2012/2013 Base Jetta?

[dieselraver]

So lots of people have complained about how VW is being cheap and cutting costs, but does anyone here actually have seat time in a base Jetta? How do they compare on the economy commuter scale (compared to a camry, accord, Kia Optima etc?)

How do these compare to the other trim levels available from VW? ie. 2.5SE?

[rbloedow]

Why are you comparing a compact to a mid-size sedans?

[classicjetta]

I rented a 2012 2.5 model for a week earlier this year. There was nothing glaringly wrong with the car, but it didn't do anything outstanding either. Compared to my Jetta, it had less engaging handling, odd throttle response, a more cheap interior, and lacked all but the basic amenities (A/C, PW, etc). The only improvement was the back seat space. If you really want one, get one. Still, there are better choices, particularly the outstanding Detroit sedans (Cruze, Dart, Focus).

[Aonarch]

Get the Passat.

[seadoo2006]

Why are you comparing a compact to a mid-size sedans?

This ... Jetta is in competition with Civic/Corolla/Focus/Cruze and in that respect, it's a miserable failure. While the other companies have been raising standards, VW has been lowering them, yet still trying to keep the price premium ...

[clutchrider]

Why are you comparing a compact to a mid-size sedans?

Speaking of size of the interior alone, the car is definitely more substanial than a Focus, Elantra, Civic, Corolla, Sentra, 3 etc. I put the Jetta in the same class as the last generation Mazda 6 and Ford Fusion in terms of size. So I can relate to the OP's inquiry as I was looking into the Optima SX as a competitor until I saw they offered no manual version with the turbo motor

[seadoo2006]

Speaking of size of the interior alone, the car is definitely more substanial than a Focus, Elantra, Civic, Corolla, Sentra, 3 etc. I put the Jetta in the same class as the last generation Mazda 6 and Ford Fusion in terms of size. So I can relate to the OP's inquiry as I was looking into the Optima SX as a competitor until I saw they offered no manual version with the turbo motor

Again, you just posted a Passat competitor ... don't cross-compare car sizes, it muddies the water on every respect (power/fuel economy/features/size/etc)

[clutchrider]

Again, you just posted a Passat competitor ... don't cross-compare car sizes, it muddies the water on every respect (power/fuel economy/features/size/etc)

How is the last generation 6 a competitor to the current Passat? The Passat is similar in size to the Accord/Camry and current 6. All I am pointing out is that a generation ago cars considered mid-size are equatable to the current generation Mark 6 Jetta. So it is perfectly logical from a price point perspective to toss the car into the mix if you are not sure you want to go to what have now become full-size sedans.

[dieselraver]

Again, you just posted a Passat competitor ... don't cross-compare car sizes, it muddies the water on every respect (power/fuel economy/features/size/etc)

i agree. the jetta is down on HP but the size shows it is far from a compact car. if it falls into that class its b/c the gov't listed it. i'd consider a golf a compact. the size of the jetta is pretty much on par

Engines & Power	Accord LX 5-Sedan AT	Jetta Base	Optima EX	Camry L	Mazda6 i Sport
Standard Engine	2.4L 177 hp I4	2.0L 115 hp I4	2.4L 200 hp I4	2.5L 178 hp I4	2.5L 170 hp I4
Horsepower	177 @ 6500 RPM	115 @ 5200 RPM	200 @ 6300 RPM	178 @ 6000 RPM	170 @ 6000 RPM
Torque (lb-ft)	161 @ 4300 RPM	125 @ 4000 RPM	186 @ 4250 RPM	170 @ 4100 RPM	167 @ 4000 RPM
Valves/Valve Configuration	16/DOHC	8/SOHC	16/DOHC	16/DOHC	16/DOHC
Displacement (cc)	2354	1984	2359	2494	2489
Bore X Stroke (in.)	3.43 X 3.90	3.25 X 3.70	3.46 X 3.82	3.54 X 3.86	3.50 X 3.90
Compression Ratio	10.5:1	10.3:1	11.3:1	10.4:1	9.7:1
Fuel Type/System	Gasoline/MPFI	Gasoline/MPFI	Gasoline/DI	Gasoline/SEFI	Gasoline/MPFI
Turbocharger	No	No	No	No	No
Supercharger	No	No	No	No	No
Transmissions	Accord LX 5-Sedan AT	Jetta Base	Optima EX	Camry L	Mazda6 i Sport
Standard Transmission	5-Speed Automatic Overdrive	5-Speed Manual Overdrive	6-Speed Automatic Overdrive	6-Speed Automatic Overdrive	6-Speed Manual Overdrive
Payload & Towing	Accord LX 5-Sedan AT	Jetta Base	Optima EX	Camry L	Mazda6 i Sport
Passenger Volume (cu. ft.)	106.00	94.10	102.20	102.70	101.90
Cargo Volume (cu. ft.)	14.70	15.50	15.40	15.40	16.60

Interior Dimensions	Accord LX 5-Sedan AT	Jetta Base	Optima EX	Camry L	Mazda6 i Sport
Standard Seating	5	5	5	5	5
Optional Seating	No data	No data	No data	No data	No data
Front Headroom (in.)	41.40	38.20	40.00	38.80	39.40
Rear Headroom (in.)	38.50	37.10	37.60	38.10	37.30
Front Legroom (in.)	42.50	41.20	45.50	41.60	42.50
Rear Legroom (in.)	37.20	38.10	34.70	38.90	38.00
Front Shoulder Room (in.)	58.20	55.20	57.30	58.00	57.30
Rear Shoulder Room (in.)	56.40	53.60	55.70	56.60	56.50
Front Hip Room (in.)	56.60	No data	54.70	54.50	55.10
Rear Hip Room (in.)	54.30	No data	54.50	54.50	55.90

Curb Weight - Automatic (lb.)	2881	3223	3190	3329
Curb Weight - Manual (lb.)	2804	No data	No data	3272
Wheelbase (in.)	104.40	110.00	109.30	109.80
Length (in.)	182.20	190.70	189.20	193.70
Width (in.)	70.00	72.10	71.70	72.40
Height (in.)	57.20	57.30	57.90	57.90
Track Front (in.)	60.70	63.00	62.40	62.80
Track Rear (in.)	60.60	62.60	62.00	62.80
Ground Clearance (in.)	5.50	5.30	6.10	5.10
Cargo Area Dimensions	Jetta Base	Optima EX	Camry L	Mazda6 i Sport
Length (in.)	No data	No data	No data	No data
Width at Wheelwell (in.)	No data	No data	No data	No data
Width at Wall (in.)	No data	No data	No data	No data
Depth (in.)	No data	No data	No data	No data
Turning Diameter (ft.)	36.40	35.80	36.70	35.40
Steering Type	R&P	R&P	R&P	R&P
Front Suspension	Ind	Ind	Ind	Ind
Rear Suspension	Semi	Ind	Ind	Ind
Tires	195/65R15	215/55R17	215/65R16	205/65R16

[Fritz27]

Speaking of size of the interior alone, the car is definitely more substanial than a Focus, Elantra, Civic, Corolla, Sentra, 3 etc. I put the Jetta in the same class as the last generation Mazda 6 and Ford Fusion in terms of size. So I can relate to the OP's inquiry as I was looking into the Optima SX as a competitor until I saw they offered no manual version with the turbo motor

I'd agree with you on the Civic and Sentra, but the rest I feel are of higher interior quality than the non-GLI Jettas.

[seadoo2006]

How is the last generation 6 a competitor to the current Passat? The Passat is similar in size to the Accord/Camry and current 6. All I am pointing out is that a generation ago cars considered mid-size are equatable to the current generation Mark 6 Jetta. So it is perfectly logical from a price point perspective to toss the car into the mix if you are not sure you want to go to what have now become full-size sedans.

Because you can't cross-shop generations ... the Mazda 6 you posted was competing with the last-generation Passat. The Mazda3 is a direct competitor to the Jetta.

Again, if you are cross-shopping different MYs and different body styles, it's not a true comparison. Taking a 5 year old Mazda 6 and comparing it to a new Jetta is like comparing Apples and Oranges.

[clutchrider]

Because you can't cross-shop generations ... the Mazda 6 you posted was competing with the last-generation Passat. The Mazda3 is a direct competitor to the Jetta.

Again, if you are cross-shopping different MYs and different body styles, it's not a true comparison. Taking a 5 year old Mazda 6 and comparing it to a new Jetta is like comparing Apples and Oranges.

Purely for comparison, I'm just baffled that cars like the Camry, Accord, etc. are considered mid-size still given their ginormous exterior proportions.

What are the actual designations regarding mid to full size sedans? I saw my first new Jaguar XJ today and that thing is monstrous. Totally off topic but got me started on this whole sizing rant.

[jepva]

I had a '12 2.5 SE as a rental for a week, and it was pretty much brand new (only 140 on the odo when we got it, returned it with 500). Although it had the 2.5, it was actually lacking some of the features that apparently come with a real "SE" so it was more of a base model for the rental fleets, I'd assume, but with the peppier engine.

After experience with several Corollas and a Sentra, the Jetta is miles ahead of other compacts. I've also tested a Cruze, but it was a 2LT model that MSRPs at $23k so it's not really a fair comparison, however the Jetta actually holds it own IMO, with much more space. I'm not sure how a base Cruze compares interior wise, but combined with less space and the cramped feeling the Cruze has I doubt I'd find it better than the Jetta. The 1.4T is also overrated, IMO.

Back to the Jetta..

The trunk is huge and bigger than some midsizers, as well as the rear seat. The cabin is nice and roomy, and feels airy. While the plastic is cheap, the interior still shines as better than most of the others in this class as far as overall look and feel, if you like the euro touch on everything.

Base stereo was adequate, and the A/C was nice. The exterior of the styling is very classy, and just doesn't look like your average compact. I think the new Jetta just really raises the bar. While VW cut costs, it's not necessarily in areas you really notice or that matter much for this class of car.

The power is great. 170hp and torks in a 3000lb car raises the bar for a compact, it has much better acceleration (especially low-end torque, 2000-4000 rpm is sweet spot in this car) then the 130hp Corolla and Sentra ever had. Transmission shifts buttery smooth, you don't feel the thing shift at all. It got good gas mileage, we averaged about 29mpg for our trip (with about 50-60% around town driving) which I considered great, considering its 33 highway rating.

Complaints: the torsion beam rear suspension is very noticeable over bumps, and you hear that solid thump associated with it over hard bumps or spaces on the highway. They could have done a better job insulating the noise, but really for the class of car it's more than acceptable.

Honestly, for $17k or possibly less I don't think you could find a better car, especially considering the room. The Cruze is tiny in comparison and so is the corolla or sentra. I don't have experience with Korea's latest to form an opinion there. But if I was to spend $18k on a entry level car, the Jetta would be right up there.

I think most of the people complaining on this forum is in relation to the Jetta being a real compact competitor now, and not a pre-luxury German car that it used to be (it was also more expensive). For actually competing in the same price range now as the others in the class, it's still a great car.

[Arju]

I think most of the people complaining on this forum is in relation to the Jetta being a real compact competitor now, and not a pre-luxury German car that it used to be (it was also more expensive). For actually competing in the same price range now as the others in the class, it's still a great car.

This. The Jetta is a competitor for the low end market. It's not supposed to be especially refined or dash strokable. It's supposed to be a good amount of car for the money. In this sense it's a good car.

Want a more typical VW? Buy a Golf.

[Soul Man]

Talking about base models, what happens to the 2.slow in the upcoming model years is still a mystery to me. A logical move would be to use a deturboed version of the ea888 to keep costs down, but that is pure speculation from me.

[BostonB6]

I've heard about a new 1.8T replacing the 2.5 but the 2.slo just seems to keep raising itself from the dead. 115 hp is just soooooo weak for a 2.0 these days.

If they could get a base NA engine with 140hp and then the 1.8T which produces about 160 horsepower with 185 lb-ft of torque as the premuim engine and finally the 2.0T around 210hp for the GLI, they'd have a decent engine lineup IMO.

As for VW's product strategy, sales are up substantially so they must be doing something right.

[Aonarch]

2.0 lol.

However, the 2.5L is a solid motor.

[vdub10golf]

If you get a base Jetta, go for the base SE at least. The S is just depressing to sit in. It has A/C and a stereo and that's about it.

[XM_Rocks]

The 2.Slo S Model is just to get to the magic $15,900.

Anyone with half of a brain stem would spend the extra $1,100 for the 2.5.

[dieselraver]

The 2.Slo S Model is just to get to the magic $15,900.

Anyone with half of a brain stem would spend the extra $1,100 for the 2.5.

funny enough, the guy i met last night from vortex that sold me his lowepro camera bag had a 2.slow. he said its not bad, its obviously not a fast car but hes got the 5/6? speed MT. swapped out the interior for a GLI interior and was riding on steelies. he had that really nice metallic mocha cappuccino color.

[Spiller337]

funny enough, the guy i met last night from vortex that sold me his lowepro camera bag had a 2.slow. he said its not bad, its obviously not a fast car but hes got the 5/6? speed MT. swapped out the interior for a GLI interior and was riding on steelies. he had that really nice metallic mocha cappuccino color.

Hahaha, I know that guy! Lives a few towns over, good dude love that color, too

[BRealistic]

funny enough, the guy i met last night from vortex that sold me his lowepro camera bag had a 2.slow. he said its not bad, its obviously not a fast car but hes got the 5/6? speed MT. swapped out the interior for a GLI interior and was riding on steelies. he had that really nice metallic mocha cappuccino color.

So don't spend extra for the 2.5, but spend extra for an interior swap from a wrecked GLI?

Ah, people are entertaining.

And if cheap enough, I would definitely consider a 2.0 Jetta.
I kid about soul and stuff, but I am sure it is a solid commuter car.

[Turbio!]

The Jetta S looks, feels, and performs like something designed to be sold in China or Africa or something. It's smart, from a narrow business perspective, because it lets VW sell a cheap-as-hell but roomy base model instead of messing around with subcompacts, but it's a deeply cynical car. If you can't swing the modest upcharge for a trim level that doesn't suck, buy used; otherwise, pony up for more equipment and more engine, for god's sake.

[Turbio!]

funny enough, the guy i met last night from vortex that sold me his lowepro camera bag had a 2.slow. he said its not bad, its obviously not a fast car but hes got the 5/6? speed MT. swapped out the interior for a GLI interior and was riding on steelies. he had that really nice metallic mocha cappuccino color.

What the...? God, people are odd. For what he spent to do that, he could have just gotten the SE.

[BRealistic]

What the...? God, people are odd. For what he spent to do that, he could have just gotten the SE.

Maybe his credit only allowed for the base model, and righteous pizza delivery tips paid for the interior swap?

Or.... the used interior was "warm".

[jddaigle]

It's smart, from a narrow business perspective, because it lets VW sell a cheap-as-hell but roomy base model instead of messing around with subcompacts, but it's a deeply cynical car.

What do you mean by "cynical"? It's not for everybody but is appealing if you want an inexpensive, larger car without any frills instead of a comparatively-priced smaller car with more standard features. The S doesn't appeal to me personally but I don't see how it's indicative of some kind of sinister motive on anyone's part.

[pknopp]

This ... Jetta is in competition with Civic/Corolla/Focus/Cruze and in that respect, it's a miserable failure. While the other companies have been raising standards, VW has been lowering them, yet still trying to keep the price premium ...

When VW cut the content that also cut the price by quite a bit. For those used to the nice interiors of VW's they have been dissapointed with it. For those who want something different VW has sold a bunch of them.

For many this is the only way they could afford a family sized German car.

[BRealistic]

For many this is the only way they could afford a family sized Mexican car.

Fixed.

[Numbersix]

There's really no comparison between the Mk5 and Mk6 Jetta.

In the Mk6, VW has traded away quality and class-leading performance for added size with lower cost. The interior of the 2.5 SE/SEL feels cheap. Things like very hard plastic door panels, plenty of casting flash on parts you see/touch, and details like missing tweeters in the rear doors of the 2.5 SEL we drove (without putting any blanking plate, or even fabric, over the empty holes--you could see bare metal in the door behind the grille).

Two friends that have owned MkIV and MkV Jettas have both test driven a MkVI. Both said, "this isn't the same car as mine." They bought something else (MINI and Volvo V40).

However, it's proving to gain VW a lot of conquest sales, so clearly the strategy has worked for the broader market.

[BRealistic]

There's really no comparison between the Mk5 and Mk6 Jetta.

In the Mk6, VW has traded away quality and class-leading performance for added size with lower cost. The interior of the 2.5 SE/SEL feels cheap. Things like very hard plastic door panels, plenty of casting flash on parts you see/touch, and details like missing tweeters in the rear doors of the 2.5 SEL we drove (without putting any blanking plate, or even fabric, over the empty holes--you could see bare metal in the door behind the grille).

Two friends that have owned MkIV and MkV Jettas have both test driven a MkVI. Both said, "this isn't the same car as mine." They bought something else (MINI and Volvo V40).

However, it's proving to gain VW a lot of conquest sales, so clearly the strategy has worked for the broader market.

I can handle hard plastic except where my elbow needs to rest.
But the flash could be easily addressed, as could the speaker holes, for what.... 150 bucks?
Those are basic perceived quality issues. VW used to ace those.

[Saintor]

I would have taken the Jetta 2.slow over our Civic 2012 (lease rates were similar) but fuel economy killed it. EPA 2200$ for the 115HP Jetta vs 1750$ (same as a Tdi!) for the 140HP Civic, and our teenagers are paying.

[Ubel GLI]

If we're talking about the Jetta S, the Jetta S is an abomination of a car. Coming from someone that has seat time in it, I ****ing hate it

It's also slow as ****.

[Turbio!]

What do you mean by "cynical"? It's not for everybody but is appealing if you want an inexpensive, larger car without any frills instead of a comparatively-priced smaller car with more standard features. The S doesn't appeal to me personally but I don't see how it's indicative of some kind of sinister motive on anyone's part.

Cynical doesn't mean "sinister," it just means "eh, let's make the next Jetta cheap as hell and save a buck, they'll buy it anyway." Instead of figuring out a way to make the base Jetta a good value that belies its modest price tag, they just hacked out features and tossed a boat anchor of a base engine in to pump up the margins. It's the same "strategy" pursued by Honda and Toyota - eh, good enough. It's decent business, if you don't mind cheapening a strong brand and catering to indifferent customers.

Want examples? Read on:

There's really no comparison between the Mk5 and Mk6 Jetta.

In the Mk6, VW has traded away quality and class-leading performance for added size with lower cost. The interior of the 2.5 SE/SEL feels cheap. Things like very hard plastic door panels, plenty of casting flash on parts you see/touch, and details like missing tweeters in the rear doors of the 2.5 SEL we drove (without putting any blanking plate, or even fabric, over the empty holes--you could see bare metal in the door behind the grille).

And the bitch of it is, there are enough people out there who aren't discerning enough to care, like the badge, and want maximum space for minimum cash that VW's cynical decontenting didn't penalize them any. The cheap-ass new Jetta sells better than the last one. Personally, I think a car that requires a couple grand in options to stack up to its competition is crap.

[Numbersix]

I can handle hard plastic except where my elbow needs to rest.
But the flash could be easily addressed, as could the speaker holes, for what.... 150 bucks?
Those are basic perceived quality issues. VW used to ace those.

Yep. And it cost them at least two return customers.

In fact, I just recalled that it nearly cost them a third. Former co-worker of mine who has a 2001 Jetta and has been thinking about buying a new car. Saw my new GTI and remarked, "You bought one of those? Isn't the interior cheap feeling?" I explained that the GTI does not share an interior with the Jetta. She took a look at it and was very surprised at how nice the GTI interior is. She had looked at the MkVI Jetta, along with a G25, A3/A4, etc and she'd been shocked at how cheap the new Jetta interior was.

She won't buy a new Jetta, but would now consider a Golf.

[Ubel GLI]

If you're looking to spend "Jetta money" get the SE at least, if not, the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, or Hyundai Elantra all offer comparable if not better performance for the money. I'd suggest the Ford or the Hyundai over the Jetta any day. If you're in it for the brand though that's on you.