid if you are concerned with the environment.
Think about shipping your new fuel efficient car from germany or japan then read this: http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1020063_pollution-perspective-one-gi...
1 week ago
I really like the Jetta SportWagen...perfect as a family vehicle. high pressure cleaning
3 days ago
diesel hybrid coming mid year!
2 days ago
This was a great and fun article to read. I have enjoyed this information so much. This was really awesome to me. ps3 ylod repair
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