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History - Volkswagen Jetta

The VW Jetta has been around for quite some time now. It appeared in the US in 1980. It is currently on its fifth revision.

The original Jetta (A1 chassis) was a small boxy sedan with very few comforts added, however, it was reliable and affordable. The engine was a 4 cylinder 1.6 liter outputting about 78 horsepower / 83 ft-lb torque. 1981 models got a 1.7 liter with 74 horsepower and 90 ft-lb torque. 1984 was the last year for the Jetta I, and a new trim was introduced: The GLI. This was the sportier model jetta. It was upgraded to a 1.8 liter 90 horsepower / 105 ft-lb torque motor and close ratio gears.

The Jetta II (A2 chassis) was released in 1985. Still a boxy little sedan, but with a slightly updated style, and a larger body. The A2 Jetta's had a 100 or 105 horsepower 1.8 liter 8 valve engine available. After 1987 a 1.8 16v engine was ready that made 123hp. This was up rated to 134 hp in 1990 through 1992. The 1990- 1992 models had lower side skirts, large plastic bumpers, full fit windows, and updated grill and side mouldings.

Jetta III (A3 chassis) 1993-1998. (Other dates in other countries)
Several options packages where available, but for basics, there were two gasoline engines. The VR6 debuted in 1995, and the newly revised 2.0 liter 8v was still pulling strong at 115 hp. The body was very much updated and the quality and comfort was upgraded drastically. The car got a little larger, and a little heavier. The GLI was no longer available, but the GLX provided the VR6, side skirts, spoiler and the now standard fuba style antenna.

Then came the A4. A Major update in exterior and interior styling. round and smooth, as opposed to the chunky and boxy past designs. The VR6 was still a fast runner while the 2.0 was the strong seller. The 1.8 liter turbo was installed into a Jetta now also. The A4 chassis Jetta was 4 door only, but there is also a wagon version available. The new, 200 hp 24 valve VR6 is installed in late 1999. Again, more weight was added, as the Jetta becomes more comfortable and modernized. A GLI version was re-introduced with a spoiler, 24v VR6, side skirts, lower suspension, and several other enhancements.

The A5 Jetta is another major revision. Several new engines, and a new look in and out. This model runs from 2005 to current. A 2.5 liter inline 5 cylinder is based on half of the Lamborghini Gallardo's V10. A 2.0 liter 16v inline 4 cylinder turbo replaces the 1.8T. A GLI version will be for sale in 2006.

Diesel engines where available during each of the Jetta's revisions.