I’ve owned and driven a half-dozen VWs ranging from the historic “Beetle” that swept the American car market in the last century. My last model was a “Hatchback” that was almost a miniature of today’s SUVs. The test car over the past week has been a 2025 Volkswagen Jetta SEL that performed admirably with a 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder engine linked to an eight-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission.
It was a drive back in time taking the Jetta for a mountain spin up the Golden Gate Canyon highway to Black Hawk. The steep and curvy uphill climb was a perfect test drive for the well-equipped front wheel drive Jetta. With the turbo engine and versatile transmission, the steep incline was a breeze, taking the sharp curves along the scenic mountain majesty.
The Jetta delivered a pleasant 41 mpg mileage overall during the weeks’ driving experience. The “Monument” gray exterior paint extended over the well-equipped 4-door sedan loaded with safety and weather options for a modest $29,000 with only one additional option for the light gray paint at $455.
This is a very competitive vehicle with a spirited turbo-engine and drive modes ranging from eco, normal, to sport. The final assembly is in Mexico with the engine from Mexico, the transmission from the United States, and some parts from Canada. It all blended, making a fine vehicle that was almost like a more expensive sports car with a far higher window sticker.
Loaded with options, both with Volkswagen’s advanced airbag protection safety system and all-around weather options of heated outside mirrors, seats, and steering wheel. Safety systems are many, ranging from lane assist, pedestrian alerts, blind spot monitor and rear traffic alert for those tailgate drivers.
Volkswagen has a 4-year, 50,000-mile powertrain warranty, (whichever comes first) and a 7-year, 100,000 for body corrosion. Other features include a power sliding/ tilt sunroof, all weather tires that grip good on curves, along with rear view cameras, and a radio subwoofer. This is almost the perfect car for that student going off to college for economy, performance and safety.
Volkswagen has really gone all-out to make a very reliable, affordable, high-performance, four door sedan, loaded with options at a very competitive price.
I really enjoyed driving the Jetta bringing many VW memories.