Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 4-door sedan. This is nice. I like the changes, even if it does resemble the Audi. Not that I dislike Audi. In fact the new grill treatment is growing on me, but I like the VW grill better.
I enjoy driving a manual transmission from time to time and this was one of those times. It was particularly nice because it had enough power and the proper gear ratios to allow fewer shifts. And that made my test-driving through the mountains a comfortable and fun experience. Now if they would only encourage the Highway Patrol to be more lenient with enforcement of posted speed limits. Really folks our cars are much more capable in all respects from when speed limits were posted on “OUR” highways. Today those limits are simply a way for the state to generate revenue any old time they want to. That just isn’t fair because such arbitrary enforcement sends mixed messages when they aren’t consistently applied. For example: 75 mph in a 65 zone is ok and even law enforcement drives at those speeds along with the rest of us. It’s like swimming with Shamoo. They only bother you when they are hungry. What kind of message does that send to drivers?
Meanwhile, back in the Jetta I decided I prefer this model to the more expensive Passat that I recently tested and reported on. For the money it is a better value (in my humble opinion).
General Info:
Parts – Germany 35%, Mexico 35% US Canadian 8%, Engine – Mexico, Transmission – Argentina.
Assembly – Puebla, Mexico
Class: – Compact Cars
Cars: – Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta Wagon, New Beetle, Passat, Passat Wagon, Phaeton and Touareg.
Handling & Performance:
How cars look today is a function of the technology available to all manufacturers. Computer aided design (CAD) systems are also used to engineer how cars perform mechanically. More and more we’re seeing additions to the electronic control elements that correct or compensate for our humanness. Computer assists react in milliseconds to brake or not depending on the relative position of the car to the road and go so far as to specify individual wheels for ultimate control. In addition, the throttle is disabled long before our feeble ability senses the need to back off. Computers allow us to go faster – more safely. In the future technology already available will prevent accidents by overriding our intended actions when necessary. The ultimate “Back Seat Driver” is being assembled as I speak.
Driving schools will tell you motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death among Americans age 3 to 33. According to engineer, author and teacher Merkel Weiss the leading cause of all such accidents across the board is “Distraction”. I agree.
Styling:
You’ve come a long way baby. VW that is. It’s like they finally grew up, and in fact got so bold they hatched the Phaeton and although it is a nice car people weren’t ready for a high end VW.
Fit and Finish:
Very German, very good.
Cost:
Well priced. Good value for the money. One has to wonder if that’s because it is assembled in Mexico, as is the New Beetle.
Conveniences:
Below is a list of very thoughtful things that make this a delight to drive.
Consumer Recommendation:
If you like shifting you’ll appreciate this manual trans. The synchro is so good you can shift without the clutch. I’ve done that with a 13 speed big rig but haven’t felt so comfortable doing that in a car until I drove this Jetta. I don’t recommend you do it. If you’ve driven old cars before synchromesh transmissions were developed and first introduced by Cadillac in 1928, you can really appreciate how much improved transmissions have become.
Recognized Competition:
Volkswagen Jetta $18-24,000, Toyota Camry $18-26,000, Chrysler Sebring $20-31,000, Chevrolet Malibu $16-23,000, Pontiac G6 $16-29,000, Ford Fusion $17-22,000, Hyundai Sonata $18-23,000, Mitsubishi Galant $19-27,000, Kia Optima $16-20,000, Suzuki Verona $18-20,000, Subaru Legacy $22-34,000, Mazda 6 $19-28,000, Honda Accord $18-29,000, Nissan Altima $18-30,000, Acura TSX $28-30,000.
Good News:
Well priced for good value, nice manual trans that helps to make it fun to drive, comfortable seats, visors with extensions, auto up and down power windows.
Bad News:
Can’t think of anything.
Standard Equipment:
2.5 liter 150 hp inline 5 cylinder engine, front wheel drive, electro mechanical power steering, independent front strut and multilink rear suspension, ESP – Electronic Stabilization Program, ASR – Anti Slip Regulation, EDL – Electronic Differential Lock, ABS – Antilock Braking System with power assist disc brakes, front and side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, child tethers, anchors and rear door locks, daytime running lights, height adjustable seat belts, side protection door beams, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, locks and outside heated mirrors, center armrest with storage, adjustable intermittent wipers, drivers power recline seat, fold flat front passenger seat, split folding rear seat, rear seat armrest with storage and pass-through, dual illuminated front visor vanity mirrors, front and rear reading lights and cup holders, remote release for fuel filler and trunk, remote keyless entry with folding key, 16” alloy wheels with anti-theft locks, in-dash 6-disc CD player MP3 format readable, anti-theft and engine immobilizer system.
Gas Stats:
22 City and 30 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $20,290.
