Overview
The sixth generation of the Volkswagen Jetta, produced between 2011 and 2015, represented a strategic shift for the brand within the North American market. Unlike its predecessor, which shared a significant portion of its architecture and interior components with the Golf hatchback, this generation was engineered specifically to appeal to US consumer preferences. By increasing the wheelbase and overall length, Volkswagen provided a more spacious cabin and trunk, directly competing with established segment leaders like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.
Manufacturing for the North American market took place primarily at the Volkswagen de México plant in Puebla. The entry-level powertrain featured the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, a reliable, albeit modest, unit designed for cost-conscious buyers. While the chassis utilized a torsion-beam rear suspension to reduce production costs and increase cargo space, the vehicle maintained the characteristic solid road feel associated with German engineering. Throughout its production run, the model remained a volume seller, serving as the primary entry point into the Volkswagen brand for a wide demographic of commuters and small families.
| Vehicle Overview | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Jetta |
| Model Year | 2011-2015 |
| Generation | A6 (Typ 16) |
| Trim | S / Base |
| Body Style | 4-Door Sedan |
| Vehicle Segment | C-Segment |
| Vehicle Class | Compact Cars |
| Market | USA |
| Platform | PQ35 |
| Assembly Plant | Puebla, Mexico |
| Country of Origin | Mexico |
| Production Start | 2010 |
| Production End | 2015 |
| VIN Identifier | 3VW |
| Base MSRP | $16,495 |
| Destination Charge | $820 |
| Total MSRP | $17,315 |
| Powertrain | |
| Powertrain Type | Internal Combustion |
| Engine Family | EA113 |
| Engine Name | 2.0L SOHC 8V |
| Engine Code | CBPA |
| Engine Configuration | Inline-4 |
| Displacement | 2.0 Liters |
| Bore x Stroke | 82.5 mm x 92.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated |
| Fuel Delivery | Multi-point Fuel Injection |
| Valve Train | SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder |
| Engine Block Material | Cast Iron |
| Cylinder Head Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Oil Capacity | 4.2 Quarts |
| Oil Specification / Viscosity | VW 502 00 / 5W-40 |
| Horsepower | 115 hp @ 5,200 rpm |
| Torque | 125 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Redline | 6,000 rpm |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Final Drive Ratio | 3.87:1 |
| Axle Ratio | – |
| Fuel Economy | |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Recommended Octane | 87 |
| EPA City MPG | 23 |
| EPA Highway MPG | 30 |
| EPA Combined MPG | 26 |
| Fuel Economy (L/100 km) | 9.0 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (gal) | 14.5 |
| Estimated Driving Range | 377 miles |
| Annual Fuel Cost | $1,750 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 340 g/mile |
| Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 |
| Smog Rating | 5 |
| Performance | |
| 0-30 mph | 3.5 seconds |
| 0-60 mph | 10.2 seconds |
| 0-100 mph | – |
| Quarter Mile | 17.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 118 mph |
| Braking Distance (60-0 mph) | 132 ft |
| Lateral Acceleration | 0.81g |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 24.5 lbs/hp |
| Dimensions & Capacities | |
| Length (in) | 182.2 |
| Width (Without Mirrors) (in) | 70.0 |
| Width (With Mirrors) (in) | 77.8 |
| Height (in) | 57.1 |
| Wheelbase (in) | 104.4 |
| Front Track (in) | 60.4 |
| Rear Track (in) | 60.5 |
| Ground Clearance (in) | 5.5 |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 2,939 |
| GVWR (lbs) | 4,000 |
| Towing Capacity (lbs) | – |
| Payload Capacity (lbs) | 1,061 |
| Passenger Volume (cu ft) | 93.0 |
| Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft) | 15.5 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft) | – |
| Turning Circle | 36.4 ft |
| Approach Angle | – |
| Departure Angle | – |
| Breakover Angle | – |
| Safety Ratings | |
| NHTSA Overall Rating | 4 Stars |
| NHTSA Frontal Crash | 4 Stars |
| NHTSA Side Crash | 5 Stars |
| NHTSA Rollover | 4 Stars |
| IIHS Award | Top Safety Pick |
| Small Overlap Front | – |
| Moderate Overlap Front | Good |
| Side Impact | Good |
| Headlights Rating | – |
| Front Crash Prevention | – |
| Technology & Connectivity | |
| Infotainment Display | Optional Touchscreen |
| Instrument Cluster | Analog |
| Apple CarPlay | No |
| Android Auto | No |
| Navigation System | Optional |
| Audio System | 6-Speaker |
| Speaker Count | 6 |
| Wireless Charging | No |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | No |
| OTA Updates | No |
| Digital Key | No |
| Warranty & Ownership | |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Corrosion Warranty | 12 years / 120,000 miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Specs.Autos Exclusive Data | |
| Engine Assembly Plant | Silao, Mexico |
| Transmission Supplier | Aisin |
| Gear Ratios | – |
| Differential Type | Open |
| Cooling System Capacity | 7.5 Quarts |
| Roof Load Capacity (lbs) | 165 |
| Safety Recall Count | – |
| Production Volume | – |
| Units Sold in USA | – |
## Consumer Insights & Market Appeal
The 2011-2015 Jetta 2.0L is widely regarded as a budget-friendly entry into the Volkswagen ecosystem, favored for its straightforward mechanical design and spacious interior. While the 2.0L engine is often criticized for its lack of power compared to the turbocharged variants, it is frequently praised for its long-term reliability and ease of maintenance. Prospective buyers should prioritize vehicles with documented service histories, specifically checking for timing belt replacements and transmission fluid service intervals. Common issues include premature wear of suspension bushings and minor electrical gremlins within the window regulators or door locks. In the current used market, this model remains a practical choice for commuters seeking a comfortable, stable highway cruiser that avoids the complexity of more advanced forced-induction systems.
