VW Jetta The Hip Compact Family Sedan # 5 on the “Doenges Top Ten” Used Cars for December 2008

The Volkswagen Jetta is a car that has enjoyed quite a bit of success in the U.S.. In fact, over 2.2 million have been sold here since the cars debut, the majority of which have sold in the past ten years. As such a solid player in the American auto market in recent years, the Jetta is starting to make a significant impact on the used car market as well. In turn, the Jetta will now impact our used car top ten list at number five.

The Volkswagen Jetta has been produced since 1979 and, over the years, has been offered in both five door wagon and four door sedan variants. Though, in its early years, the Jetta was plagued by lackluster performance and aesthetic issues, in recent years, since 1998 in particular, the Jetta has undergone significant redesign and has gained a substantial and loyal following of car buyers. With modern style and a few upscale touches, as well as lots of driver appeal, the Jetta has earned a reputation as the favored sedan of the hip young family.

Featuring ABS, four wheel disc brakes and driver, passenger and front side air bags as standard equipment the VW is one of the best safety equipped cars in its class. And, with the optional stability and traction control systems it rivals significantly more expensive vehicles. In fact, the Jetta is an IIHS Best Pick for Offset Frontal Crash. It also earns five stars for both, the driver and the front passenger in NHTSA frontal crash tests. As a compact family sedan this car truly puts a premium on the safety of its occupants.

But there is more to the Jetta than safety features. The Jetta has also been the subject of much praise for its handling and ride. With McPherson struts, front independent suspension and front and rear stabilizer bars the car is a joy to drive. Whether you choose the base 4-cylinder SOHC 2.0L 115 hp engine, the high-performance DOHC 4-cylinder 1.8L turbo 150 hp engine, or the DOHC VR6 2.8-liter engine with 174 hp (201 hp since 2002) you can expect a smooth ride and the option of plenty of power.

You can also expect some impressive fuel economy. With the three gasoline engine variants all getting around 22 city 30 highway and a 1.9L 90hp four cylinder diesel model that will log 34 mpg city and 45 mpg highway this car holds onto its compact heritage in the important areas.

The interior is where the Jetta really impresses though. Featuring a dash with hip European styling and comfotable supportive seats this car has more in common with high end sedans than compacts. The interior materials are all high quality and fit and finish are unsurpassed in its class. There is also the VW blue and red instrument lighting which is a cool standard feature since 1999. Some complain about a lack of rear seat leg room and that the cushions are too firm but, overall, you won’t find comparable interior quality in other compact sedans.

In the end, the Jetta is an impressive mixture of quality, style, safety, economy and drive-ability and as such is a more than deserving participant in the used car top ten list for December of 2008.

For more information please contact Brad Doenges of Doenges Ford Lincoln Mercury Toyota in Bartlesville Oklahoma at (918) 333-0900.

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