2006 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews, Pricing & Specs
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta generally appreciate its solid build quality, comfort, and impressive fuel efficiency, especially with the diesel model. Many drivers enjoy the handling, performance, and a smooth driving experience. However, some concerns about reliability, high maintenance costs, and quality issues have been noted, particularly with electronics and the automatic transmission. While it's a fun and economical car to drive, potential buyers should be prepared for possible repair needs."
Great car! This car handled like a sports car. Suspension was spectacular for a car in this price range. It was a TDI and average mielage was 50 MPG and at times it would do over 60 MPG. Solid car, no rattles or squeaks. Interior was great, easy to access everything from driving position and it looked good.
June 17, 2010I sought after the 2006 jetta for fuel economy, knowing it has a tremendous amount of other poor quality issues. If you are looking for a MK5 VW be it gas or diesel be prepared for a laundry list of repairs to maintain factory functions and beauty. The MK5 platform is susceptible to horiffic rust in the front fenders, rocker panels, rear wheel arches, trunk and hood. The head liner and door fabric glue fails on all of them regardless of mileage. There are door lock issues caused by a module in the individual door window motors. Dash screens can become inop, and there are a myriad amount of squeaks to chase down. The heater control and related resistor for HVAC motor speed will fail. If you get a model with factory HID headlights, the two sensors that set the leveling of the lights will fail. If you get and automatic trans (known as DSG) repair of it can cost as much as the entire car purchase. Even though the body looks the same on early production MK5 Jetta, the later production has some key feature that are totally different, it is mainly early models do not have steering wheel control, nor the fuel calculator function in the dash board. The up side to the Mk5 Jetta TDI is that when the engine is properly maintained it can run well past 300,000 miles. Some people have documented 400 and 500 thousand miles. When properly maintained the MK5 Jetta is a joy to drive, handling and brakng are impressive, acceleration will vary depending on the engine in the car but even the TDI, which is the lowest horsepower of the available engines, has no issues keeping up with traffic. If you buy a VW MK5 platform car, make sure you have a VW technician WITH VCDS software. Additionally the knowledge of the special components that fail to be able to keep it in tip top shape. I am trying to make this review as objective as I can with no success, I own 2 Jettas, and one GTI, all three are 2006 models with one of the Jetta being and early model. I sincerely hope this review assist you in making an informed purchase
November 29, 2023Performance - very good acceleration and tight handles Build Quality - Perfect no complaints Appearance - simple interior thats not confusing, elegant exterior thought it was a BMW when i first saw it! Cost of Ownership - 22/30 mpg Very High maintenance! Fun Factor - Fun Car to drive really i wish i was in germany on the autobahn with it!
August 6, 2009What owners say
Great car! This car handled like a sports car. Suspension was spectacular for a car in this price range. It was a TDI and average mielage was 50 MPG and at times it would do over 60 MPG. Solid car, no rattles or squeaks. Interior was great, easy to access everything from driving position and it looked good.
June 17, 2010I sought after the 2006 jetta for fuel economy, knowing it has a tremendous amount of other poor quality issues. If you are looking for a MK5 VW be it gas or diesel be prepared for a laundry list of repairs to maintain factory functions and beauty. The MK5 platform is susceptible to horiffic rust in the front fenders, rocker panels, rear wheel arches, trunk and hood. The head liner and door fabric glue fails on all of them regardless of mileage. There are door lock issues caused by a module in the individual door window motors. Dash screens can become inop, and there are a myriad amount of squeaks to chase down. The heater control and related resistor for HVAC motor speed will fail. If you get a model with factory HID headlights, the two sensors that set the leveling of the lights will fail. If you get and automatic trans (known as DSG) repair of it can cost as much as the entire car purchase. Even though the body looks the same on early production MK5 Jetta, the later production has some key feature that are totally different, it is mainly early models do not have steering wheel control, nor the fuel calculator function in the dash board. The up side to the Mk5 Jetta TDI is that when the engine is properly maintained it can run well past 300,000 miles. Some people have documented 400 and 500 thousand miles. When properly maintained the MK5 Jetta is a joy to drive, handling and brakng are impressive, acceleration will vary depending on the engine in the car but even the TDI, which is the lowest horsepower of the available engines, has no issues keeping up with traffic. If you buy a VW MK5 platform car, make sure you have a VW technician WITH VCDS software. Additionally the knowledge of the special components that fail to be able to keep it in tip top shape. I am trying to make this review as objective as I can with no success, I own 2 Jettas, and one GTI, all three are 2006 models with one of the Jetta being and early model. I sincerely hope this review assist you in making an informed purchase
November 29, 2023Performance - very good acceleration and tight handles Build Quality - Perfect no complaints Appearance - simple interior thats not confusing, elegant exterior thought it was a BMW when i first saw it! Cost of Ownership - 22/30 mpg Very High maintenance! Fun Factor - Fun Car to drive really i wish i was in germany on the autobahn with it!
August 6, 2009Only regret was not being able to get the diesel power train. The 2.5 still has plenty of torque, and the car handles amazingly. Tiptronic along with just enough traction control makes even the most amateur driver feel like a veteran rally driver. Overall great car for getting five people around comfortably.
January 25, 2009Great reliable car, never let me down when I needed it. Inexpensive to service and I save money on gas mileage. Relaxing car to drive but still sporty enough to be fun. Braking and acceleration were nothing special but adequate and the handling was very good.
November 25, 2014I have owned this car for three years after purchasing used. It has been reliable and low cost to own. Currently needs a Dual Mass Flywheel replaced. The recall for this issue skipped this particular vehicle as it was a 2007 model but sold/acknowledged as a 2006. I would buy another.
May 7, 2013Great car.Had a 2005 A3 2.0T before this and this is better for my needs as have now gone from spending NZ $ 160-180 every other weekend to NZ $ 80-90.Sure its not as fun as the A3 ( I knew that would be the case ).But once on the open road you wouldnt know that its a TDI under the bonnet.Mid range overtaking seems better that A3.
July 3, 2009I love this car, after having spent 2 years with the older JettaIV. Huge improvement over the previous model in fit and finish, handling, turbo lag and interior space. The car has balanced curves, something lacking in most sedans in its class. I have it lowered 1.5" with Eibach springs and Pirelli PZero's, which gives a huge improvement in body roll, turn in and traction for not a lot of money, and without sacrificing ride comfort - don't suffer with the overly high stock ride height and pathetic factory Michelins!
August 29, 2008I love my Jetta, mostly because its more durable than any other car I've driven.
June 15, 2008Great sedan with excellent build quality. A lot of standard features for the base level model. Handling and steering are excellent for a FWD car. Engine has plenty of torque and adequate horsepower. Manuel transmission features silky smooth shifter and clutch. Interior appointments are top notch and has plenty of room for 5 adults. Trunk is a cavern. Exterior styling could be the cars downside. While the front looks cool and aggressive the rear end looks bland and Toyota Corolla-like. Fuel economy for me is 28mpg over 2.5 years of mixed driving. Overall Best Sedan you can buy under $23,000.
April 8, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 150 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 453 L |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.9L 100 hp I4 Diesel | Cargo Capacity 453 L |
Combined MPG 33 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 150 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 453 L |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 200 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 453 L |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
