I was seriously considering buying this car until I learned that it doesn't include air conditioning. I live in Texas, and all I can say is that my great grandparents fought a war just so that I wouldn't have to burn to death in a German chamber. I will not let them down.

Marketing a car w/out AC is like selling one without FM radio. That's just lame.

I bought this Jetta s brand new in 2012 I now have 145,000 miles just changed my brakes for the first time! It is a 5 speed .Yes the car is slow but this motor will run a long time with proper maintenance.

I personally own this model Jetta currently with 47k miles and all I have to say is AMAZING CAR!!!

I have a 13’ jetta base with a/c & 5 spd manual. I average around 27 in the city and almost 40 highway with the “old 2.0”. 115 horse power isn’t a lot but it works for me.

2.Slow! As slow as it is I kind of dig it. This engine has been around since the 80's and the only concession to modernity is balance shafts. That motor will be pulled out still running when the rest of the car goes to the crusher.

You're right, the base model is a special order. You can only build an S online. VW essentially offers a base model to advertise a low starting price. As far as acceleration, it's really something you have to drive and feel for yourself. If you're used to driving slow cars it may feel adequate for you.

Thanks for the video! I thought there was something wrong with my car's brakes, but you cleared that up.

I bought this car (2014 model) with 15K miles for less than $10K before financing charges. It's in near perfect condition. The car, in manual, is by no means fast but its not TERRIBLY slow. It's very comfortable. I'm averaging higher than average MPG believe it or not. This is a great starter car for me until I'm ready to spend more on a more expensive model. The terrible reviews are kind of dramatic. You're still getting a german built car.

I was going to get this car but before I proceed, I just wanted to say that this is by far the worst review I've seen. Just because the car is slow doesn't mean that it's the worst. Compare it to the sales rate before bashing on this car. I've seen my friends drive it and they see no problem to it and I myself won't see a problem to it as well. The people who bash this car are those who don't own it or hear things that seem to be true to them.

LOL laughed when he said "We aint going anywhere in a hurry"

I have a 2012 Jetta S with a 2 L engine and a five speed stick. You are probably right about it being underpowered with an automatic transmission; however, with a stick shift it is very peppy. Oh, and I might add that the gas mileage is much improved with the stick shift. I have not done much highway driving, but around town I consistently get 32 miles per gallon and above.

My brother has one with the 5 speed manual. The rear seat is very roomy and it's easy to load child seats into it. The big trunk is also nice to have. The 2.0 is adequate if you don't mind shifting a bit and plan ahead. The numbish steering makes you think the handling is worse than it actually is. The balance is good, there isn't a lot of body roll, and the suspension holds up in bumpy corners.

You can still find them on dealer lots. It's still June, you've got at least all summer to pick up a 2013 Forte.

Excellent, thorough, very helpful review. Many thanks!

You give and take on the features Jake, we respect that you prefer VW, nothing wrong with that. Sure the Focus has hand crank windows in the rear, but the overall interior is nicer and you get way more power and better MPG. The Civic DX is no more for 2013. The Jetta and Dart are the last compacts w/o A/C on the base models. Until VW drops this engine next year, we feel there are better choices for base models. We'd gladly recommend an SE trim Jetta though.

I know that this is an old review here in 2015 but when it comes to VW, less features make them more reliable.

What i can rescue from the jetta is that they are pretty safe cars, and i love the boxy look of this car. i really hate those eggshaped cars like ford escape

You have the best reviews BIG #1FAN HERE

Ouch! You know you have hit rock bottom when a pinche Prius outguns you at a stoplight LOL. Excellent review as always Sofyan!

A car without AC in the US? That's gonna sell like hot hot cakes!!

Buying one next month. Not buying it to smoke any others cars out there. I just need to get from point A to point B.

This was very entertaining to watch, especially at around 7 minutes. I really appreciate your videos. I think the Jetta has come a long ways. It's funny to see how you politely said this car stinks.

I remember that engine in my Grandmas 2001 and it sounds almost identical to this 2013. The 1999-2005 offered great driving dynamics and a high quality feeling interior I thought, but it is a slow car with the base engine.

Unless they've seriously changed the 2.0, those epa numbers are bs...I got 43mpg average driving my MKIV Jetta wagon 2.0 to the beach this past summer (fully loaded with stuff) on mid-grade fuel, and never get less than low 30's in city driving...don't hate on the 2.0, it isn't fast (5 speed helps though), but it is absolutely bulletproof. 150K miles and it has never once not started.

I would be happy to drive this Jetta!

2.0 Is very reliable engine. Since it is old and proven German engine this cars with 5 manual run forever(300K). Not like your modern 1.8 TSI developing the ticking noise(before 60K), timing chain starch(before 100K), throwing a rod(before 150K), wearn high pressure pump. 2.0 maybe not the fastest, but certainly cheap and reliable.

Dude you are the only plain Jane Jetta s review on KZfaq....there may be some amateurs vids out there but u are the only pro with a vid...I bought a base tsi last year. Got a deal and it will run circles around the s.... People do ur homework if u want a Jetta. A base se with 1.8t is almost the same money

I was shocked when I learned that up until 2014 the jetta still had a 8v four cylinder, I would have never thought that there would be a two valve engine in the 2010s

Nice Review Of 2012 Volkswagen Jetta S. 😀

Everything about this review is true. It's scary trying to get on a Parkway with a short entrance ramp. I can floor it and it won't move!

I started driving in May of 2019. I got a 2009 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport with 172k miles as my first car. So many little issues with it. Engine blew in August of 2022 at about 196k miles. I didn’t know anything about cars but I did know I wanted a black car, so I got this murdered out Jetta. It looked fast and the speedometer went to 160, so I assumed it was fast. But let me tell you it is THE slowest car I have ever driven. This car is in the same group as the 74hp Mitsubishi Mirage when it comes to acceleration. It’s THAT slow with about 11-11.5 seconds 0-60. I was getting GAPPED by 99% of the cars on the road flooring it when the light turned green. Finally this June, I sold it and got a single owner 2009 G37x sedan. The difference is astronomical. The 0-60 is half, and The G has almost 3x as much HP as the Jetta. I only put about 6000 miles on the car, but man it was painful. Maxed it out at 115 flooring it for a good 60 seconds. Accidentally hit 136 in the G because I’m so used to flooring such a weak car. Took me a minute and I was like oh SHIT this thing fast. Love my G so much man

I own a 2012 Jetta S and just love it

Ah yes...the two-point-slow. Was a nice motor in the Clinton-era when it came out in the 1993 Jetta, making the same hp ratings as it did in 2012. I had the "pleasure" of driving one as a rental car a couple years back when my Focus was in for one of its several transmission repairs (don't get me started). I merged on the highway and just prayed I could get up to the speed limit it was so slow. Thrashy little engine too. We'll just say I was glad to drive my '12 Focus after that, even with that crappy PowerShift transmission.

The 2.0 engine is also in the 1998-2004 vw beetle as the standard engine

I did get smoked by a Prius. I have this car, though I’m keeping it, I’m upgrading to a 2016 Audi A6 prestige with stage 2 APR chip, supercharger and exhaust.

I have owned the 2.0l 2012 vw Jetta 5 speed and it has been the most reliable car. The manual is by far faster and more fun then the automatic 👌

Is the interior quality the same as the comfortline or the highline?

Sofyan you're used to fast GTI's and ST's. I love fast, practical cars especially hot hatches, but the 2.0 is a solid engine. Its extremely robust, reliable, and durable. Its good enough for acceleration. My grandma nearly bought one but she got a 2010 Fit Sport for a steal. And now she hates her Fit due to crappy reliability and quality so shes waiting for the payments to be done to buy a Jetta or Golf.

can u plz do jetta 1.4t i wanna how how the engine is in terms of daily driving torque

I think it’s funny how everyone starts bitching about how underpowered this 2.0 is, hell in Europe they offer a Petrol 1.6L with 95hp in this body style, the ABA 2.0 is the most reliable engine VW has ever made

unless you live in Alaska or Siberia, a/c should be standards on ALL cars, it's a safety issue on those warm, humid, rainy days, when your windows all fog up real bad and you can't see crap out the window.

Can't wait for the 2016 1.4 turbo base engine

I’d buy this over a hyundai or a kia. The 2.slow proved to be reliable and the car is fun to drive. Just put a good set of wheels and tires and it should drive sportier.

The 2.slow is more lively in 5 speed configuration . I like my 2014 jetta ...

Exactly. My Jetta MK3 with the 2.0l is actually pretty fun. Seriously bulletproof engine too!

I'm coming from a 98 crown vic so this car so this car would be great

I dont get why people hate the 2.slow so much. Just got a 2015 5spd and it honestly isnt that bad. It would be nice to have the new 1.4 but it gets the job done and even got 37 mpg on highway. What more could you ask for in a car that was able to be bought brand new for 14k?

I'm diggin the negative reviews, may I suggest the 2013 Mitsubishi Galant?

The 5 speed performs much better than the automatic. It does lack power but it makes for a good highway mule.

You should review the 2014 Chevy Cruze Diesel. I would be interested in your opinion on that verses the Jetta TDI.

The tempature by the odometer is that the cars temperature???

I have a 2012 Sentra and it says when we bought it a compact sedan on the window sticker in which the versa is subcompact and the altima is midsize

Please do a top of the line Silverado.

Solid and very reliable, what more do you need ?

its no rocket, but was a very refined engine at speed. The 1.8 Turbo was quick in the Jetta, A4 and Bettle

Can you PLEASE do a Jetta 2.0 base model

What do you expect of a car that is too cheaper? For me. Is a good option because is practic

Nope, the 2013 Kia Forte LX 5-speed starts at $15,400

The lack of any controls on the steering wheel is a deal breaker.

can you do a review on the jetta diesel?

you should review the passat

Great job!

Is this an intereference engine?

OMG we get it, “the door panels are plastic!” You must have said that six times!

Ive even seen some Jettas that come factory without a radio

I agree I just test drove this exact same car except it was white. And It has Nooooooo Power it took me 10 minutes to get up to 25 mph from a complete stop

can you do a jetta gli please

There are no LED daytime running lights on this specific car he's reviewing. What is he talking about?

The 1.6 TDI with 7 speed DSG auto transmission in Skoda Octavia 2012/13 model is a much better bet, same Volkswagen technology not sure if in USA, but in Ireland its here.13/6/2013.Irish time 7:34am.

115hp was acceptable 20 years ago in the Gen III but nowadays the average 1.6 makes more power. Some people say the 2.0 is bulletproof but the one in my friend's Gen IV died. Honestly, I could never say anything from VW is bulletproof; we've owned 4 in the family and I've known many people with them causing headaches. I always found Volkswagen to be over-hyped and anyways I'll stick to me "Jap scrap."

You can get these in a manual trans. brand new for $15K with bluetooth. I don't know where you are getting your MPG information from, but I average 29-31 MPG in my 12' Jetta and regularly get 385-400 miles on a single tank of gas, which is pretty good when it takes less than 13 gallons to fill it (before the gas light comes on). I agree that the engine is pathetic, which is why I don't like the car, but with little down, my car payment is only $185/month, less than the avg. lease.

There's LED Daytime running lights? 1:20

I like this kind of review I hate the new one like the Acura ILX or Kia rio video

The cheapest starting price for compact is 2013 nissan sentra with a 6 speed manual at $15,990

Wow this wasn't a biased review at all...go look at a 2012 civic DX with no radio or AC, or a focus with crank windows still in the backseat. For what you pay what you get is pretty good. I'd take it any day over a brand new luxury car my parents handed me, at least I could smile and know that I own something.

those specs are close to my mom's 02 lancer oz rally lol...although I think we get over 30 mpg highway

Oh n there r some sharp parts around d car like d trunk the black piece dat hide d hinges cut my hand once n where d change goes under d radio they is also sharp

Our 99 Wolfsburg Edition's engine sounds much different for some reason lol

You didn't recommend the 2.0 because of the weak power output but neglected to talk about the bulletproof reliability of the TSI.

Please do a 2013 jetta gli

Find a previous mk5 jetta and do a review of it.

My grandpas 2000 beetle has the same engine and 0-60 is about 11'secs

also if you can do a dodge magnum tht would be well appreciated, thanks.

I love the style of this car but my only complaint is, the mk5 had the 2.5 pretty much the main engine for those cars with pretty good power. So for the mk6 why couldn't they continue to use that 2.5 engine as the main engine vs using the old mk4 2.0 engine In the new model?

Is it manual?

Don't be so quick to give that distinction to the Jetta, VW will be dropping the 2.5L and 2.0L engine next year and replacing it with their new 1.8L turbo engine.

The base automatic has air conditioning, power mirrors, and electric key fob. Weird that the manual doesn't.

What he didn't tell you guys is the aba engine is the most reliable engine that vw has ever made

I have this car and done a lot of things and added a lot of things to it to make it faster then the gli. it is a slow car but once I added the right parts which is hard by the way , i made a fast. so I have no problem with this car

the 2.0l 115 hp yea it hasnt too much power but its pretty reliable :)))

According to the Kia website they are selling the 2014 model for $15900. They don't sell the 2013 model anymore (Sedan)..

And the sentra at least has remote keyless entry, power windows locks and ac

Scion Fr-s plz

The base model Jettas with no A/C do exist and were sold. Here's a 2011 model: watch?v=6hgHyNrQW0s

I have dis car its gud on gas but thing I don’t like not sure if anyone else get a problem wit wen d sun like shine on the dash board it acts like a mirror n u dont see well wen the sun is on d dash

I wanted a Volkswagen once but I was scared because of the long term reliability.

Is this faster th

Well today a buddy of mine he sold his 2004 Infinti G35X Sedan he is looking for a car for under 7,000 dollars he says it has to be a Manual one of the cars that he is going to look at is a 2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLI that has the 2.8 V6 engine that is one of the cars that he is looking at i will let you know what he ends up geting

Ok it is super slow, I had a 2012 S for a while. However, I got mine up to 165k miles and it still ran like new before someone totaled it. Didn’t burn oil. It could have gone another 100k easy.