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What's New: For 2001, improved cloth and velour interior materials come standard in the GL and GLS trim. Side curtain airbags that offer head protection for front and rear passengers are introduced this year, and steering wheel controls for the audio and cruise systems are available on GLS/GLX trim models. Optional 17-inch wheels and a sport suspension can be had on GLS models with the 1.8T or VR6 engine. The new sport suspension comes standard with GLX trim and all models get redesigned cupholders and a trunk entrapment release button. Finally, for those seeking more utility in the Jetta line up, a wagon model will appear in the spring of 2001. Type: Compact car Pros: Solid build quality, rich interior materials, loads of features, available turbo and V6 engines. Cons: Cookie-cutter Euro-copy sheetmetal, bigger standard-features list means bigger base price. Review The Jetta, Volkswagen's sedan version of the Golf, has always been one of our favorites. Like many cars conceived in Germany, the Jetta possesses an uncanny ability to keep the driver in touch with every undulation and irregularity on the road without sacrificing comfort. For 2001, the fourth-generation of VW's best-selling Jetta will see only minor equipment changes. Jetta's entry-level GL model comes with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 115 horsepower and makes 122 foot-pounds of torque at 2,600 rpm for quick off-the-line acceleration. The GL also has standard side airbags, a cassette stereo and ABS. The next step up the Jetta ladder is the GLS trim level, which can be ordered with one of four powertrains and offers more standard goodies like cruise control, power windows and mirrors, and a center armrest. A turbocharged direct injection (TDI) diesel engine is optional on the GL and GLS models. When mated to a manual transmission, the TDI will achieve approximately 49 mpg. A gas-powered turbo 1.8-liter engine, sourced from Audi and providing 150 horsepower, is also available with GLS trim and imbues Jetta with a spirited ride. Optional on GLS and standard on top-of-the-line Jetta GLX is a buttery-smooth, 174-horsepower VR6 engine. GLX also provides nifty equipment like rain-sensor wipers, automatic climate control, leather seats, self-dimming rearview mirrors and wood trim. For 2001, all Jettas get a side curtain protection system that provides head airbags for front and rear passengers. GLS and GLX models can now be had with multi-function steering wheel controls and 17-inch wheels. A sport suspension is available on GLS models with the 1.8T or VR6 engine; this suspension comes standard on GLX trim Jettas. The car's exterior is sleek and curvaceous; built with high-tech bonding agents and laser-welding techniques, the Jetta is structurally rigid, which makes for crisp handling and a solid feel. Jetta has always been a driver's car, providing an enjoyable experience despite a simple MacPherson-strut front suspension and a torsion-beam rear axle. Accented by stabilizer bars and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, Jetta's underpinnings provide decent handling and braking qualities. Due to its popularity and subsequent price increases, Jetta is not quite the bargain it used to be. Still, Volkswagen's bread-and-butter sedan offers upscale interior components and the top-level GLX model feels downright luxurious. If cost is not your primary concern in selecting a compact sedan, you should give the Jetta a look. Styles & Prices at Edmunds.com | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
