For 2014, Volkswagen is taking some concrete steps to restore some of that luster. Under the hood, a gen-three version of the EA888 four-cylinder turbo replaces the 2.5-liter five-cylinder in SE and SEL trims, which together represent 60 percent of Jetta sales volume. Although the new 1.8-liter turbo makes the same 170 horsepower as the now-retired five-banger, it generates a bigger dollop of torque (184 lb-ft) and holds that from a just-above-fast-idle 1500 rpm to the upper reaches of the rev range. A faster-responding turbo and reduced engine friction help make the 1.8T a very flexible engine that’s responsive to the throttle across a wide swath of the rpm band and not overly concerned what gear it’s in. With the base five-speed manual, for example, the engine will pull in top gear on uphill grades from 2000 rpm or lug down to 1200 to 1500 rpm around town without the need to downshift. Not that we have any aversion to shifting, as the Jetta’s five-speed stir stick offers low efforts, positive gates, and a precise feel. On paper, you might think the Jetta’s five-speed manual is one cog short of its competitors’ transmissions, but the turbo mill is so torque-rich that five ratios cover the waterfront amply. We expect the Jetta 1.8T will sprint to 60 in eight or fewer seconds, about a half second quicker than last year’s 2.5 model did. Also, unlike the premium-unleaded-sipping 2.0-liter turbo engine that powers the GLI, the 1.8-liter turbo runs on regular unleaded, which should save a couple of bucks at every fill-up.

I love everything about my car. It's been my dream car since I was 12 years old. All years of the Jetta are cute and perfect. My trunk fits everything I need with two kids which one plays football. The backseat fits both of them just right. For my lifestyle my car is perfectly reliable. I always have good things to say about my car.