2010 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Review Summary
Consumers agree that Volkswagen is headed in the right direction when it comes to fuel economy with their 2010 Jetta, ranked 1st by ACG in the Affordable Small Cars class. It comes in quite a variety of trims, including the base, S, Limited, SE, SEL, Wolfsburg Edition and the diesel-powered TDI and TDI Cup ''Street'' Edition. The S, Limited, SE, SEL trims all come with the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that generates 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet torque that comes with either a five-speed manual or, as an option, a six-speed automatic with manual shift control. The 2.5-liter petrol engine gives the S, Limited, SE, and SEL trims an EPA estimate of 25 mpg. The 2010 Wolfsburg Edition is mainly a product of power since the sedan is hooked up with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo-charged engine that dishes out 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. It also comes with a standard 6-speed manual transmission, or as option, the dual-clutch DSG automatic transmission. That 200 horsepower engine and the 207 pound-feet of torque gets the car running from 0-60 in the seven second range without any stress, and although this is more of a performance addition, it manages to provide an EPA rating of 25 mpg on the manual transmission and an even better EPA rating of 27 mph on the DSG automatic transmission. The pinnacle of Volkswagen's gas saving ideas is shown by the Jetta TDI, which features a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine that is compliant with all 50 states’ emission requirements. The diesel engine, although only producing 140 horsepower, does make up for it with 236 pound-feet of torque, with the DSG transmission it only goes from 0-60 mph within 8.9 seconds. Although the acceleration may be slow, the car makes up for it with an EPA rating of 34 mpg, 30 city/41 hwy. Like its predecessors, the 2010 Jetta has a great exterior body. Although very well put together and quite strong looking, it does not carry a typical feeling of heaviness. The front of the Jetta manages to put a feeling of warmth in most reviewers’ hearts as it looks as though the vehicle is smiling. The interior of the car offers high-grade, soft touch materials and metallic trim, and the seats are covered in a vinyl leather-like material that gives the car's interior a strong sense of luxury. The dash seems to mimic many of Volkswagens cars back to the year 2000 which, in the opinion of most Volkswagen enthusiasts, is an excellent touch. The front seats offer much leg and head room, and the rear seats, although lacking a bit in head space, make up for it with a good amount of leg room. For those who like ample cargo space for a small car, the Jetta offers an impressive 16 cubic feet in the trunk. It also offers easy to use and straight forward stereo and AC controls and includes a state of the art navigation system with a touchscreen interface and 30gb hard drive which can be used to store digital music. Overall, this vehicle is spacious and comfortable, and offers an adequate amount of power. The TDI model manages to offer an impressive 34 miles to the gallon. Overall this car is perfect for almost anyone, whether a consumer is in his or her twenties or in the later years of life. Space, comfort, and good performance are always in demand.
2010 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Review Handling
When putting the pedal to the metal in this car, steering provides for accurate performance; however due to soft suspension, body roll can make cornering a bit less entertaining. However, the suspension does manage to overcome bumps and rough terrain, such as gravel, without a problem, and it keeps the cabin relatively quiet.
2010 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Review Safety
The federal government gives the Jetta a four out of five stars for driver and passenger safety in frontal crash tests and five stars in side crash tests, as well as a four star rollover score with only a 12 percent risk of rollover in a single vehicle crash. Safety is provided by Jetta's features such as standard with anti-lock disc brakes, Traction Control, an Electronic Stabilization Program, and front and side thorax airbags for the driver and front passenger. Additional rear side thorax airbags are optional for $350.
2010 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Noteworthy
Consumer Guide gave the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta a CG rating of 69 of 110 deeming it the ''class standard for overall refinement and solidity. It's also roomy, comes with many laudable safety features, and boasts a high-quality interior."
