Volkswagen Jetta 2006+

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Comments

  • gck105gck105 Member Posts: 1
    I think the Jetta looks a lot like the Toyota Corolla. From the shape of the body down to the tail lights. I don't like it.
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    Really...from the side it reminds me of the prev gen A4, a 2001 or so.
  • ilovemytdiilovemytdi Member Posts: 4
    Any news on the options for the new jetta/passat...i think vw is way behind in this area. I love the tdi's but bought a new accord v6 240hp, leather, heated seats, dual climate control, voice activated dvd navigation that also controls the heat/air, xm radio etc for 27k.

     

    I am in the market for another new car and would love to go back to a tdi, since i owned a 2000 jetta tdi until about 1 year ago. If im going to shell out the money I expect the dvd nav and keyless start...i read on the passat it will have the keyless start option, but have not read anything on the dvd nav system?
  • maxamillion1maxamillion1 Member Posts: 1,467
    So far I have heard that the base model will have pwr seat back functions and the top line models will get a power driver's seat.

     

    Some models will also have dual zone climate control, optional navigation, satellite radio, CD6 with MP3, etc.

     

    We will find out much more info after the LA Autoshow in about two weeks.

     

    I for one, cannot wait!
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    These three cars are photogenic. Each car, the Jetta, Passat and GTI cater to very different kind of buyers.

     

    I agree with Callmedrfill that pricing of the jetta is critical. If the jetta is price too closely to the passat, N. Americans will flock to the Passat(size is a big issue on this continent, unlike Europe and Asia). This would be detrimental for VW since the Jetta is its Brot und Butter car and its high volumes are what the dealerships depend on.

     

    VW Jetta has the potential to be the wrecker or creator of VW future success: In the end it all depends on price(AND reliability).

     

    In fact a reliability turn-around for VW would be the greatest blessing since there are many people who would prefer to drive a VW but wont because of their aversion to dealership visits.
  • creakid1creakid1 Member Posts: 2,032
    "...the base model will have pwr seat back functions..."

     

    What's the point? Imagine you're strained in a Jetta V w/ power outage, so you need to take a nap by reclining your seat...

     

    VW can easily save customers $ by getting rid of the tedious-to-operate rotating reclining knob & offering an easy-to-operate manual seat.

     

    Power seats are pointless unless it's got memory feature.
  • callmedrfillcallmedrfill Member Posts: 729
    $22k?

     

      NO Jetta should cost more than $24k, loaded! It's still in the same class as Mazda 3 and Corolla.

     

      I know he Jetta will ge 200HP, but so will Cobalt and SRT-4, and they are around $21k. So it's not about power.

     

      The Mazda 3 lacks 40 HP, but has asmuch luxury and room, and is MUCH better looking, with a similar warranty.

     

      DrFill
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    "NO Jetta should cost more than $24k, loaded! It's still in the same class as Mazda 3 and Corolla."

     

    Yeah, but does a Mazda 3 or COrolla handle as crisply as a Jetta? To many hp is not the be all and end all. How does the hp translate into the sheer joy of driving? Based on the premium pricing of the underpowered Jettas in the past, it appears many value the horses produced by a VW engine more than the higher hp cars you mentioned above.

     

    If hp was the sole criteria, Porsche would have been outgunned by vehicles that are half its price. That has never happened to Porsche these past 5-6 decades in business.
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    Mazda 3 and Corolla? Perhaps as a stripper with the base engine.

     

    Nobody, I know, has driven the new Jetta so it’s difficult to determine it’s direct competition.

     

    Cobalt and SRT4 (think it’s 220hp), what initially comes to mind is “yuk”. Further elaborating on my eloquent statement, I see the Jetta 2.0T competing with the Acura TSX and S40, not Chevy and Dodge.

     

    If you perceive no difference in quality, refinement, style, and driving dynamics between a Cobalt and the new Jetta then clearly you should purchase the more economical one.

     

    BTW, the current BMW 3 series (325) is only rated at 184hp. Even though this hp is less than the Cobalt and SRT, and not having driven the Cobalt and SRT, I can confidently say that it is far superior to either.
  • creakid1creakid1 Member Posts: 2,032
    "Yeah, but does a Mazda 3 or COrolla handle as crisply as a Jetta?"

     

    The new Jetta(& Passat, etc.) is a copy of the Mazda3, which is really a Focus II underneath, w/ Control Blade rear suspension designed by the original Focus engineers.

     

    & yes, the Mazda3 handles even more crisply than the new Jetta. What Mazda loses is the ride comfort w/ abrupt rebound motion(see CR comparison test) & the excessive noise level, both of which the new Focus II(not sold here) perform much closer to the Golf/Jetta V but still excels over the VW's in handing communication only slightly behind the old Focus I.

     

    Yes, the new Jetta might as well compete w/ the quiet but numb/vague-steering new S40/TSX, respectively, as well as their own A3/A4.
  • creakid1creakid1 Member Posts: 2,032
    "I know he Jetta will ge 200HP, but so will Cobalt and SRT-4, and they are around $21k. So it's not about power."

     

    Exactly, if all you care is power, then get the V6 Altima.

     

    Don't worry about the SRT-4 that won every comparison test w/ the sport compacts. One report pointed it out that if all of them got the same engine output, then the SRT-4 would be ranked behind the Focus SVT & the MazdaSpeed Protege.

     

    GM/Opel pointed out that when they dissected the old Golf/Jetta's trailing-arm rear suspension, they found some expensive manufacturing process GM simply can't afford to copy, so the new Cobalt/Astra's trailing arms will suffer!
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    The new Jetta(& Passat, etc.) is a copy of the Mazda3, which is really a Focus II underneath, w/ Control Blade rear suspension designed by the original Focus engineers.



     

    I don't see the point of this statement? Does it matter where the engineers come from? or their previous work?

     

    Hey...VW CEO is formerly the BWM CEO (Bernd Pischetsrieder)...fascinating.

     

    & yes, the Mazda3 handles even more crisply than the new Jetta

    When have to had the opportunity to drive it? Even though I probably won't purchase it I'd still like to give it a drive.

     

    It’s quite obvious that Ford is the epitome of automotive engineering and design. The Focus in particular seems to combine the attributes of a Mercedes S class with the driving dynamics of a Ferrari; with a respectable entry price. The only probably I see is getting the poor saps to stop spending 50K for MB’s, BMW’s and Audi’s.
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    "It’s quite obvious that Ford is the epitome of automotive engineering and design."

     

    LOL! . Was that not when Henry Ford was alive?

     
  • creakid1creakid1 Member Posts: 2,032
    BMW envied the German-engineered Focus so much that they almost bought its platform design years ago. Lately, AUTOCAR pointed out that the new 5-link rear suspension for the new 1 & 3 series actually applies the principle from the Focus 4-link Control Blade suspension.

     

    "Key to the first-generation car's astonishing ride and handling balance was its 'control blade' fully independent rear suspension. Both the VW Golf and BMW 1-series now have similarly trick rear-ends, but Ford's chassis engineers have consistently proved that they not only know how to fine-tuned a great chassis, but that they can also tailor it to cope with UK roads." -- p67, 14 December '04 AUTOCAR.
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    It appears to me that you are not just an auto, specifically Focus, enthusiast, but an automotive evangelical.

     

    Eagerly spreading the truth in hoping to save us all.

     

    Or maybe I’ve just been hitting the Chianti too hard this holiday season...

     

    Happy Holidays :)
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    Interior

    image

     

    Dark

    image

     

    image
  • ghostbuster23ghostbuster23 Member Posts: 43
    Thanks for the pics. I love the interior, it's stunning. I just can't get past the Corolla similarity on the outside. I'll wair til I see it in person to make up my mind, though.
  • callmedrfillcallmedrfill Member Posts: 729
    But this is NOT a TSX/S40 competitor! Quality is still a HUGE issue with every VW, and the comman man sees the VW as a common car, not a near-lux car, especially the Jetta, which has a kind of chick-car stigma to boot.

     

      Looks like a Sentra (last generation) to me. I don't think Acura is sweatin' yet.

     

      And regarding the HP vs handling debate, yes, most Americans shop power LONG before handling, so many V6 Altimas are moving these days.

     

      DrFill
  • kurtamaxxguykurtamaxxguy Member Posts: 677
    Right now I'm driving a 2004 Jetta 4 cyl while awaiting repairs on my 2004 Malibu Maxx. Not a huge difference in cost between these cars.

    Jetta rides a bit better (no jiggles - hit a bump and it's over with quickly), steering has a bit more road feel. Build quality is pretty weak (lots of rattly plastic bits). Jetta engine no match for Maxx (latter has more power __and__ better MPH).

     

    As for 2006, pictures are nice and reads suggest lots of worthwhile upgrades were made. If VW gets their reliability up __and__ dumps their arrogant attitude, they could get back into the USA game in a big way.

     

    And as for the "enthusasists", unless the Jetta has 300+ hp and rear wheel drive (or 350+ hp and all wheel drive), they won't be happy about it.
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    "most Americans shop power LONG before handling, so many V6 Altimas are moving these days."

     

     
    All I can say about the above statement is:

     

    Ignorance is Bliss!

     

    If most Americans are satisfied using solely hp stats to buy a car, so be it!
    If the best selling publications in America is National Enquirer and the Star, so be it! A best seller does not mean it is the best.

     

    "chick-car stigma to boot"

     

    Regarding the above statement related to the Jetta: What have you got againt the female gender?
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    I find quality to be near luxury. It’s the reliability that VW seems to be lacking.

     

    Both of which VW said will be huge improvements over the previous generation; guess we’ll see (cautiously optimistic). The current Jetta is a little long in the tooth for a comparison against a new model; nobody to blame but VW for that one.

     

    Malibu, I believe that it is on the new epsilon platform which has been getting good reviews (not driven the Max, not my cup of tea) ; the Saab 9-3 has an appeal for me.
  • venus537venus537 Member Posts: 1,443
    is that actually an interior pic of the jetta and not the golf? i thought the jetta would have the four spoke steering wheel and vents that close flush like they do in the current jetta.

     

    i completely agree with you about the jetta having near luxury quality and refinement. it seems some people have difficulty separating out reliability with other aspects of quality.

     

    i have an accord ex v6 and it's a great car but overall its interior doesn't match my previous jetta. and the accord is consider 2nd only to the passat for interior ambiance for mid-size cars. the jetta has a furnished trunk for crying out load.

     

    comparing the next jetta to the economy class is absurd. the tsx, 9-3 and s40 are much better comparisons. i suspect the 2.0t jetta will be at least an equal to those cars.

     

    i'll be one happy dude if a nicely equipped 2.0t gls jetta is priced in the mid 20k range.
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    The location of the image has it listed as a Jetta interior.

     

    At first I thought it may be the sport wheel (sport option), but then I noticed the wood on the interior. Maybe there is a sport option that can be added.

     

    Not sure about the flush vents, but here is a pic of the new Passat interior that also does not have flush vents; though it does have draft free ventilation

     

    image
  • creakid1creakid1 Member Posts: 2,032
    "It appears to me that you are not just an auto, specifically Focus, enthusiast, but an automotive evangelical."

     

    Focus enthusiast? You bet I am, after running out of choices.

     

    See my profile:

    /WebX?viewUserProfile@@.ef17023/127!vuserName=creakid1

    & figure out why no one satisfied a Jetta (I) enthusiast like me except, barely, the finally finely-honed 6th-year Focus I -- my "tossable toy" '05 ST.
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20- - 050101/RTICKER01-9/TPInternational/Americas

     

    Waiting for the new Jetta and so eager to be among the first owners that you will pay full MSRP?

     

    Take a long and deep breath!

     

    The above article shows how desperate VW has become. They are even thinking of offering free car insurance to residents in Wisconsin and Illinois. In this case patience is a virtue---wait a bit after the Jetta's intro for a great deal!
  • hfpieratthfpieratt Member Posts: 11
    I was thumbing through 'Motor Trend' at the book store and they claim the new jetta will have an 18.5 gallon tank. That's as big a a Toyota Camry. If the TDI still gets 48 on the highway that'll be over 800 miles on a tank. Who has a bladder that big? I'm getting too anxious for more info, the L.A. and Detroit Auto shows can't get here soon enough!
  • maxamillion1maxamillion1 Member Posts: 1,467
    my altima has a 20 gallon fuel tank...sometimes it costs me over $35 to fill the tank..
  • jshandorfjshandorf Member Posts: 1
    The new 2006 Jetta is everything that I didn't want in a Jetta.

     

    I think VW has completely dropped the ball here. The VW Jetta is NOT a luxury sedan. It's a small, economical, sporty, flashy, well engineered car that is priced to fit.

     

    People like me, who bought a Jetta, wanted a smallish car, that had some touch of luxury but was mainly rooted in performance and solid engineering. Also, I want fuel economy!!!

     

    Now only does the new Jetta come with a bigger engine, bigger passenger space, bigger trunk, and a bigger gross weight it costs more to fill the tank.

     

    If am going to drop mid twenties on a new Jetta, I might as well spend the extra 5-10 grand and get the real thing in a BMW 3-series. Then I can get a car with a proven 2.5 liter engine and the history and performance to back up the class the new Jetta now appears to be in.

     

    Oh, and I never thought a German car could look more ugly. It's like the engineers took every design cue that has made American and Japanese cars looks stupid and packed it all into one car. Unbelievable... Really. Could the front end be more pointy? Hey, nice bubble lenses on the headlights. Oh, and the door wedge shape is SO IN. Not. They seriously look like a cross between a Toyota Corolla and a cheap Audi. The designers should be shot.

     

    I LOVE my 2001 1.8T Jetta GLS and it makes me sad to finally give it up for a new car, but its starting to get to the age where problems are starting to crop up and also, if I want to get any money for it I have to sell it before it hits 60K miles. I so wish I could get a brand spanking new Jetta but after seeing the 2006, I think I will save a few more months and just get my BMW 3-series.
  • callmedrfillcallmedrfill Member Posts: 729
    The "age when cars start getting problems" is NOT before 60k miles!

     

       At least not any car worth having, much less pining away for.

     

       DrFill
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    There is a definite disappointment in you voice...

     

    Have you had a chance to see it, or are you just referring to pictures? I thought the same about the 5 series until I actually saw it in “real life”

     

    Mileage...I think that it will get better mileage in all trims.

     

    3 Series; it’s bigger now too. So is everything else. The new Jetta is now around the size of a TSX. Perhaps they should ship over the Polo.

     

    I think it “looks” really nice (pictures). Although I did like the stubby front end of the old Corrado.

     

    It will take more than a few months to make up the difference to get a new 3 series (they “look” nice); for me anyway…heh.
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    "LOVE my 2001 1.8T Jetta GLS and it makes me sad to finally give it up for a new car, but its starting to get to the age where problems are starting to crop up and also"

     

    What amazes me about most VW owners is that despite problems before 60k miles, VW owners remain devoted. Even if the new Jetta fitted all my criteria for a car---if I started having problems with a VW before 60k, I would buy any other car but a VW.
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    I notice the same with Honda/Toyota owners.

     

    They all acclaim to the vast superiority in reliability (I’ve had no problems in xxx miles), but when details are divulged it appears they (speaking for the whole Honda/Toyota community...heh) it appears that differences are not that substantial.

     

    My Honda has been out of commission twice for overnight repairs in under 45K…I guess I should not buy another Honda and go to VW. I would then hear “not all Honda’s are bad”, “you must have gotten one of the bad ones”, “every car has problems”
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    I am not boasting about the reliability of Toyota or Honda. Had nightmarish experiences with a 88 Acura Integra.

     

    I own a 99 BMW323 and my wife owns a 83 Mercedes300D(a family heirloom), we put in miles and miles on these two vehicles and we had no major problems(knock on wood).

     

    I like the Passat/Jetta TDI Wagon, but I think I will pass on these two and buy a new BMW 3 series. My fear is VW reliability! I owned a 86 Audi 4000! I know disgruntled friends with VW/Audis and I read about vw in consumers reports/jd power. My fear is based on facts!

     

    I am not loyal to any car if it is not loyal to me. I do not want to become too well acquainted with any auto mechanic. This applies to VW or Acura.
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    88 Integra...my sister had a nightmare as well.

     

    Think it was "where" she purchased it more than what she purchased; needless to say, no more Acuras for her.

     

    3er is very nice (LOVE the way they drive)...and think the reliability has improved lately.
  • a_l_hubcapsa_l_hubcaps Member Posts: 518
    Though I'm not a big VW fan (mostly because of the reliability issues), I'm curious about this car. I thought VW was supposed to announce full specs and pricing at the LA show today, but it seems they have not yet coughed up a press release, at least, not that I can find anywhere on the net. If anyone comes across one, please link.

     

    -Andrew L
  • maxamillion1maxamillion1 Member Posts: 1,467
    Check it out folks.

     

    There is a minisite up about he MKV Jetta....

     

    has specs...colors, etc.

     

    I am FEELING this Jetta...and I am only 19.
  • venus537venus537 Member Posts: 1,443
    as you may know my next car will probably be the new jetta but hondas and toyotas are indeed more reliable. i think there's no question about that. not that VW has raised the bar too high lately.

     

    i dearly hope that WV's rhetoric about concentrating on quality control has some truth to it.
  • venus537venus537 Member Posts: 1,443
    thanks for the heads up....

     

    i feel like a kid just before christmas...
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    Here are some pics from vw's site

     

    image

    image

    image

    image
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    But... I just read in Car and Driver that the 2.5L is based on the anemic and inefficient 2.0L 115hp unit in the current. Sorry, but 150hp from 2.5Ls and 5 cylinders is a bit dissappointing, and based on VW's non-diesel offerings (and the architecture) of this engine, I doubt there'll be any kind of fuel economy benefit. What is the torque spec? I think I recall it being underwhelming as well...

     

    Too bad. Its got a nice interior (expected, based on the current). Too bad it looks like a bloated Corolla, with less power than a Camry. Mind you, thats not a bad look, just not distinctive, and not what the prospective VW buyer is likely to want.

     

    ~alpha
  • gambit293gambit293 Member Posts: 406
    I must echo the opinion that the new Jetta looks like a Corolla. Actually it reminds me of a Corolla / Malibu hybrid.

     

    I really don't like the path that VW/Audi has taken with its styling.
  • maxamillion1maxamillion1 Member Posts: 1,467
  • maxamillion1maxamillion1 Member Posts: 1,467
    its supposed to be one half of the V10 found in a certain model...

     

    I heard this over at VWVortex...and they are on top of EVERYTHING VW.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    Thats fine. But 150 horses and 168 foot pounds from 5 cylinders and 2.5Ls of displacement STILL isnt impressive. And you can cross check the Feb 05 C&D issue stating the 2.5L's relation to the current and unimpressive 2.0L.

     

    ~alpha
  • maxamillion1maxamillion1 Member Posts: 1,467
    I was stating where the engine was actually derived from.

     

    There is supposed to be a 2.0 with about 200hp found in the 06 Passat and a Tdi model that will come along later.

     

    I've got my eyes on the Passat the next time I am in the market.
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    I’m not sure what people are expecting.

     

    The BASE engine in an entry level automobile isn’t supposed to be impressive. There still aren’t any specs available for the base engine. At what rpm is the 168 lb ft available at? Are people still impressed (fooled) by high hp figures?

     

    Try comparing the TSX 2.0 vs the VW 2.0T, they both have 200hp but the VW has the low end torque of a V8 (ok, maybe an older V8). The 207 ft lb of torque UNDER 2000 rpm of the 2.0T is ONLY 5 ft-lb of torque less than the V6 Accord which occurs at 5000 RPM!

     

    What IS impressive is that a 6 SPEED auto is available in an entry level auto. This is amazing since the current generation Accord had JUST received a 5 speed Auto. Other than the 2004 Lexus LS430, there are NO Lexus automobiles with 6 Speed Auto transmissions. How many Infiniti’s have 6 Speeds? Even the new Acura RL ONLY has a 5 speed Auto.

     

    While we’re at it, the 2.0T (which is impressive) will be offered with a 6 SPEED Manual or the DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox), that would feel at home in any Porsche, BMW, or Ferrari. I may be stretching here, but I would not be surprised to see the Jetta 2.0T with DSG out accelerate the V6’s from the Accord/TSX/Camry/Altima.

     

    While I’m on a roll…Design:

     

    The current design seems like an evolution from the current model.

     

    Is this what current owner are getting nostalgic about?

     

    OLD FRONT

    image

     

    NEW FRONT

    image

     

    OLD SIDE

    image

     

    NEW SIDE

    image

     

    OLD BACK

    image

     

    NEW BACK

    image
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    Well, DUH, who cares where the engine came from if it doesnt produce anything that moves the car?
    My only point is that its fairly large with fairly low output.

     

    ~alpha
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    The Lexus GS V6 and V8 will have 6 speed autos in when they are introduced in March.

     

    ~alpha
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    The subaru 2.5i legacy has 168 hp with 166 torque. HP is slightly higher than the new Jetta, but not high enough to make the Jetta uncompetitive.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    Yes, but the Legacy is a four cylinder, so then it becomes the Jetta with 18 fewer HP, and one extra cylinder. No doubt, the 6speed auto wil make the car fairly quick, but Im not impressed by the engine itself, especially if it comes from the 2.0L as per C/D.

     

    ~alpha
This discussion has been closed.

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