Volkswagen Jetta

The Jetta has been Volkswagen's compact sedan in the US since the 1980s, with six post-1995 generations covered. MK3 (1993-1999), MK4 (1999-2005), MK5 (2006-2010), MK6 (2011-2018) — the controversial 'Americanized' Jetta on a cost-reduced platform — MK7 (2019-2024), and current MK7.5 facelift (2025+). Built at VW Puebla, Mexico since the MK4 era. The Jetta has been VW's volume sedan globally and the brand's most affordable US sedan after the smaller-and-now-discontinued Polo (never sold here). Current US lineup: base 1.5L TSI EVO turbo I4 (158 hp / 184 lb-ft, 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic), and the GLI with 2.0L TSI EA888 turbo I4 (228 hp / 258 lb-ft, 6-speed manual or 7-speed wet DSG, mechanical LSD, sport-tuned suspension, Brembo front brakes — same powertrain as Golf GTI). The GLI is the genuine hot sedan — Civic Si / Elantra N / Forte GT rival. 2025 facelift refreshed front fascia (more upright corporate look), new 8-inch driver display standard, updated 8-inch (base) or 10.25-inch (SEL/GLI) touchscreen, Volkswagen Travel Assist 2.0 standard. Trims: S, Sport, SE, SEL, GLI (top sport), GLI 40th Anniversary (2025 special edition celebrating 40 years of Jetta). The 1.5T 6-speed manual is one of the few remaining manuals in the US compact-sedan segment alongside Civic Si, Elantra N, and (briefly) Sentra Spec V's spiritual heirs. Discontinuation rumored post-MK7 lifecycle as VW pivots toward EVs (ID.7).