It’s 2025, and it’s a funny time to look at the Volkswagen lineup. Mainstays like the Golf are barely hanging on, while SUVs and electric vehicles have taken the reigns amidst a changing technological landscape. Still, one classic nameplate persists, as the German marque continues to find American buyers for its compact, efficient sedan. I speak, of course, of the Volkswagen Jetta.
Today, we’re going to take a look at two major points in the Jetta’s history—when it was born, and where it stands today. We’ll be looking all the way back to 1980, a time of great change when the Malaise was raging and the compacts rose to glory.
Specifically, we’re going to pore over the numbers to compare what you got for your money today versus yesteryear. We’ll examine whether the Jetta is still good value, and whether it stays true to the original concept from so many decades ago. My calculator is humming, so let’s dive in.
DIMENSIONS: 2025 Jetta v. 1980 Jetta
The 1980 Volkswagen Jetta landed in America as a sedan available in both two-door and four-door formats. The German automaker had noted that the hatchback Golf was popular, but that some buyers still preferred a traditional three-box body style. It had the same wheelbase as its hatchback progenitor of 94.4 inches, though overall length was increased to 168 inches thanks to the trunk at the rear. Overall width was 63 inches. As for seating, whether two-door or four-door, the Jetta was a four-passenger vehicle.
Today, the Jetta still serves largely the same role as the original from four decades ago. It’s a three-box commuter sedan that shares its MQB platform with the Volkswagen Golf. Where the hatchback has all but left American shores, barring performance models, the sedan lives on. These days, though, it’s solely available in a four-door, five-passenger configuration. It’s swollen in size somewhat over the years, though not as much as some other vehicles. It boasts a 105.7 inch wheelbase and a length of 185.1 inches—10.3 and 17.1 inches longer, respectively, compared to the 1980 model. Chinese long-wheel-base models are a further 2 inches longer again. At 70.8 inches wide, it’s also a full 7.8 inches wider than the original.
PRICE: 2025 Jetta v. 1980 Jetta
On its 1980 debut, the Volkswagen Jetta sold for a manufacturer-suggested retail price of $7,650. That’s roughly $29,680 in 2025 dollars, which would put the Jetta at a bit of a premium compared to other modern compact sedans. Meanwhile, the median family income was $21,020 in 1980, equivalent to $81,579 today.
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta starts at $23,220 for the base model by comparison. That’s a full $6,400 cheaper than the 1980 model, accounting for inflation. Median family income in the US was $80,610 in 2023, according to available data, which is approximately $84,603 in 2025 dollars.
Basically, the Volkswagen Jetta used to be a bit more expensive back in the day. Indeed, it launched at a price roughly 25% higher than the Golf it was based on (then called the Rabbit in the US). Volkswagen offset this at the time by giving the original Jetta somewhat more premium appointments than the popular humble hatchback. There were contemplations of producing the vehicle in US plants in the early 1980s, which might have brought down prices, but Volkswagen abandoned this idea by 1982.
POWER & WEIGHT: 2025 Jetta v. 1980 Jetta
Okay, now back to the cars! The 1980 Jetta ran a 1.6-liter inline four driving the front wheels. Complete with fuel injection, it was good for 76 horsepower and 83 pound-feet of torque. Those were healthy numbers, and the 2,100-pound weight didn’t hurt a bit, either. You could get it with a five-speed manual as standard, or you could choose the three-speed automatic if you were so inclined to a two-pedal driving experience. Contemporary tests put the EPA fuel economy at 25 mpg.
In 2025, Volkswagen offers the Jetta with a range of engines in different world markets. In the US, there are two primary variants. The basic Jetta comes with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo offering 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic, driving the front wheels. Alternatively, you can upgrade to the Jetta GLI, which comes with a 2.0-liter turbo four good for 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It can be had with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox or a classic six-speed manual.
Power is the big difference compared to the Jetta of old. The base model has more than double the horsepower of the original, while the GLI is three times more powerful. With that said, those new modern engines do have to haul a little more weight. The new Jetta weighs between 3,012 pounds for the base S model and up to 3,241 pounds in GLI spec. On average, it’s around 1.5 times as heavy as the original! Still, the greater power pays off. The new Jetta and Jetta GLI will do zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds and 6 seconds, respectively. Meanwhile, the classic 1980 Jetta takes around 11.8 seconds to do the same sprint.
Options: 2025 Jetta v. 1980 Jetta
The Jetta had a few interesting items on the options list in 1980. Volkswagen positioned it as more of a premium car compared to the Golf, and you could upgrade with a sunroof ($240), metallic paint ($95), tinted glass ($65), or leatherette upholstery ($60). Alloy wheels could be had as well, and the automatic transmission was an optional upgrade over the manual.
Standard equipment was pretty good for the era, too. You got an AM/FM cassette radio as standard, with speakers in the doors. A remote-controlled passenger side mirror was also standard on all models. The Jetta had rack-and-pinion steering, fully-independent suspension front and rear, and front disc brakes with rear drums in a dual circuit setup—something Volkswagen still felt the need to mention in the brochure in 1980.
The march of technology is unrelenting, and the new Jetta has a much longer list of equipment with a ton of stuff that didn’t even exist in 1980. You get the usual touch-screen infotainment system with Bluetooth, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto built-in for a start, and there’s an 8-inch display for the instrument cluster, too. You also get steering wheel controls, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, power windows, and power locking—all of which is the norm these days.
If you’ve got the cash, you can throw a bunch of extra gear at your Jetta, too. SiriusXM satellite radio is an option, as are power seats, heated seats, and nicer CloudTex or leather interior trim to boot. Other options include a sunroof, ambient interior lighting, and larger 10.25″ digital instrument cluster. Those looking for a handling upgrade might also consider the XDS Cross Differential System fitted to the upper trims—an electronic diff lock to help you better put the power down to the road.
A Proud Sequel
Some popular nameplates have changed drastically over the years. The Honda Civic has doubled in size, power, and weight, while the Mitsubishi Eclipse morphed from a powerful turbo coupe into an unappealing slab of SUV slop. Automakers have played fast and loose with badges, slapping the names they think fit best onto whatever vehicle best suits the moment.
Not so the Jetta. Volkswagen has seen fit to stay the course, by and large keeping the sedan true to its origins over time. That’s been fairly straightforward, of course, as the German automaker has always found a market for well-presented commuter sedans. There are few places you can’t show up in a Jetta—it somehow manages to have a hint of style and class that other commodity sedans don’t, without needing to outright jump into the more expensive luxury space.
The Jetta isn’t a standout by any means in the modern market. It doesn’t shout about performance or get around in flashy colors; it exists as capable transport for those who need it. The current generation has been on sale since 2018, undergoing a couple of refreshes over that time to keep up with the Joneses. Fundamentally, though, it’s been a steady performer, making strong sales in the mid-five-figure range year after year. It’s not quite like the halcyon days of past generations, where Volkswagen could sell almost 200,000 units Stateside in a single year, but times have changed and sedans are not as popular as they once were. And yet, the Jetta perseveres, and the Jetta prevails.
There are few cars that stand still as time moves on. The Jetta has remained stable in concept, while steadily making the necessary changes to stay relevant in a rapidly advancing world. The call might have gone out that three-box sedans are dead, but the Germans never got the call. In 2025, as in 1980, the Jetta still finds its fans with aplomb.
Image credits: Volkswagen
I never really understood the Jetta. It’s just a (imo) uglier Golf, so why not just buya Golf? Or if you want more space, a Golf Estate (wagon)?
I had a Mk V Jetta GLI for a while. I bought it used and it was cheaper than the comparable GTI because it is less well known. It was a damn good car. I don’t need a hatchback so the sedan was just fine.
Well, in the U.S., they don’t sell the Golf anymore. Just the GTI, so if you want something cheap and base model-y from VW, the Jetta is your only choice. And there are some of us out here who prefer a sedan to hatchback. I find the sedan more practical for my needs. I like a trunk. And if you do want the performance of a GTI, but still prefer rowing your own gears, the Jetta GLI is your only choice as the GTI has gone automatic-only. I have a 2021 GLI with a 6-speed stick and it’s a nice, fun to drive car that was reasonably priced. Something that’s getting hard to find.
We’ve owned two in our varied VW fleet: a 2005 and our current 2024. They have been comfortable, competent, and solid cars.
A neighbor I grew up with had a Mk2 GLI coupe with Pirelli P-slot wheels which I always thought was one of the coolest cars. He sold/traded it to a little mom and pop used car dealer and of course I was 15 with no job and couldn’t afford to buy it
I’ve had a few. 1987, 1994, 1997, 1998 and 2022 they’ve always been perfectly fine and got me where I needed to go. My wife says the current one, 2022 GLI, is amazing except the infotainment. The infotainment is fine for me, but I have a Samsung phone. Her iPhone always seems to have an issue with the infotainment, wont play music apps, disconnecting etc. I put the issue with her phone until I’m told otherwise as she is notorious for never updating any apps or operating systems. Its still under warranty so next time its in for service I’ll have them check if the infotainment needs any updates or if it is indeed her phone.
I wish I still had the 1997 as it was Trek model with funky seat fabric that was half grey half black split down the center. I bought i used so it didn’t come with the bike, but I’d put my current Trek on top instead. The current bike would probably be worth as much as a 1997 Jetta at this point.
The same can be said for most cars – they are cheaper (and better) than in the past once you adjust for inflation. I’ve done the comparison on other common cars comparing 2025 models to 1990’s Civic, Accord, Explorer, and others.
That said, presenting actual data changes zero minds of people complaining that cars are more expensive today than in the past.
My wife had an ’88 (A2) Jetta with a stick when we started dating and I had a Toyota V6 pickup Xtra Cab. Her car was so much more fun to drive. I remember the shifter being kind of notchy, but it was just so much fun.
I bought a ’01 (A4) Jetta TDI stick new and drove it for 16 years and ~160,000 miles. I loved the styling, and I enjoyed driving it as well, but it went through two Bosch injection pumps, the first one at almost exactly 60,000 miles; the second one (a rebuilt one installed under warranty) at 101,000 miles was not covered under warranty. Volkswagen America only offered me a $1,000 discount on a new VW. And I was not interested in the A5 generation at all. That experience really soured me on ever buying another VWAG product.
I got an A6 as a rental once and just felt like they had lost their way.
The design is still clean and understated (by 2025 standards). As far as aesthetics it can only be compared to the Accord and Mazda 6. The Accord no longer has a manual or fun engine, not sure about the 6.
The GLI should be celebrated for offering a fun engine, fun transmission, and good looks in a usable, affordable, comfortable package. It’s a unicorn at this point and if you’re so inclined it can be an absolute sleeper with a tune. Nobody is going to expect an anonymous VW sedan painted the color of sadness to keep up with a stock Supra at the strip.
Brings back memories of when I had my 84 Jetta…that was a total blast to drive w/ stick! I also love that boxy body style it had
45 years, declining median income. Matches my lived experience, I tell you hwat.
The data shows real (inflation adjusted) median household income has increased. Not a lot but it is higher today than in 1980.
Economic crises, they come thick and fast… and recovery is never quite enough…
I like comparisons like this. We are quick to yell, “Cars have gotten too damned expensive!” I agree, it feels that way, but often, when adjusting for inflation, it’s not the case. Also, this article didn’t even get into the boring stuff that you get now, like lots of new safety features and meeting vastly tighter emissions regulations. And also the fact that if the 2025 model was specced like the 1980 model nobody would buy it.
Kudos to VW for keeping this alive. A decent moderately priced sedan available with a base and performance engine, with both manual and auto transmissions.
Please make this a series. What cars/trucks that are available today, that have been available for decades, and how have they changed?
This is not the first of the then vs. now comparison stories they’ve done, but I don’t think they have a convenient way to search for them. If they do, I am not aware of it.
Here ya go: there are some tags hidden at the bottom of the article that link to the group of comparos, “then and now” is how they’ve been dubbed here: https://www.theautopian.com/tag/then-and-now/
Awesome!
Thanks for sharing with the group!
It is a series
I had a 2000 Jetta, 5 speed, damn electronics!!
A brake-based traction-control system is not an electronic differential no matter how the marketing department pushes it.
Petty, I know, but it just bugs the crap outa me
I woulda bought ît just from the article. Pedantry has its place.
Zero shade at Lewin
I 100 percent agree a real mechanical limited slip is (or should be) leagues more effective than a computer and some sensors independently applying the brakes individually per needed corner
Please keep these historical comparo stories coming (I would read them weekly)! Fun, interesting, and nostalgic.
We’ve done a few of the big ones (Civic, Corolla, Grand Cherokee)—definitely open to requests for future examples!
I’d love to see some wagon action (how predictable!): Volvo 850-cum-V70-cum-V60, Benz E350, Subie Outback… thanks!
They still sell Jettas? And they look like that? Well the looks explain why I hadn’t noticed. I wouldn’t guess Jetta, or Volkswagen really.
Giorgetto Giugiaro really did a great job on the original, and the next couple of generations look good too, but starting in 1999 or so they look like the sack they came in.
I’m very partial to the mid-90’s outline. My high school had a fleet of them on loan from the local dealer that we used for driver’s ed class, and I’ve always liked that generation of VW’s generally.
You were lucky. My drivers ed car was (1973) Toyota Corolla with a 2-speed automatic.
Public high schools, at least around here (Washington state), don’t offer drivers ed anymore.
Yeah, ours don’t either anymore. It’s now virtual, but students do get a voucher to go to the local safety council for 4 hours of practical — which is probably better than the football coach that got assigned our class.
Ha! My DE teacher was my European Civilization teacher who was also the HS basketball coach. He was pretty good though. Taught me how to parallel park very well.
His daughter went on to play in the WNBA. RIP, Mr. Curry.
In MN at least for permitted drivers to get their drivers license the 1st time there is a requirement of at least 50 hrs. of driving with an adult (who has a drivers license).
All the driven hours need to be logged (date/start and end times) written down. And w/in those 50 hrs. A certain number of them needs to be night time driving.
On top of that, permitted drivers need a certain number of driving hours with a certified driving instructor as well.
Then of course they have to study for and take their driving written test and I think there is a (physical) driving test as well.
From memory it is a lot more than I recall I needed to complete
I had an 84 Jetta GL in the 90s and loved the car, except for the weak air conditioner. I don’t recall a remote mirror, but it did have a second glove compartment down where the knee bar would be on car with automatic seat belts. I always felt very connected to that car, since I could gauge tire pressure by steering feel, and it was a 5 speed.
Oddly I’ve never owned another VW and the newer Jettas don’t interest me.
I always loved how the original Jetta was clearly a Rabbit (the name in the US then) with a trunk grafted onto it. I loved simple, slightly awkward styling of the original. And the dashboard. An old gf had the OG GTI and I loved driving that thing.
So the scoreboard is:
Size: 1980 wins (smaller)
Weight: 1980 wins
Cost: 2025 wins
Color options: 1980 wins
Lack of touchscreens: 1980 wins.
Final result, the 1980 Jetta is 80% better than the 2025 Jetta.
Only six colour options for 1980 US model? That’s not win.
Three of the choices were actual colors – if you counted beige.
A few months later, 4 more colors were available.
Black, white, two silvers and a beige? I count only the reddish brown as an actual color.
At least the current Jetta can be had in red and blue (depending on trim level)
Black, White, Silver, Beige, Red and Green (which they called “Inari Silver”
Then came Blue, another Red, another Green…
… some markets had yellow, orange, two blues, three reds, brown, three greens – up to 15 paint choices in all – with several interior color choices – including green, brown and blue.
Sorry, I was just going off the launch colors in the article. I figured if they called it silver, inari silver was probably more grey than the catalogue showed. I know my dad ordered an early 80s Mercedes in a blue-silver that looked nice in the brochure and was pissed when it arrived very very grey.
I googled some old Jetta images, and boy I was wrong to assume; inari silver is most definitely green.
I wish more cars has better color options. Most models are lucky to get one or two actual colors, but every car seems to have at least three different grey options. Isn’t grey just what indecisive people buy anyway?? And don’t get me started on black interior often being the only option.