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Volkswagen Jetta

Golf roots. A trunk. 17.5 million built by the seventh-generation debut.1

Researched October 30, 2026 from 36 sources

Also called

  • HummelGerman for bumblebee; the first Jetta's development codename.2

At a glance

0150300
50–228 hpPower
07.515
6–10.9 s0–60 mph
0125250
174–235 km/hTop speed
0200400
94–350 N·mTorque
07501,500
805–1,455 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.5691012151617

Engine
Gas/TDI I4s, VR5/VR6, 2.5 L I5; 2013 Hybrid: 1.4 L turbo + electric motor91014
Layout
Front-engine, FWD; AWD on Bora V6 4Motion215
Gearbox
4–6-speed manuals; 3–8-speed automatics; 6/7-speed DSG91516
Built at
Mk1: Wolfsburg, Germany; A7: Puebla, Mexico / Chengdu, China1516
Units built
17.5 million by the 2018 seventh-generation debut1

The story

Born in 1979 for buyers wanting a Golf with a trunk, the Jetta took its name from the Atlantic jet stream. Sold as Atlantic, Vento, Bora, and Sagitar, it reached 17.5 million cars by its seventh-generation debut in 2018.134

1979: Jetta I debuts with wax flooding19791985: GLI: 10.9 seconds to 60 mph19851992: Vento brings VR6 and TDI19922005: Five cylinders, DSG, and multi-link20052012: Turbo-electric Jetta Hybrid20122016: TDI and Hybrid leave the US20162018: 17.5 million built; first MQB Jetta20182020: GLI beats Civic Si and Forte GT20202024: 40th Anniversary: 1,984 US cars2024 Volkswagen Jetta I (A1 / Type 16): 1979–1984; South Africa 1982–1999A1 / Type 16Volkswagen Jetta (A2) (A2 / Typ 1G): 1984–1992; China 1991–2013A2 / Typ 1GVolkswagen Jetta / Vento (A3 / Typ 1H): 1992–1999A3 / Typ 1HVolkswagen Jetta / Bora (A4 / 1J): 1998 debut; Mexico to 2015A4 / 1JVolkswagen Jetta (A5) (A5 / 1K): 2005–2010; China to 2011A5 / 1KVolkswagen Jetta (A6) (A6): 2010–2019; 2011–2018 North American model yearsA6Volkswagen Jetta (A7) (A7): 2018–presentA7 19801990200020102020
GenerationsMilestones13457891014151617
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1979–1984; South Africa 1982–1999Volkswagen Jetta I (A1 / Type 16)
1984–1992; China 1991–2013Volkswagen Jetta (A2) (A2 / Typ 1G)
1992–1999Volkswagen Jetta / Vento (A3 / Typ 1H)
1998 debut; Mexico to 2015Volkswagen Jetta / Bora (A4 / 1J)
2005–2010; China to 2011Volkswagen Jetta (A5) (A5 / 1K)
2010–2019; 2011–2018 North American model yearsVolkswagen Jetta (A6) (A6)
2018–presentVolkswagen Jetta (A7) (A7)
1979Jetta I debuts with wax flooding
1985GLI: 10.9 seconds to 60 mph
1992Vento brings VR6 and TDI
2005Five cylinders, DSG, and multi-link
2012Turbo-electric Jetta Hybrid
2016TDI and Hybrid leave the US
201817.5 million built; first MQB Jetta
2020GLI beats Civic Si and Forte GT
202440th Anniversary: 1,984 US cars
  1. 1979

    Jetta I debuts with wax flooding

    July unveiling, October sales: the Golf I-based sedan is about 40 cm longer and becomes Volkswagen's first car with cavity-protecting wax flooding.5

  2. 1985

    GLI: 10.9 seconds to 60 mph

    The 100-hp, 1.8 L GLI reaches 60 mph in 10.9 seconds in testing, 0.8 second behind the GTI; skidpad grip is 0.81 g.6

  3. 1992

    Vento brings VR6 and TDI

    The third generation becomes Vento in Europe, with a narrow-angle 2.8 L VR6; a 1.9 L TDI joins in 1993.78

  4. 2005

    Five cylinders, DSG, and multi-link

    MkV brings a 150-hp 2.5 L five-cylinder, diesel DSG availability, and the Jetta's first multi-link independent rear suspension.39

  5. 2012

    Turbo-electric Jetta Hybrid

    For 2013, a 1.4 L turbo and electric motor deliver 170 hp through seven-speed DSG; estimated combined economy is 45 mpg US.10

  6. 2016

    TDI and Hybrid leave the US

    The diesel option is dropped after the emissions scandal; the Hybrid exits for slow sales. Both disappear from the US market in mid-2016.10

  7. 2018

    17.5 million built; first MQB Jetta

    The seventh generation debuts in Detroit; the 2019 manual shares Golf hardware and records 48 mpg US in highway testing.111

  8. 2020

    GLI beats Civic Si and Forte GT

    The 228-hp manual GLI wins a three-sedan comparison, reaching 60 mph in 6.0 seconds ahead of the Honda Civic Si and Kia Forte GT.12

  9. 2024

    40th Anniversary: 1,984 US cars

    For 2024, the US gets 1,984 GLI 40th Anniversary Editions, each with a unique molecular-pattern cloth seat design, nodding to the 1984 model year.13

Every generation

  • Volkswagen Golf Mk1
    Volkswagen Golf Mk1
  • Volkswagen Jetta I
    A1 / Type 161979–1984; South Africa 1982–1999
  • Volkswagen Jetta (A2)
    A2 / Typ 1G1984–1992; China 1991–2013
  • Volkswagen Jetta / Vento
    A3 / Typ 1H1992–1999
  • Volkswagen Jetta / Bora
    A4 / 1J1998 debut; Mexico to 2015
  • Volkswagen Jetta (A5)
    A5 / 1K2005–2010; China to 2011
  • Volkswagen Jetta (A6)
    A62010–2019; 2011–2018 North American model years
  • Volkswagen Jetta (A7)
    A72018–present

Power over the years

From 76 hp to 228 hp in 39 years.

0100200300 198019851990199520002005201020152020 hp 1980 · 76 hp · North American 1.6 L1987 · 123 hp · GLI 1.8 L 16V1990 · 134 hp · GLI 2.0 L 16V1993 · 89 hp · A3 1.9 L TDI2000 · 150 hp · GLS 1.8T2005 · 150 hp · MkV 2.5 L five-cylinder2006 · 200 hp · GLI 2.0 L turbo2011 · 115 hp · North American base 2.0 L 8V2013 · 170 hp · Turbo Hybrid, combined2013 · 210 hp · 2013.5 GLI 2.0 L turbo2019 · 228 hp · GLI 2.0 L TSI 228 hp GLI 2.0 L TSI 76 hp North American 1.6 L
2378910151618
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
198076North American 1.6 L
1987123GLI 1.8 L 16V
1990134GLI 2.0 L 16V
199389A3 1.9 L TDI
2000150GLS 1.8T
2005150MkV 2.5 L five-cylinder
2006200GLI 2.0 L turbo
2011115North American base 2.0 L 8V
2013170Turbo Hybrid, combined
20132102013.5 GLI 2.0 L turbo
2019228GLI 2.0 L TSI

Versions

10 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    A7 S / SE / R-Line / SEL / SEL Premium / Sport

  • Jetta Wagon / SportWagen

    Standard

    Jetta Wagon / SportWagen

  • GLX VR6 (third generation)

    Performance

    GLX VR6 (third generation)

    172 hp

  • Special

    Trek Edition

    1996–1997

  • GLI Edition 30

    Special

    GLI Edition 30

    2014

    210 hp
  • GLI 35th Anniversary Edition

    Special

    GLI 35th Anniversary Edition

    2019

    228 hp
  • GLI 40th Anniversary Edition

    Limited

    GLI 40th Anniversary Edition

    2024

    228 hp

    1,984 built

  • Limited

    Wolfsburg Edition GLI (Helios Blue)

    1989

  • GLI Fahrenheit Edition

    Limited

    GLI Fahrenheit Edition

    2007

  • Limited

    Trophy 16V

    1989

    123 hp

    500 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • Jetta I: rectangular headlights, vertical front turn signals and a longer rear body than the Golf I.5
  • Fourth generation: rounded corners, an arched roof and a short antenna at the rear of the roof.4
  • A5: chrome grille, with VW logos visible inside halogen headlights.9
  • Seventh generation: the strong side crease passes through the fuel-filler door.11
  • 2019 Jetta: chrome exhaust-look trim in the rear bumper; the apparent outlets are fake.11

Year by year

  1. 1988

    Second-generation cars lost their front quarter windows and received revised grille and door trim.17

  2. 1990

    Larger body-colored bumpers and lower side skirts distinguish later second-generation cars.17

  3. 2010 (SportWagen)

    The SportWagen adopted a sixth-generation Golf-style nose while retaining fifth-generation Golf foundations.9

  4. 2015 (sixth generation)

    The Jetta received new front and rear fascias, revised headlights and a reworked interior.10

  5. 2022

    New bumpers; GLI adds a chrome-edged red grille stripe, black honeycomb lower trim and reshaped front intakes.215

  6. 2025

    New grille, headlights and rear light bar; optional front light bar from Sport. Dashboard gains an 8-inch screen and touch climate controls.15

Don’t confuse it with

  • Golf I

    Look for the Jetta's rectangular headlights, vertical front indicators and longer rear body.5

  • Photo of a Volkswagen Jetta
    Jetta
    Photo of a Golf GTI (Mk5)
    Golf GTI (Mk5)

    Golf GTI (Mk5)

    The GLI echoes the GTI's red-edged honeycomb grille; a large sedan trunk identifies the Jetta.2

Against its rivals

  • Volkswagen Golf (2019)

    Jetta vs Volkswagen Golf (2019)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    Jetta7.7 s
    Volkswagen Golf (2019)7.6 s
    11
  • Honda Civic Si (2020)

    Jetta vs Honda Civic Si (2020)

    Skidpad grip

    Jetta0.9 g
    Honda Civic Si (2020)1 g
    12

  • Jetta vs Kia Forte GT (2020)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    Jetta6 s
    Kia Forte GT (2020)6.7 s
    12

Prices

Value today $6.0K–$16.8K2728

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$10K$20K$30K$40K 1990200020102020 Value today: $6,000–$16,777 1984 · $9,175 · US GLI, window-sticker total1985 · $10,315 · US GLI base2004 · $24,655 · US GLI 1.8T, window-sticker total2010 · $24,990 · US TDI Cup base, excl. destination2019 · $19,440 · US S base2019 · $24,185 · US R-Line, as tested2024 · $29,235 · US GLI 40th Anniversary base 1985 · $10,315 · US GLI base price, 1985 model year 2020 · $32,250 · 1989 Trophy 16V, BaT2024 · $16,777 · 2004 GLI 1.8T, 38k miles, modified, BaT2024 · $2,800 · 1984 GLI, 178k miles shown, TMU, BaT2024 · $8,300 · 2007 GLI Fahrenheit, 54k miles, BaT2025 · $13,000 · 1984 GLI, 238k miles, modified, BaT2025 · $11,000 · 1990 GLI 16V, 94k miles shown, TMU, BaT2026 · $6,000 · 1988 GLI 16V, 108k miles, BaT2026 · $39,250 · 1989 Trophy 16V, 22k km, BaT2026 · $12,500 · 2004 GLI VR6, 21k miles, modified, BaT2026 · $11,000 · 2005 GLI 1.8T 6-speed, 78k miles, BaT2026 · $12,902 · 2019 GLI 35th Anniversary Edition, 59k miles, BaT2026 · $14,000 · 1998 TDI 5-speed, 60k miles, BaT $39.3K BaT, 2026
6911132027282930313233343536
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1985Launch price$10,315US GLI base price, 1985 model year
1984Price when new$9,175US GLI, window-sticker total
1985Price when new$10,315US GLI base
2004Price when new$24,655US GLI 1.8T, window-sticker total
2010Price when new$24,990US TDI Cup base, excl. destination
2019Price when new$19,440US S base
2019Price when new$24,185US R-Line, as tested
2024Price when new$29,235US GLI 40th Anniversary base
2020Auction sale$32,2501989 Trophy 16V, BaT
2024Auction sale$16,7772004 GLI 1.8T, 38k miles, modified, BaT
2024Auction sale$2,8001984 GLI, 178k miles shown, TMU, BaT
2024Auction sale$8,3002007 GLI Fahrenheit, 54k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$13,0001984 GLI, 238k miles, modified, BaT
2025Auction sale$11,0001990 GLI 16V, 94k miles shown, TMU, BaT
2026Auction sale$6,0001988 GLI 16V, 108k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$39,2501989 Trophy 16V, 22k km, BaT
2026Auction sale$12,5002004 GLI VR6, 21k miles, modified, BaT
2026Auction sale$11,0002005 GLI 1.8T 6-speed, 78k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$12,9022019 GLI 35th Anniversary Edition, 59k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$14,0001998 TDI 5-speed, 60k miles, BaT
2026Value today$6,000–$16,777

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 10 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “338.2 km/h on the Bonneville salt”
    • “A diesel racing school for ages 16–26”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 8 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 36 sources
  1. The new Jetta - world premiere North American International Auto Show | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  2. The go-faster story of the Volkswagen Jetta GLI - Motoring Research motoringresearch.com
  3. Volkswagen Jetta Used Car Buyer’s Guide | Autoweb autoweb.com
  4. Volkswagen Jetta - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  5. Jetta I (1979–1984) | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  6. 1985 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Test: Among the Most Capable caranddriver.com
  7. Volkswagen Vento (A3) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  8. Volkswagen Jetta History: The People's Sedan Through the Generations motortrend.com
  9. Volkswagen Jetta (A5) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  10. Volkswagen Jetta (A6) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  11. Tested: The All-New 2019 VW Jetta Plays a Little Golf caranddriver.com
  12. Tested: 2020 Honda Civic Si vs. Kia Forte GT vs. VW Jetta GLI caranddriver.com
  13. VW Is Seeing Red with the 2024 Jetta GLI 40th Anniversary Edition caranddriver.com
  14. Volkswagen Bora - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  15. Volkswagen Jetta (A7) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  16. Volkswagen Jetta (A1) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  17. Volkswagen Jetta (A2) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  18. Volkswagen Mk6 Jetta GLI Buyer's Guide | FCP Euro fcpeuro.com
  19. Junkyard Gem: 1997 Volkswagen Jetta Trek Edition - Autoblog autoblog.com
  20. No Reserve: 22k-Kilometer 1989 Volkswagen Jetta Trophy 16V for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $39,250 on October 8, 2026 (Lot #267,421) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  21. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Fahrenheit Edition caranddriver.com
  22. Modified Volkswagen Jetta Sets 210-MPH Record at Bonneville Salt Flats thedrive.com
  23. Sierra Lendle Takes TDI Cup Win At New Jersey - Sports Car Club of America scca.com
  24. Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  25. Volkswagen Announces Partnership with iRacing.com to Aid in Jetta TDI Cup Driver Training and Candidate Identification - iRacing.com | iRacing.com Motorsport Simulations iracing.com
  26. Not Soon Enough, Junior: Dominic Dubreuil's 1996 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 - PASMAG is the Tuner's Source for Modified Car Culture since 1999 pasmag.com
  27. No Reserve: 1988 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 16V 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,000 on September 26, 2026 (Lot #265,207) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  28. 38k-Mile 2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 1.8T for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $16,777 on July 30, 2024 (Lot #156,450) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. No Reserve: 1984 Volkswagen Jetta GLI for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,000 on September 26, 2025 (Lot #211,890) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. No Reserve: 21k-Mile 2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLI VR6 Sedan 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $12,500 on October 17, 2026 (Lot #268,982) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. No Reserve: 1984 Volkswagen Jetta GLI for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $2,800 on March 21, 2024 (Lot #140,425) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. 1998 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $14,000 on March 14, 2026 (Lot #233,452) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: Original-Owner 2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 1.8T 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $11,000 on June 16, 2026 (Lot #247,827) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 35th Anniversary Edition 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $12,902 on March 26, 2026 (Lot #235,177) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. 1990 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 16V 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $11,000 on May 27, 2025 (Lot #193,489) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. No Reserve: 2007 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Fahrenheit for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,300 on January 2, 2024 (Lot #132,231) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • volkswagen-newsroom.com
  • motoringresearch.com
  • autoweb.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • caranddriver.com
  • motortrend.com
  • fcpeuro.com
  • autoblog.com
  • bringatrailer.com
  • thedrive.com
  • scca.com
  • iracing.com
  • pasmag.com

Photo credits

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