Comments on: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta – First Review

By: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI – Review and Test Drive - The Diesel Driver

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 22:23:58 +0000

[...] in its home market, Germany, and sharing only basic components with the completely redesigned Jetta, is updated for 2011, getting a new front end that includes a narrow double-bar grille, angled [...]

By: NDK

NDK — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 07:31:48 +0000

I did a lot of research before deciding to buy my first brand new car. I’m 35 years old and needed a car that got good/great fuel economy. As most of us are, I wanted a reliable car; a solid car that I could drive for years to come. I have a 30 mile commute to work and do a good deal of highway/city driving. I decided to buy the 2011 Jetta TDI. I knew that deisel was around $4.00 a gallon, as apposed to around $3.60 for gasoline, but my thinking was that I would rather fill up less and pay a bit more then fill up more and pay a bit less. Plus, with the TDI, I am getting oil changes every 10,000 miles as apposed to every 3,000 which a lot of gasoline vehicles require. I have no doubt that the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, and the “Smartcars” get good gas mileage, but I’m going to give you the facts about what I’ve observed in the short time I’ve owned my TDI. The last tank of diesel, I got 618 miles. The TDI has a 14.5 gallon tank. For all you non math majors out there, that is nearly 43 miles/gal. That is not just on the highway. That is a combination of highway and city miles. That’s my 2 cents. Take it for what it’s worth.

By: Paul Shiles

Paul Shiles — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 12:46:48 +0000

Does anyone know if the 2012 Jetta TDI SportWagen will be “de-contented” like the 2011 Jetta Sedan was? I am in the market for one, and I would be willing to wait to (hopefully) get a better deal on a 2011 when the 2012′s arrive later this year. Of course, if they are de-contented, that would be much more difficult to do. Any thoughts, comments, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated and thanks in advance!

By: Adam Root

Adam Root — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 15:38:32 +0000

Just purchased the 2011 Jetta TDI, 6 Speed Manual Transmission…. Love the drive…had to trade in a 2010 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited because of gas consumption(17 MPG Average), I seen the MPG on this new Jetta and was sold instantly….After my first Gas Tank fill up, after 654 Miles(i had driven 25 miles after the “Low Fuel” light came on)I no longer missed the Jeep.. Averaged about 47 Miles per gallon which is significantly more than advertised…. Very Happy Buyer….

Electronics work great and Radio is Very simple to use, atleast with the IPOD hard wired in with a special cord included with purchase

By: tom simmonds

tom simmonds — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 11:59:26 +0000

Oh yes.
Road noise.
I don’t know if its the tires or chassis feedback but road noise is definately a problem.
I too am having a hard time with the radio control volume and cell phone control volume.
Sometimes there is a wind whistle on the hightway.
At first I thought it was the turbo but don’t think so.

By: Charles Johnson

Charles Johnson — Tue, 24 May 2011 22:02:05 +0000

I’ve just purchased a 2011 VW Jetta TDI. Over all I like the car but am having some problems. I can’t get the volume of my phone calls consistent with the radio volume. I have to turn the volume all the way up to hear the person I’m talking with on the other end of the phone and when the call is terminated the radio comes back on with the volume so loud it hurts your ears. Probably my ignorance, but I have not been able to resolve it. Also, my fuel economy is no where close to advertised. Any suggestions?

By: amy

amy — Mon, 23 May 2011 17:54:10 +0000

We purchased the 2011 Jetta TDI. Love the car except for two continuing problems: excessive wind noise – door and window seals have been replaced and door re-aligned. Chugging engine – apparently this is normal for this car but it is not enjoyable at all, especially for passengers. the car hesitates then responds, chugs at slower speeds with a slow response and then the response? At 50 mph the engines “misses”. the gas mileage is wonderful, the accessories are simple but nice but the road noise and engine performance is poor to say the least.

By: Josh

Josh — Tue, 10 May 2011 14:21:39 +0000

Recently purchased the 2011 Jetta TDI, I have never owned a VW or Diesel automobile before so the 2011 model is my first impression of either. All things being equal to me, the engine makes this vehicle fantastic. New off the lot and I have already acheived better fuel economy than the EPA estimated, I expect even better results as the engine breaks in. To have the feel of a small gas V-6 and the economy of a hybrid, it really is impressive to me.

As for the quality of the vehicle, I can only hope that though the parts and/or designs used to make the Jetta more affordable are in fact cheaper/outdated, that the car itself is still being manufactured according to strict specifications and the quality of this new vehicle with some older equipment will not be hindered.

I am personally more than satisfied with the overall design and drive experience of this vehicle, the ride is smooth, little road noise, comfortable and ergonomic. Though the handling ability is slightly less than I expected the steering response is great (despite a downgrade in mechanics). This TDI Jetta is truly FUN to drive and even accomodates my family of 5 comfortably. (Yes, three children in car seats fit in the back). I am a very satisfied owner, overall this vehicle performs better than expected. However, I will be keeping a close eye on the supposed redesigned 2012 passat TDI, that could be a serious competitor in the US market against any sedan.

By: Tony

Tony — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:32:24 +0000

Well I have my Jetta 2011 for a few months and 5K miles. I had a 2001 TDI that gave me 283K miles before I felt it was time for a change. The new car has some really great features. The time for the glow plugs to heat up enough to start the car is great even in very cold weather. The engine really is so quiet that it is not very different than a gas engine. I really like that it is a bit larger than the previous model as well.

What is OK is the ride and handling. I think my previous car held the road much better as I felt very comfortable no matter what speed I was going, even as the suspension was not what it once was. The doors are so cheap sounding and open so easy that swinging it into another car or tree or wall is going to happen sooner or later. Love the satellite radio but wish it had some memory like my stand alone radio had.

Road noise is OK but the car whistles ones you get up to highway speed. The other Jetta’s engine was louder but on the highway I think it was far quieter. The new sunroof is interesting in how it works but I like the earlier one better and think it was also much larger.

As far as acceleration and the performance of the engine well that is so much better that if you have a heavy foot you will spin the tires in many situations. Even at very high highway speeds a very slight push on the pedal will result in enough acceleration that you will feel yourself being pushed into the seat.

There is no doubt that this is a cheapened version of what they used to build. I still think it is much better than most other comparably priced cars and given the sparsity of diesel engines it really is a great car.

By: Nick Scalini

Nick Scalini — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 02:48:10 +0000

Just picked up my new 2011 jetta TDI. Love this car so far. Upgraded from a 2004 Jetta TDI. I can’t really find a flaw in this car. I really really love the bluetooth phone setup. This is a very safe option for anyone. Navigation system is like others. Love the automatic 6 speed transmission. Can’t even feel it shift. Keyless start is actually cool. Keyless entry is also really nice. You just keep the key in your pocket, walk up to the door and it unlocks automatically. Get in and push the start button and your off. Phone rings, radio shuts off, punch a button on the steering wheel and answer. Need to make a call- press mic button on steering wheel say “call home” phone calls your house or whoever you want on your contact list. Its good and its safe! Great car!!