2008 Volkswagen Jetta Trims and Specs

As the base model for this midsize front-wheel-drive sedan, the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta S comes fully packed. Under the hood is a 2.5-liter DOHC inline-five engine, with choice of 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. This powertrain puts out 170 hp and 177 ft-lbs of torque and averages 21/29 mpg. The sedan rides on a Macpherson strut front and multilink rear suspension, with 16-inch steel wheels and all-season tires.

Earning four stars in frontal impact and five in side impact tests, the 2008 Jetta S sports a reassuring list of safety features. 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes feature electronic brakeforce distribution. Dual front-side and side curtain airbags are standard in the front row, and side curtain bags for rear passengers can be added. Traction control is standard, with the option to add stability control. A tire monitor, daytime running lights, and mirrors with turn signals are also included.

Delivering plenty of convenience features for the price, the 2008 Jetta offers full power features, including a two-way driver's seat and remote entry. Cruise control, heated mirrors, intermittent wipers, an 8-speaker sound system with CD/MP3 player and input jack, tilt and telescopic steering, a tachometer, and a temperature display round out the package. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats open onto a 16-cubic-foot trunk that has its own power outlet. Another power outlet sits up front. There is a new Cold Weather Package this year (heated front seats and washer fluid) as well as a Sport Kit that outfits the S with a front and rear spoiler and side sills. Other options include 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, splash guards, a trunk liner, and both a cargo net and tiedowns.

Falling between the S and SEL trims, the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta SE adds a few more upscale features to make the ride in this front-wheel-drive midsize sedan a little nicer. Seats are now covered in leatherette, while leather adorns the steering wheel and shifter. Heated front seats and a sunroof are also standard, along with a 6-CD player heard through an upgraded 10-speaker sound system. On the safety front, electronic stability control is added to the equipment.

Powering the 2008 Jetta SE is a 170-hp, 20-valve, 2.5-liter DOHC inline-five engine and choice of a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. Average fuel economy rates around 21/29 mpg. The sedan uses 16-inch wheels and all-season tires, and moving up to the SE gets you alloy wheels. A tire monitor measures pressure, and 17-inch alloy wheels are optional. Dual front-side and side curtain airbags are standard, with rear curtain bags on the options list. Also standard are 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control, front and rear stabilizer bars, and mirrors with turn signals.

A two-way power driver's seat is part of a long list of power features, which also includes windows, locks, heated mirrors, a sunroof, and remote entry. Cruise control, intermittent wipers, and tilt and telescopic steering add extra convenience. Also standard are a temperature display, tachometer, and MP3 input jack. A center console provides storage, and there are four cupholders and two power outlets - one up front and one in the trunk. The trunk holds 16 cubic feet and can be accessed via the 60/40 split-folding rear seats or a trunk passthrough in the rear armrest. The 2008 Jetta SE also has a fold-flat front passenger seat, if you need to haul longer objects. A Sport Kit option decks out the sedan with side sill extensions, ground effects, and a front and rear spoiler. A cargo net and tiedowns, splash guards, and trunk liner are some other available options.

Unlike its S and SE siblings, the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta SEL midsize sedan pairs only a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission with its 170-hp, 2.5-liter DOHC inline-five engine - the 5-speed manual is not offered. Other differences when you move up to this premium trim are a standard trip computer, wheel-mounted audio controls, satellite radio, and larger 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires. Joining the temperature display on the dash is a compass.

The front-wheel-drive sedan seats four, with a fold-flat front passenger seat and 60/40 split-folding rear seats that open onto a 16-cubic-foot trunk. A rear armrest doubles as a pass-through. Front seats are heated and covered in leatherette, while leather adorns the steering wheel and shifter. A sunroof, 2-way power driver's seat, remote entry, cruise control, power windows, locks, and heated mirrors, and a 10-speaker 6-CD sound system with MP3 input are also standard. Convenience features include intermittent wipers, a tachometer, tilt and telescopic steering, power outlets in the dash and the trunk, and four cupholders. Optional only for the 2008 Jetta SEL is a DVD-based navigation system. A Sport package adds ground effects, side sill extensions, and a front and rear spoiler. Splash guards and a trunk liner are also available, along with a cargo net and tiedowns.

The SEL adds standard side curtain airbags for rear passengers, supplementing the dual front-side and side curtain airbags up front. Traction and stability control, front and rear stabilizer bars, and 4-wheel ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution help the SEL earn four stars in frontal impact tests and five stars in side impact tests. A tire monitor, daytime running lights, and mirrors with turn signals add extra assurance.