1971 Dodge HEMI Challenger for $395,000
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen Safety Review

November 10, 2008

SAFETY | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Four stars, frontal impact rating; five stars, side impact rating
NHTSA

The Jetta has always rated high in...crash testing
Washington Times

Rear side airbags are optional on all Jettas
Edmunds

Volkswagen has long highlighted the safety record of its vehicles as a major selling point, and that boast comes across loud and clear on the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen. Not only does the Sportwagen Jetta fare very well in government crash tests, it also offers a long list of standard safety features, as well as a few optional airbags.

The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen has not yet been tested by the IIHS, but in NHTSA’s frontal impact assessment, the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen earns four of a possible five stars. Furthermore, in the side impact category, the NHTSA sees fit to award the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen a perfect five-star rating in both driver- and passenger-side collisions. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com consider both those ratings impressive, and while the two vehicles aren’t identical, Edmunds finds it worth noting that “in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests, the Jetta sedan received the highest rating of 'Good' for frontal offset and side crash protection.”

VW engineers include a myriad of safety features on the Sportwagen Jetta. The Washington Times states that station wagons “are cars, and are required to have a higher level of safety than SUVs,” including “a full compliment of airbags” and “traction control” as standard features. Edmunds adds that “standard safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes” and “stability control.” For those looking for further peace of mind, ConsumerGuide notes that Volkswagen offers optional “rear side airbags” on the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen for only $350.

On many wagons, the extra sheetmetal in back can obscure visibility, and reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show this to be true on the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen. ConsumerGuide is quick to point out that “aft visibility on all models is hindered a bit by the rear headrests,” though The Washington Times mentions that a “rear view camera is an optional feature.”

Conclusion

The 2009 Volkwagen Jetta Sportwagen is one of the safest vehicles of its size and has several safety features not always found in its price class.

SAFETY | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:Four stars, frontal impact rating; five stars, side impact ratingNHTSAThe Jetta has always rated high in...crash testingWashington TimesRear side airbags are optional on all JettasEdmunds Volkswagen has long highlighted the safety record of its vehicles as a major selling point, and that boast comes across loud and clear on the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen. Not only does the Sportwagen Jetta fare very well in government crash tests, it also offers a long list of standard safety features, as well as a few optional airbags. The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen has not yet been tested by the IIHS, but in NHTSA’s frontal impact assessment, the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen earns four of a possible five stars. Furthermore, in the side impact category, the NHTSA sees fit to award the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen a perfect five-star rating in both driver- and passenger-side collisions. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com consider both those ratings impressive, and while the two vehicles aren’t identical, Edmunds finds it worth noting that “in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests, the Jetta sedan received the highest rating of 'Good' for frontal offset and side crash protection.” VW engineers include a myriad of safety features on the Sportwagen Jetta. The Washington Times states that station wagons “are cars, and are required to have a higher level of safety than SUVs,” including “a full compliment of airbags” and “traction control” as standard features. Edmunds adds that “standard safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes” and “stability control.” For those looking for further peace of mind, ConsumerGuide notes that Volkswagen offers optional “rear side airbags” on the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen for only $350. On many wagons, the extra sheetmetal in back can obscure visibility, and reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show this to be true on the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen. ConsumerGuide is quick to point out that “aft visibility on all models is hindered a bit by the rear headrests,” though The Washington Times mentions that a “rear view camera is an optional feature.” ConclusionThe 2009 Volkwagen Jetta Sportwagen is one of the safest vehicles of its size and has several safety features not always found in its price class. 2009 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SPORTWAGEN STYLING | [8 out of 10] Motor Trend: "Sleek, nicely sized package" Autoblog: "Great interiors" The Washington Times: “Embodies the best of the current trend toward aerodynamic styling” The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen makes its U.S. debut to ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The new Dodge Journey is a crossover with an available third-row seat and more storage options than you can count, and it's priced almost exactly in the same range as the VW Jetta wagon. The Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Corolla Matrix are essentially twins underneath the skin, and though they're smaller than the Jetta, they have decent carrying capacity and an enviable reputation for reliability. The Chrysler PT Cruiser's been around for a long time, which means it can be had cheaply―and it's probably the cutest vehicle in this bunch.

Next Steps:

Get a free price quote

for the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen from a dealer near you

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen

Check Financing Rates

for the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen near you

See the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen in Other Years:

2010 | 2009

Comments (2 total)

  1. By Garry #1, Posted: 12/30/2008

    What about the Diesel?

    You guys didn't say a word about the diesel option that will offer great performance and amazing economy!

  2. fb_540901137 avatar by Phil Pugliese #2, Posted: 6/18/2009

    Where is the diesel review? With 50% of Jetta Sportwagon sales being TDI, where the TCC rarely misses the boat, you missed it here.

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy