2007 Volkswagen Jetta Review

What reviews like:
Performance, handling and comfort of the 2007 Volkswagen Jetta are this model’s major strengths in reviews. Critics praise the Jetta's great steering and cornering, along with overall ride quality. Although some reviews call the Jetta 'bland,' others just call it 'conservative.' Power in the turbocharged Jetta GLI is a highlight. Crash test scores are also very good.

What reviews don't like:

Most reviewers really like the VW Jetta, but the unfortunately this vehicle has a checkered reliability track record. Fuel economy is also low compared to other compact cars. A few critics comment on a noisy engine when shifting.

EPA fuel economy estimate: 22 to 25 mpg/city, 30 to 32 mpg/highway, depending on engine

2007 Volkswagen Jetta review highlights

Every review we found compliments the 2007 Volkswagen Jetta on its smooth ride quality, excellent handling and steering, quiet cabin, comfortable interior and good standard features. The Volkswagen loses points for its unremarkable design, and long-term reliability has been a problem. Jettas from the 1999 to 2005 model years have had a number of recalls, the most recent of which was for faulty brake lights that could fail to come on or remain stuck in the on position. So overall, reviews say the Jetta is an excellent comfortable sedan, but historical reliability and a bland image are downsides.

The 2007 Volkswagen Jetta hasn't been included in any big comparison reviews this year. We found a number of comparative reviews for last year's diesel model, but that option has been dropped for the 2007 model year (it's expected to return in 2008). Edmunds.com and Cars.com both cover the 2007 Volkswagen Jetta and turbocharged VW Jetta GLI with balanced evaluations that include a road test. Consumer Reports has good long-term reliability information on the 2007 VW Jetta, and Money magazine includes mention of the Jetta in its report on the most and least reliable cars.

Also see full report: Economy Cars

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Cars.com
2007 Volkswagen Jetta review
Editors of Cars.com
July 2006

Editors at Cars.com don't compare the Volkswagen Jetta to other cars, but they do give it a thorough road test and evaluation. Overall, editors say the Volkswagen Jetta is a very comfortable car, with a nice smooth ride quality and very good overall handling. It is "masterful" on curves.

2. Edmunds.com
2007 Volkswagen Jetta review
Editors of Edmunds.com

The design is described as a bit "bland," and fuel economy is just "so-so." Yet overall, editors say the Jetta is "an impressive small sedan that delivers in the key areas of comfort, performance and equipment." The car is comfortable, with nimble handling, great cabin comfort and a quiet interior. The Jetta isn't cool or youthful, but it is an excellent value, say editors, especially now that Volkswagen has dropped the price to stay competitive.

3. CarCritic.com
2007 Volkswagen Jetta review
Don Vorderman

This website is interesting in that Editor Don Vorderman doesn't spend a lot of time on features or other details. Rather, Vorderman offers a quick assessment based on historical repair data and owner satisfaction. The 2007 Volkswagen Jetta "looks great on paper" say editors, with great features, a roomy interior and smooth ride quality. The last generation Jetta had problems with reliability, and it isn't clear if reliability will now improve.

4. Consumer Reports
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Volkswagen Jetta review
Editors of Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports hasn't yet tested the 2007 Volkswagen Jetta, but it did test the 2006 Jetta. One unique aspect of Consumer Reports is its data on historical reliability, as compiled in large owner surveys. You must be a subscriber to read this report.

5. Canadian Driver
First Drive: 2007 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Laurance Yap
Oct. 2006

This road test of the turbocharged Volkswagen Jetta GLI is very positive. Handling and a sporty drive quality are highlights. The engine is powerful, yet it’s still quiet. The interior is comfortable, but some of the materials are criticized. Body roll gets a bit of criticism, but overall, this review comes down solidly behind the Volkswagen Jetta.

6. Money Magazine
Most Reliable Cars
Editors of Money Magazine
Nov. 2006

Money Magazine reports on a car reliability survey produced by Consumer Reports, which tracks overall and predicted reliability. The Volkswagen Jetta makes the list as one of the least reliable small cars.

Also see full report: Economy Cars