2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI from North America - Comments

No problems with the car so far.

We have now owned our 2009 Jetta TDI for one month. Our first tested tank of fuel since the break-in period ended netted us 40 mpg. We were averaging 42 mpg in the 2007 Prius we owned before this car.

The 2009 Jetta is a constant surprise. Quiet and fast, you would never know you were driving a diesel. It's lightening quick at takeoff and passing. It has a smooth and firm ride to match its sporting personality. I love the driving position, which was a problem with our Prius. It's loaded with tons of features like a sunroof, heated seats, 10 speaker stereo with satellite radio, and an amazing DSG transmission.

The transmission isn't a regular automatic, but an automated dual clutch manual. Six speeds that shift so quickly and smoothly that without the tachometer you can't detect the shifts. It seems to read your mind and works brilliantly with the torquey engine for optimal driving. The transmission also downshifts automatically when descending long hills to help with braking, which I find incredibly useful.

I love the styling of this model of the Jetta, even though many have compared it to boring compacts. It has generous chrome features and a sporty look. The interior is very solid and well put together - feeling like a much more expensive car. It's substantially roomier than the previous Jetta design and seats four comfortably. The seats are leatherette, but are very comfortable and supportive - our first long trip was not punishing at all.

I was equally impressed with the size of the trunk, which at 16 sq ft is sized similar too many mid and full-size trunks. The Civic's trunk is just over 12 sq ft. This Jetta weighs 3300 lbs, compared to a Corolla which weighs around 2700 lbs - accounting for its planted driving characteristics and solid feel.

We decided to give this TDI a try despite reading about issues with reliability with many VW models. The most recent Golf/Rabbit has been scoring higher marks for reliability and we hope to experience similar results with this model.

I'll update this review periodically with any issues or surprises.

I just bought a 2009 turbo diesel Jetta one week ago. Before this one, I drove a 2001 Beetle with diesel motor, and my year average was 47mpg (50 mpg in summer). I will keep you updated, but you should get 47mpg from this car in warm weather.

I agree, this car is very quiet, much more than prior models. However, it's brand new, so it will be interesting to see how it performs as I add more miles to it.

I have a 6 speed manual transmission, so I don't know about the DSG, but I agree with all your comments.

I agree with the above comments. We have had our 2009 TDI, DSG sedan for a month and a half (about 3500 miles) and love it. The ride/handling combination is excellent and I just love that torque! We are averaging 39/40 MPG overall (44 to 47 highway at around 65), with quite a lot of highway driving. We traded in a 2007 BMW 328 XI, which is a fine car, but we are glad we did. We prefer the ride of the TDI and I don't feel I have given up anything in handling at normal speeds. The diesel mileage is fantastic!

Frank B

I wonder if you would still feel the same about your Jetta's when you find out that they are in fact manufactured in Puebla Mexico, which till this day has never been known for producing quality/reliable vehicles.

I bought my 2009 Jetta in March; no problems and I can honestly say that I have never enjoyed any vehicle I've owned more than this one.

And yes, I was always fully aware that it was assembled in Puebla, Mexico. Arriba!

My 1993 diesel Golf was also assembled in Mexico. I had a few issues with the trunk and door latches, but other than that, it was the most reliable car I've ever owned. It had 350 000 miles on the counter, and was working perfectly well when I handed it down to my son. And guess what, he crashed the car, and that was the end of it (luckily, my son was not hurt).

I'm now driving a 2009 TDI Jetta with 20 000 miles, and not a single issue since the very start.

The car is a real pleasure to drive. I've checked performance and comfort ratings at jdpower.com, and the 2009 Jetta scores better than Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Malibu, Nissan Altima, Honda Civic, and even Mazda6 and Ford Fusion. And the last 2 are really great cars. I've driven Mazda3 and Impala rental cars lately, and must say jdpower ratings are quite accurate. I don't think you're taking a big risk anymore when you buy a new VW Jetta.

I have owned our 2009 Jetta TDI for 2.5 months now. So far...

I ABSOLUTELY love this car! Probably the thing I like most is the incredible torque. We just came back from a road trip in which we had to climb a very large mountain pass here in British Columbia called the Rogers Pass. It is without a doubt one of the steepest passes in BC. Our car is fully loaded and has the Tiptronic tranny. Using the manual mode in 5th gear I was passing everything in sight, cruising up a mountain pass at 125km/h, and wasn't even aware I was going that fast until I looked at my speed. Believe it or not, the little beast actually had more to give me as I accelerated to 130! Trust me, after owning a Kia the Jetta is like owning a Rolls Royce.

All I can say is that I don't care where the car is made, VW can't do a worst job of customer satisfaction than Kia! If you are looking at buying a Jetta, please do yourself a favor and seriously look at this car.

I am the original poster and am proving an update. Our 09 Jetta TDI now has just over 10K miles and I've had it in for the first FREE routine maintenance service, which included oil change and tire rotation.

The only issue we've had with the car is some creaking in the front suspension, which I addressed at the service interval. They replaced the bushings and problem solved - no cost.

Our Jetta continues to be a pleasant surprise. Solid and fast and really economical. We're averaging 32 in hilly city driving and well over 40 in highway driving. I'm regularly running B5 biodiesel in it.

My father and brother-in-law fought over driving it during a recent vacation here. They both drive large trucks and my dad also owns an Audi A8 - speaks well for this little car.

I was aware before buying the car that it was manufactured in Mexico, however the diesel engines are assembled in Germany and shipped to the Mexico plant. Also - the Mexico plant was renovated just before this model went into production and is scoring higher than the German plants for production quality. Just a little research tidbit - I did my homework.

I envy you, my 2009 Jetta has been nothing but crap. At 1000km it has been back to the dealer 4 times for problems.

I have had my Jetta TDI for a little over one year. It now has roughly 17000 miles on it.

I am having a problem with automatic tranny and shifting rough, and it feels like it is surging at slow speeds. In manual mode it doesn't seem to happen.. I'm guessing that it's a tranny problem, but sometimes it stalls and seems like it's going to stall. I have to make appointment with the dealer, will let you know how I make out.

Other that this problem, we LOVE this car..