2011 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2011 Jetta is Volkswagen's compact sedan and wagon, a more affordable take on the brand's German feel that still undercuts the Audi A4 it's often compared with. It drives with a composed, confident character that makes dense traffic feel manageable, and the ride stays smooth even on less-than-perfect roads. Inside, the cabin feels more upscale than the price suggests, with quality materials and a spacious back seat, though three child seats across can be a tight squeeze. Reliability is a mixed bag: some owners report years of trouble-free driving, while others deal with electrical gremlins and pricey repairs, so a thorough inspection matters. Stepping up from the base S trim to the SE adds convenience features like a touchscreen audio system and Bluetooth, plus a more powerful sound system. The 2.0L I4 makes 115 horsepower and pairs with a six-speed automatic, which is enough for relaxed commuting and returns solid fuel economy.