2014 Volkswagen Jetta

2014 Volkswagen Jetta Overview

Is the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta a Good Used Car?

The 2014 Volkswagen Jetta is roomier than most other compact sedans, so it's a good option if you require lots of space. Still, the cabin’s boring styling, cheap materials, and scant features list leave much to be desired.

Used 2014 Volkswagen Jetta Performance and Interior

The front-wheel-drive 2014 VW Jetta’s 115-horsepower four-cylinder base engine is underpowered and generates sluggish acceleration. Peppier engines are available, including two turbocharged four-cylinder engines that generate 170 and 210 horsepower. Jetta TDI models come with a 140-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine. It's worth noting that this engine is affected by Volkswagen’s diesel emissions scandal and will require modifications to meet EPA standards. Shoppers looking for used TDI models should be cautious, as these modifications may alter performance and fuel economy.

A five-speed manual transmission is standard, while a six-speed automatic with Tiptronic is available. Jetta TDI and GLI Edition 30 models are also available with a six-speed dual-clutch performance transmission with Tiptronic and Sport mode.

When equipped with the base engine and automatic transmission, the Jetta gets average fuel economy estimates for the class of 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission get up to 25/36 mpg city/highway. Turbodiesel-powered Jetta TDI models earn the best numbers in the lineup: an estimated 29/37 mpg city/highway. On the road, the Volkswagen Jetta feels composed and has accurate steering.

Read more about Jetta performance »

Inside, the Volkswagen Jetta has bland styling and many low-quality materials, including lots of hard plastics in lower trims. Still, its simple styling creates a clean dashboard layout with intuitive buttons and controls. There are five seats, and all provide plenty of head- and legroom. The rear outboard seats have complete sets of LATCH child-seat connectors, while the rear middle seat has an upper tether anchor. At 15.5 cubic feet, the Volkswagen Jetta has one of the biggest trunks in the class, and its large opening makes it easy to load. 

The 2014 Volkswagen Jetta has just a couple of standard features: a stereo and an auxiliary audio jack. Most rivals come significantly better-equipped. Available features include dual-zone automatic climate control, satellite radio, navigation, and VW's Car-Net smartphone integration.

Read more about Jetta interior »

Used 2014 Volkswagen Jetta Prices

Pricing ranges from about $9,000 for the base Volkswagen Jetta S sedan with a five-speed manual transmission up to about $18,000 for the top-of-the-line Jetta GLI Edition 30 trim with navigation and a six-speed automatic.

See the Best Used Car Deals »

We Did the Research for You: 53 Reviews Analyzed

Our used car rankings and reviews are based on our analysis of other professional automotive reviews, as well as information like crash test scores, reliability ratings, and ownership expenses. We researched 53 Volkswagen Jetta reviews to help you decide if it’s the right used sedan for you.

Why You Can Trust Us

The U.S. News Best Cars team has been ranking cars for a decade, and our staff has 75 years of automotive industry experience combined. To ensure our impartiality, we never take expensive gifts or trips from car companies, and the advertising on our site is handled by an outside team.

How Reliable Is the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta?

The Volkswagen Jetta has a reliability rating of three out of five from J.D. Power. That’s average for the automotive industry as a whole, but below average for the compact sedan class.

Read more about Jetta reliability »

How Safe Is the Jetta?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2014 VW Jetta the highest rating of Good in four crash tests: moderate overlap front, side impact, rear crash protection, and roof strength. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the Jetta a perfect five stars for overall safety, as well as in the side crash test. The Jetta earned four stars in the frontal and rollover evaluations.

Available active safety features include a rearview camera and adaptive headlights.

See Jetta safety scores »

Should I Consider Another Used Jetta?

The 2014 Jetta is part of the car’s sixth generation, which started with the 2011 model and continues through the 2017 model year. Opting for an earlier model may save you some money, but you’ll miss out on some notable updates that could make the 2014 Jetta worth the extra cost. These include a new available turbocharged engine, a standard independent rear suspension, and available Car-Net smartphone app connectivity.

Compare the 2012, 2013, and 2014 Jetta »

Which Used Volkswagen Jetta Is Right for Me?

The Jetta comes in five basic trims: S (base), SE, SEL, TDI, and GLI Edition 30. The Jetta Hybrid is reviewed separately. 

The Jetta S comes standard with a few features: an auxiliary input jack, air conditioning, power windows, and keyless entry. The Jetta SE has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and adds standard satellite radio, cruise control, leatherette upholstery, and iPod connectivity. However, the Jetta SE has two option packages that add standard features like Volkswagen Car-Net connected services, Bluetooth audio streaming, heated front seats, HD Radio, push-button start, a sunroof, and a touch screen. The VW Jetta SEL trim provides the best value and a competitive number of standard features, including a 5-inch touch screen, navigation, a Fender Premium audio system, a rearview camera, and a six-way power driver’s seat.

The Jetta’s below-average reliability rating may lead you to consider purchasing a CPO model. Volkswagen provides a two-year/24,000-mile limited warranty on all of its certified pre-owned vehicles. Each CPO Volkswagen must pass a 160-point inspection. Additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance may be available, so read the Volkswagen warranty page carefully.

Read more about certified pre-owned vehicles »

Read more about the Volkswagen certified pre-owned program »

2014 Volkswagen Jetta and Other Cars to Consider

Which Is Better: 2014 Volkswagen Jetta or 2014 Chevrolet Cruze?

The Chevrolet Cruze is the better vehicle for most shoppers. It has a good-looking, roomy interior with user-friendly technology and more standard and available features than the Jetta. There is also a diesel-powered Cruze model that uses less fuel than the Jetta TDI.

Which Is Better: 2014 Volkswagen Jetta or 2014 Honda Civic?

The high-ranking Honda Civic offers some major advantages over the Jetta, including an excellent reliability score. The Honda Civic also has a nicer cabin that is quiet and made with first-rate materials. Finally, the 2014 Civic comes with more standard features, including Bluetooth, a USB port, and a rearview camera. 

Compare the Jetta, Cruze, and Civic »