The Good
The 2011 Jetta offers a comfortable ride and spacious interior appealing to practical buyers. The TDI engine provides excellent fuel efficiency. Emotionally, the Jetta offered a more upscale driving experience compared to some rivals, a sleek design, and available sporty GLI trim for enhanced performance. Overall, good value for a well-rounded car.
The Bad
Some 2011 Jettas, particularly early production models, had reported issues with interior quality and some electronic glitches. The base 2.0L engine is considered underpowered by some. Potential buyers should watch out for timing chain issues in certain engine variants and ensure proper maintenance records are available. Check for recalls and TSBs.
2011 Volkswagen Jetta: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 2.0L Inline-4: 115 horsepower, available on the base S trim.
- 2.5L Inline-5: 170 horsepower, standard on SE and SEL trims.
- 2.0L TDI Diesel Inline-4: 140 horsepower, available on TDI trim.
- 2.0L TSI Turbo Inline-4: 200 horsepower, available on GLI trim.
- Horsepower: Ranging from 115 to 200 hp depending on engine.
- Fuel Economy:
- 2.0L: Around 24 mpg city / 31 mpg highway.
- 2.5L: Around 23 mpg city / 33 mpg highway.
- 2.0L TDI: Around 30 mpg city / 42 mpg highway.
- 2.0L TSI (GLI): Around 22 mpg city / 33 mpg highway.
- 0-60 Times:
- Vary significantly based on engine. The 2.0L is the slowest at around 10+ seconds.
- The 2.5L is around 8.5-9 seconds.
- The TDI is around 8.5-9 seconds.
- The GLI (TSI) is the quickest at around 6.8-7 seconds.
- Towing Capacity: The 2011 Jetta is not recommended for towing.
- Trim-Level Features:
- S: Base model with basic features like power windows/locks, air conditioning, and a CD player.
- SE: Adds features like alloy wheels, upgraded audio system, and heated front seats.
- SEL: Includes features like leatherette seats, sunroof, and navigation system.
- TDI: Diesel-powered model with similar features to SE/SEL, optimized for fuel efficiency.
- GLI: Sport-oriented model with a more powerful engine, sport suspension, and unique styling cues.
2011 Volkswagen Jetta Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2011 |
| Make | Volkswagen |
| Model | Jetta |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Sedan |
| Category | Compact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Mexico |
| Manufacturing City | PUEBLA |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | 2804 pounds |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | 57.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 182.2 inches |
| Overall Width | 70 inches |
| Wheelbase Length | 104.4 inches |
| Standard Seating | 5 |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | Gasoline I4, 2.0-L |
| Engine Size | 2L |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | 5 Manual |
| Transmission Type | Manual |
| Transmission Speeds | 5-Speed |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | 4-Wheel |
| Steering Type | Power Rack & Pinion |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $15,365 |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
Check
Check
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Listings
Recalls
Check
Analysis
What Problems Does the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta Have?
Recalls for the 2011 Jetta addressed issues like fuel leaks and potential airbag malfunctions. Specific recalls varied depending on the production date and engine type. Long-term reliability can be affected by the quality of maintenance. Neglecting routine servicing, especially oil changes, can lead to significant problems with the engine and transmission over time. The TDI models, while fuel-efficient, require specific maintenance procedures and fluids, which can add to the ownership cost if not followed correctly. Rust can also be a concern in areas with harsh winter conditions, especially on older models. Some owners have also reported issues with the automatic transmission, leading to rough shifting or complete failure. Checking the vehicle history report and a pre-purchase inspection are highly recommended.
How long will the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta last?
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Safety features included standard front and side airbags, as well as side curtain airbags. Optional features included a sunroof and premium audio systems.
Crash-test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) generally gave the 2011 Jetta good scores. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also provided good overall safety ratings. However, specific scores may vary depending on the type of crash test. Verify specific ratings for side impact and rollover protection. Overall, the 2011 Jetta offered a reasonable level of safety for its time, but lacks the advanced driver-assistance features found in newer vehicles.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2011 Volkswagen Jetta Prices and Market Value
2011 Volkswagen Jetta Cost of Ownership
2011 Volkswagen Jetta Fuel Efficiency
2011 Volkswagen Jetta Safety Rating
NHTSA
2011 Volkswagen Jetta Warranty
Basic
Corrosion
Drivetrain
Roadside Assistance
2011 Volkswagen Jetta Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta Compare to Other Sedan?
Alternatives to the 2011 Jetta include:
- Honda Civic: Known for its reliability and fuel efficiency.
- Toyota Corolla: A safe and dependable choice.
- Mazda3: Offers a more engaging driving experience.
If reliability is a top priority, the Civic or Corolla might be better choices. If you prefer a sporty driving experience, consider the Mazda3. The Jetta stands out for its German engineering and available TDI engine, but it's essential to weigh these advantages against potential reliability concerns.
Ranks #1752 Sedan
| 1 | 2023 Toyota Camry | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda Accord | (0.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus ES | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Subaru Legacy | (5.0★) |
| 5 | 2022 Mazda MX-30 | (4.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW M3 | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Mustang | (5.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2023 Audi A3 | (0.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Chevrolet Camaro | (5.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan Altima | (4.0★) |
| 1752 | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta a Good Sedan?
Chris on May 30, 2021
Great car today I will pass down to me daughter.Great car. It had an after market receiver that was no good. I told them it was a deal breaker and they bought a good one for it, installed it and the back up camera I bought since my baby will need it. Very nice and excellent fuel mileage.
PaulaVWgirl on April 30, 2021
Most reliable car and so sharp looking!!I feel like James Bond! I now have a car wash addiction! I love it so much and it makes me smile! Should have cost much more! A joy to drive!
Stork1 on December 18, 2020
Good car but horrible on snow or ice.Car has good space, large trunk, good air conditioner, good radio and speakers and great gas mileage. It's just terrible on any kind of hill in icy or snowy conditions. Once the wheels start spinning and the car starts slipping sideways you might as well get out and walk, or call for help. In fact I'm stuck right now on only 5" of snow.
Lizavwfan on November 1, 2020
Fun car I ever ownedThis car has a sports car looks, is cute, small but lots of leg room inside. The looks with the sunroof is awesome. Fun car to drive.
Vevenva on September 1, 2020
Electrical issuesThis car have tons of electrical issues causing me to be unsafe and spend tons of money the lights go off while driving and used to come back on once you open and shut the hood now they are completely out and will go out again once change. The manufacturer is aware but don't care much bc it's not their problem once you purchase their well known issues. It started with my driver side light at first
Jake kirby on August 9, 2020
Great carHas never let us down in the two years we have owned it I would take this car anywhere needs nothing has been well taken care of
dmarconi on January 16, 2020
very reliable and looks greatdrives great and looks great. mechanically is great condition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
v on December 4, 2019
performance disguised in a commuter carI enjoyed driving the very functional 2011 jetta se with 5 cylinder engine for almost 9 years! It keeps on performing!Lots of energy when I need to get on the freeway, and good braking power too. Was fun to drive, and at the same time sensible. Going to get an SUV / truck now, so trying to sell it myself since the trade in offers were not ok with me thx
Flying with VW on November 25, 2019
This car killed meHonestly I went from a jeep wrangler to a Jetta for my daughter so we would be safe.. it was definitely a big change I did miss my Jeep and miss or willing but the Jetta did Drive nice and the leather seats than the Bluetooth was very nice and the comfort was awesome but air airbags not working deadly in 2015 my daughter and myself went to my cousin house which is about a two-hour Drive in the morning time I want to get coffee I'm not sure what happened but my car went off the cliff I hit the road rail thank God my daughter wasn't with me and I was the only one in the car I'm not sure what happened before I did eject for my car 80 beats broke a lot of body parts my cheekbone shattered my arm shattered my leg my clavicle is still broken in two spots today I was in a coma for several weeks because of this accident I lost everything I lost my daughter I didn't lose my life what's what's worth living all because I bought a Volkswagen that the airbags didn't work
Dooleyugga on November 13, 2019
Great on Gas, Drives very smooth, nice linesThis is a great car. Great on gas. Drives very smooth, and I have owned a lot of cars. Overall its a great car. Great for commuting or first time driver.
Jovan
Jovan specializes in interpreting vehicle records and making sense of VIN data. With over 10 years of experience in the automotive data industry, his work ensures that every report is clear, accurate, and useful for car buyers.