2008 Volkswagen Jetta Review & Road Test at Automotive.com
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Volkswagen
Jetta
2008

2008 Volkswagen Jetta Review

Below is a full, detailed review and road test of the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta written by either the experts at New Car Test Drive or by one of Automotive.com's very own. A full evaluation of the driving experience, price, equipment, and specs are here ...     read more
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2008 Volkswagen Jetta Review

More power, wagon available.
Introduction
We haven't heard much lately about Fahrvergnugen, that difficult-to-define Germanic character that supposedly separated Volkswagens from other moderately priced cars. That's probably because VW outsiders never did get it, as trying to sell the Volkswagen driving experience to someone who has never experienced it is like trying to describe premium-grade European chocolate to someone who hasn't tasted it and thinks the supermarket brand is just fine.

So if you haven't driven a modern Volkswagen extensively, then you're going to have to trust us on this: The charm of these cars is that they drive like 8/10ths of one of those high-dollar German sedans, while costing less than half the price.

A SportWagen model is now available, having joined the line of sedans mid-2008. The SportWagen adds flexibility without a larger footprint or any compromise in Fahrvergnugen or efficiency. Later in 2008, the 2009 Jetta TDI will appear, with the fuel economy of a hybrid and the flexibility of a wagon.

The Jetta is more potent for 2008, with 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque (compared to 150 hp and 170 lb-ft in 2007). Its 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine is pleasantly robust, with a broad power curve and a raspy sound, and delivers an EPA-estimated 21/29 mpg City/Highway. The Jetta is responsive around town and comfortable on long trips. It snicks through corners and carves through curves precisely, but rides comfortably.

And just as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi offer racier editions of their luxury cruisers, Volkswagen offers the 200-hp Jetta GLI.

Inside, the Jetta is roomy and nicely finished. Here's where Volkswagen's attention to detail is particularly convincing. The driver enjoys excellent visibility and ease of operation, with logical controls and instruments. All models come with a full array of safety features. Finish quality is good, inside and out; and the trunk is larger than in many sedans costing much more. So at just under $17,000, the Jetta is a compelling buy.

The Jetta was redesigned and re-engineered from the ground up midway through 2005, and it still seems fresh. We find its styling more pleasant than exciting. But if you like the idea of a solid sedan, and are ready to try some European flavor, the Jetta is the best deal in town. Next Page


2008 Volkswagen Jetta
  
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