The Volkswagen Jetta was first produced in 1980 and successfully filled the Volkswagen lineup with a compact sedan that was intended to appeal to the American marketplace and its fondness of fuel efficient, larger cars More upscale than other Volkswagen models, the Jetta's smart design soon was soon recognized and it went on to become the best selling European car in the United States.

There have been five generations of the Jetta and over the years the car has grown in size as well as popularity. Five door station wagon models as well as two and four door sedans have been offered in the past, and the exterior did not change much in terms of its recognizable design until the mid '90s and a complete change in looks was evident for the 2006 model year.

The 2006 Volkswagen Jetta no longer resembled the unique VW style associated with its former model years with the exception of the VW badge on the front grille. Now a larger sedan, that falls more into a small sedan category than a compact class, offered more passenger room and an exceptionally large trunk. The design is somewhat modest but functional and comfortable in every sense. The modern interior is lavishly equipped, yet not overdone for all trim levels-the Value Edition, 2.5, TDI, 2.0T and GLI. Dependent upon the model, power is provided by either a 2.5 liter five cylinder rated at 150 horsepower, a 1.9 liter diesel 4 cylinder that delivers 100 horsepower or a turbocharged 2.0 liter 4 cylinder boasting 200 horsepower. The size of the car and the engine configurations are not conducive to excessive speeds, but acceleration is ample and on par with other like sized sedans. All models come well equipped with a 10 speaker premium sound system with CD and MP3 capabilities, air conditioning and power windows, mirrors and door locks. High end models have additional features that include larger alloy wheels, sunroof and heated leather seats. The Value Edition, 2.5 and TDI were equipped with a five speed manual transmission while the 2.0T and GLI benefited from Volkswagen's direct shift gearbox that is technically a manual transmission that operates without a clutch via paddle controls on the steering column that switches gears effortlessly and can be used in automatic mode. Additionally, a six speed automatic transmission is available for all models.

The diesel engine version was discontinued for the 2007 model year due to problems that prevented it from passing new and more stringent government emissions tests, though it has been rumored that a diesel Jetta will once again be part of the lineup in the near future. Overall, the Jetta has survived and thrived over the years because it delivers what most drivers want from a smaller sedan- a comfortable ride in a luxuriously appointed and mechanically reliable sedan with nimble handling, good acceleration, decent gas mileage and an affordable sticker price.