2011 Volkswagen Jetta SEL

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. Compared to the TDI, the SEL sticks with gasoline power but adds leather seats, a sunroof, and touchscreen audio that the base SE lacks. The 2.5L I5 makes 170 horsepower and pairs with a six-speed automatic for smooth around-town response, though it's not as torquey as a diesel.