2008 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
In an attempt to catch up to the selling power of the Civic and the Corolla, Volkswagen gave its Jetta midsize sedan a makeover in 2008....
In an attempt to catch up to the selling power of the Civic and the Corolla, Volkswagen gave its Jetta midsize sedan a makeover in 2008. Leaving the 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbo inline-four engine to the GLI, the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta boosts power in its 2.5-liter inline five, adding 20 to achieve 170 hp and 177 ft-lbs of torque. Transmission choices range from the standard 5-speed manual to an optional 6-speed automatic (the SEL trim comes only with the automatic). The inline five is also available in a low-emissions PZEV version. However, drivers complain of the disappointing 21/29 mpg.
Now divided into three trims (S, SE, and SEL), the front-wheel-drive sedan gets a few more optional features at the same time that it ditches some standard equipment. Gone are the real leather seats in the SE and SEL (replaced by leatherette), automatic climate control, and HomeLink garage opener. New are optional 17-inch alloy wheels (standard on the SEL) and a sunroof, standard on SE and SEL and optional for the base S. A two-way power reclining driver's seat is newly standard across the lineup. The sedan seats four in two rows, with 60/40 split-folding rear seats that feature an armrest/trunk-passthrough. Owners love the spacious 16-cubic-foot trunk, but feel interior compartments and consoles could hold more.
The base S trim starts out with full power features, cruise control, and a CD/MP3 player with an input jack stuck inconveniently in the glovebox. Moving up to the SE gets you a sunroof, heated seats, leather trim, a fold-flat passenger seat, and a 6-CD player. The upscale SEL adds a trip computer, upgraded sound system, and wheel-mounted audio controls. The 2008 Jetta performs well in crash tests, earning top marks. All trims come equipped with ABS brakes and both dual front-side and side curtain airbags for the front row. Rear side curtain airbags are optional. Stability control is standard on SE and SEL trims.
Overall, drivers are pleased with the refined and smooth ride of the 2008 Jetta, and appreciate the extra power that makes time spent behind the wheel more fun. A large trunk, solid safety profile, and features such as satellite radio and heated seats also warm drivers' hearts. Criticisms focus on the boring exterior and reliability.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers really enjoy the performance and handling of the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta, appreciating its stability, acceleration, and high-quality build. Many find the interior comfortable and the sound system impressive. However, some have noted concerns regarding issues with the transmission system and the cost of repairs, along with a few complaints about the legroom in the back seats. Overall, it is seen as a fun, reliable car with good fuel economy."
This car is absolutely amazing. It is a great and fun car to drive as an everyday driver, or even for the racing scene it is a great car. Handles nicely and can be customized in many different ways. The cost is descent too, its only around 18k. Good price for a brand new car. The interior of the car is just as amazing as the exterior of the car. Its sleek clean just good quality German engineering. Only downside is that i don't have enough money to fully deck it out the way i want it yet.
August 26, 2008I thought I would never buy a four cylinder again until I came across my '08 2.0 turbo charged Wolfsburg Jetta. I love the acceleration response and handling. Sport mode really seems to haul. The only issue I've had so far is the mechatronic unit which controls the transmission and breaking. After about 20K miles my car would stutter at stops and starts. It was annoying. VW was awesome about it though. They gave me a long term rental (paid for by them) and then they extended the warranty on this part from 36,000 miles to 100,000 miles. Since it's been fixed it runs like a dream. It's very responsive and handles great. I had a little trouble with the stock Conti tires in the winter but I bought some bridgestone blizzaks with 16" wheels and now I fly around everyone even when it's snowing here in Michigan. The interior and exterior are sweet too. And the sound system is better then any aftermarket system I've put in in the past (including my jeep with infinities and subs). It is one fine ride.
February 23, 2010Performance: Good for a drivers car. It is faster than most cars out there, that is for sure. You can also trust its brakes and handling more than others. Appearance: It is a gorgeous car in my eyes. The shape is designed well, and the interior is wonderfully laid out. Cost of Ownership: Parts are premium compared to cheaper American cars, but I am willing to bet my driving habits would have killed another dealer's gearbox. Fun Factor: Absolutely wonderful. Tiptronic is a godsend for a daily driver car that has a driver looking to have fun. Build Quality: It's German.
January 25, 2010What owners say
This car is absolutely amazing. It is a great and fun car to drive as an everyday driver, or even for the racing scene it is a great car. Handles nicely and can be customized in many different ways. The cost is descent too, its only around 18k. Good price for a brand new car. The interior of the car is just as amazing as the exterior of the car. Its sleek clean just good quality German engineering. Only downside is that i don't have enough money to fully deck it out the way i want it yet.
August 26, 2008I thought I would never buy a four cylinder again until I came across my '08 2.0 turbo charged Wolfsburg Jetta. I love the acceleration response and handling. Sport mode really seems to haul. The only issue I've had so far is the mechatronic unit which controls the transmission and breaking. After about 20K miles my car would stutter at stops and starts. It was annoying. VW was awesome about it though. They gave me a long term rental (paid for by them) and then they extended the warranty on this part from 36,000 miles to 100,000 miles. Since it's been fixed it runs like a dream. It's very responsive and handles great. I had a little trouble with the stock Conti tires in the winter but I bought some bridgestone blizzaks with 16" wheels and now I fly around everyone even when it's snowing here in Michigan. The interior and exterior are sweet too. And the sound system is better then any aftermarket system I've put in in the past (including my jeep with infinities and subs). It is one fine ride.
February 23, 2010Performance: Good for a drivers car. It is faster than most cars out there, that is for sure. You can also trust its brakes and handling more than others. Appearance: It is a gorgeous car in my eyes. The shape is designed well, and the interior is wonderfully laid out. Cost of Ownership: Parts are premium compared to cheaper American cars, but I am willing to bet my driving habits would have killed another dealer's gearbox. Fun Factor: Absolutely wonderful. Tiptronic is a godsend for a daily driver car that has a driver looking to have fun. Build Quality: It's German.
January 25, 2010A good value for the money and after 4 years and almost 40k miles it has not needed out of warranty repairs. VW performed the DSG recall and all of the strange shifting has gone away. Easy on gas even though it requires premium fuel. Tried mid grade but it ran terrible so I had to go back to the expensive stuff.
April 18, 2012I love the car, Performance wise its by no stretch a sports car but with a few mods it can be alot of fun, brakes on the car are great and it handles like a car that cost three times as much. Build quality rivals that of more expensive cars and blows honda, toyota, nissan, dodge, ford, and chevy out of the water. I like the way the car looks it has nice lines and a great front end. Cost wise if you do your own oil changes its ok, can be a little expensive at times. Overall this is a fun car to drive and though its not a sports car it has no problem keeping up with most V6s and a few others.
October 19, 2010The Jetta is a good all around car. The 5 cylinder version(170 hp, 177 lbs-ft torque) while not being the fastest car in the world still is peppy, has more than enough power to get out of its own way, and drinks gas like a 4 cylinder. The handling in terms of steering, cornering, braking, etc. is as any German car should be. Absolutely no complaints here. It is incredibly solid also and definitely out classes all of the rivals in this category in terms of overall build quality. I looked at many cars in this price range and the VW by far was most impressive for this and many other reasons. Overall, the Jetta is very good as a daily driver/commuter. It's fun to drive (especially with the manual transmission), excellent on gas, and so far very reliable. At this point I've owned it for over 2 and a half years and put 38,000 miles on it with no problems.
September 24, 2010My Jetta was a Solid car with what I think could be the perfect engine, a 5 cyl with almost 200HP. It only requires regular gas, but I got up to 42MPG on a trip when I used Premium. Amazing car to own, loved every moment of driving it and NOT A SINGLE ISSUE!
July 13, 2009This car is amazing, it has an excelent sound system, great performance, smooth on corners, very comfortable, xenon headlights, enormous trunk but the brakes are indeed a bit weak, they could use a touch of audi's a4, great for the money.
April 17, 2009Love the car... recommend to anyone looking for a reliable, dependable vehicle! Best there is!
June 10, 2008This car has good control, acceleration, and braking. In manual transmission, the acceleration is amazing. The style and looks are attractive. Overall, an amazing car, a good drive.
March 24, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $20,875 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 200 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 16.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $16,990 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 170 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 16.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $22,825 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 170 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 16.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $19,760 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 170 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 16.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
