A new engine option was among the upgrades made to the Volkswagen Jetta for the 2000 model year. The 1.8T, which was available as an add-on to the four-door Jetta GLS trim package, was a turbocharged 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder powerplant that generated 150 horsepower. It joined three other engine options offered for the Jetta in 2000 -- a base 115-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gas engine; a 90-horsepower 1.9-liter diesel engine with the TDI (turbo direct injection) feature; and a 174-horsepower, 2.8-liter V6 for drivers who wanted a bit more power under the pedal.

In addition to the GLS with the 1.8T engine, trim packages included the four-door GL (gas engine) and GL TDI (diesel engine), the four-door GLS with the base 2.0-liter gas engine, the GLS TDI (diesel engine), and two packages with the V6, the GLS and the GLX. All Jetta trim packages for 2000 came with a five-speed manual transmission as standard equipment. A four-speed automatic was available as an option.

Standard equipment for the GL and GL TDI included air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, power door locks, dual airbags, tilt steering, and an AM/FM/cassette audio system. The GLS packages added cruise control (also standard on the GL TDI) and power windows, while the GLX V6 added leather seats and a sunroof.

Drivers gave positive marks to the Jetta's handling, acceleration, value, safety features, braking, and reliability, though some noted that the car's fuel economy wasn't as good as its competitors'. Some drivers noted problems with the car's "fit and finish," such as its exterior trim and interior plastic parts. Cup holders were noted by several drivers as being less than durable.