Reviews: What others are saying about the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta

Jul 6, 2015

The 2015 Volkswagen Jetta added many new features, changed up the exterior, and of course, continues to bring you the German engineering that comes with every Volkswagen. In describing the 2015 models, vw.com said, “Strong, solid, and well-built, the new Jetta has been engineered and designed to give you a little more confidence along with a great drive.” But, we wanted to take a look at what others are saying about the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta? We take a look at some reviews from industry experts.

While Volkswagens, and Jettas in particular have been known for their engineering and safety, Steve Siler from Car and Driver decided another factor was worthy of his lead. Siler said, “Rowing through the gears of a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta S TDI’s six-speed manual transmission as we roll along the scenic two-laners of Virginia’s horse country, we marvel at the fact that we’re actually having fun. Yeah, fun. In a Jetta.”

Siler then proceeded to talk about the growth of the Jetta since its introduction in 2011, and while he may be harsh in his assessment of previous efforts, he clearly likes where Volkswagen has taken this car. Siler said, “It seems that the Jetta has now become the car Volkswagen should have been building since the beginning.”

Motor Trend, who recently named the 2015 Volkswagen Golf as their “car of the year,” also had an unexpected lead. They decided to talk numbers. Scott Burgess wrote, “Forget the Passat — for Volkswagen, the Jetta defines the automaker in the U.S. This year, one out of every four vehicles sold by Volkswagen in America is a Jetta, which has outsold the Beetle, CC, Golf, Touareg, and Tiguan combined.”

Burgess was also complimentary of what happens when you hit the gas pedal. He wrote, “The volume turbocharged 1.8-liter engine mated to a six-speed automatic was an absolute thrill to drive. It felt well balanced through sharp corners. Its acceleration felt quick and the shifts always seem nearly perfectly timed, whether in normal driving mode or Sport mode.”

John Voelcker from the Car Connection took note of the variety of Jettas available. He wrote, “The Jetta offers a multitude of powertrains, not only gasoline and diesel, but also a low-volume hybrid version. Their range lets the VW sedan be many things to many different buyers, though it has a lot of ground to cover. It must squeeze in what might be the most usable amount of interior space in the compact class; deliver an impressive sweet spot of performance, refinement, and fuel economy; and pack in plenty of features, all while keeping the price point in the mid-$20,000 range. Somehow, the Jetta seems to accomplish all of that, and its sales reflect that success.”

One of the aspects that Voelcker felt was a strength for the Jetta was fuel efficiency. Giving the Jetta a 9 out of 10 in the category, Voelcker praised the TDI and hybrid. “The hybrid 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission put it at a sky-high 45 mpg combined, just 10 percent lower than the much less entertaining Toyota Prius.”

Along with the written reviews, Emme Hall with The Fast Lane Car takes us for the ride with her as she checks out the 2015 Jetta.