2013 Volkswagen Jetta SE

The 2013 Jetta is Volkswagen's compact sedan and wagon, a more affordable take on the German brand's character. It drives with a solid, planted feel that makes everyday commuting more engaging than you'd expect from a compact. Inside, the cabin feels upscale for the class, with quality materials and a clean, intuitive layout. Some owners report electrical gremlins and pricey repairs, so it's worth checking the car's history carefully. The SE splits the difference between the base S and the loaded SEL, adding leatherette seats and a leather-wrapped wheel without the premium price. Its 2.5L I5 is a willing, smooth-revving unit that pairs nicely with the six-speed automatic, and it returns 26 mpg combined in mixed driving. The wagon body gives you 66.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, making this Jetta genuinely practical for hauling gear.