The Jetta is Volkswagen's compact sedan. The exterior styling is rounded and features a prominent chromed front grille and rounded headlights. A cleanly styled interior features a number of improvements in ergonomics. The standard engine is a 170hp, 2.5L inline 5-cylinder engine with a 5-speed manual and optional six-speed automatic transmission. The performance GLI model features a 200hp turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder with either six-speed manual or automatic transmsission. The Jetta is a competent car, but at the upper end of the model range, the roomier but similarly styled Passat becomes a very attractive alternative.

What Changed:

A 2.5L, 5-cylinder engine rated at 170 hp, 177 lb-ft of torque becomes standard. Trim levels have been renamed S, SE, SEL, GLI and GLI Autobahn. A diesel-engined variant should return to the lineup mid-2008.