Since its debut in 1979, the Volkswagen Jetta has steadfastly endured the ebbs and flows of the auto industry. It’s now a quarter-century old, a half-dozen editions into its legacy and enjoying a resurgence with the upgraded model for 2014.
With competition in all car segments increasingly keen, VW for 2014 Jetta replaced the former 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder model with a 170-horsepower, turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder.
The Jetta is the little sedan that could and continues to do so, which is why it’s VW’s best-selling car. With the engine change, the Jetta is now more versatile while maintaining its value pricing. The gas engine model (a diesel engine is optional) can now also run on E15 (a mix of gas and ethanol).
The Weekly Driver Test Drive
About a half-dozen times per year and for nearly the past decade, I’ve driven my weekly drivers on the round-trip, 400-mile trip from Sacramento to the Monterey Peninsula.
With the exception of driving an SUV off-road or a high-end sports car on a winding country road with no one in sight, the trip to the Monterey Peninsula affords a vast array of driving circumstances.
I can’t think in recent memory of any car that handled the open road, the winding, oddly cambered roads near San Luis Reservoir and the around-town city treks better than the Jetta.
Part of my enjoyment of the Jetta is that my SE model (with connectivity), one of five available trims, was equipped a five-speed manual transmission. Combining the fun factor of a tight-shifting transmission and the new turbocharged engine, the Jetta has a little sports car in its personality.
In addition to a good share of standard features from the base model, the SE (with connectivity) is upgraded with 16-inch alloy wheels, heated washer nozzles, heated front seats with driver lumbar adjustment, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and Car-Net telematics.
That list further adds to the sportiness and solid driving feel of the Jetta. On Interstate 5, where theflow of traffic often exceeds the sped limit, the Jetta fared well. On narrow, abrupt ascents and descents on highways 152 and 156, the Jetta maneuvered like it knew the way. On the downtown city streets of Monterey and Carmel, I parallel parked with ease, fit in tight driveways and shifted smoothly after stop signs on inclines.
Likes
Spacious interior and trunk.
Smooth ride quality.
Steady acceleration from 5-speed manual transmission.
Good gas mileage.
Good maneuverability.
Large numbers and read-out on radio.
Dislikes:
Odd mix of construction: U.S./Canada, (11 percent); Mexico (40 percent); Final assembly, Mexico; Transmission: Argentina.
Slightly tight front seats.
Interior console materials not the best quality.
Facts & Figures: 2014 Volkswagen Jetta
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 170 |
| Transmission | Automatic (AM-S6) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Economy | 29 city / 37 hwy / 32 combined mpg |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Airbags | (6) |
| Warranty | Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/60,000 miles; Corrosion, 12 years/unlimited mileage; Roadside Assistance, 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Acceleration | 0-60 mph, 7.3 seconds |
| Fuel economy | 26 mpg (city), 36 mpg (highway), 30 mpg (combined) |
| Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price | $20,420.00 |
| Price As tested | $21,240.00 |
Article Last Updated: March 30, 2026.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.