Designed to be a sedan version of Volkswagen's popular Golf/Rabbit hatchback, the Jetta was introduced in 1980 and has since become Volkswagen's best-selling car in North America. In its first year, the Jetta was available as either a two-door or four-door version with a 78-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. An optional diesel engine was also available, reaching 50-hp.
After receiving a few upgrades in engine power and standard features, the Jetta was redesigned in 1984. A diesel engine was added to the list of options in the mid-'80s, as was a high-end Wolfsburg GLI trim package. Other new additions included the Jetta Carat luxury model, introduced in 1988, and the Jetta ECOdiesel, equipped with a turbocharged 59-horsepower, 1.6-liter diesel engine that delivered high mileage while giving off fewer pollutants. It made its first appearance in showrooms in 1992.
The third-generation Jetta was slow to arrive in 1993, due to labor problems at the automaker's plant in Mexico, but through the '90s and into the 2000s, drivers continued to be enthusiastic about the Jetta. It is, most drivers agree, a functional family car that offers durability, reliability, plenty of room, and good gas mileage. Combined with smooth handling and confident braking, the Jetta provided a memorable driving experience.
