2010 VW Jetta: Bargain Priced, Multi-Talented Family Sedan

Although the high mileage TDI diesel engined version of the 2010 VW Jetta gets most of the headlines (and 25 percent of sales), this particular model can get pretty pricey when equipped with the most popular options. So what if you are looking for an inexpensive entry into German car ownership, still want over 30 miles per gallon highway but can’t quite swing the payments for a TDI?

Well, why not check out the mid-level 2010 VW Jetta SE with the standard 2.5 liter five-cylinder (170 horsepower/177 lb. feet of torque) that costs a highly reasonable $20,550 very nicely equipped. With this engine the Jetta returns 22 city/30 highway and includes features like a sunroof, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, automatic climate control, Bluetooth, 8-Speaker premium audio with touch screen and six-disc changer, 60/40 split folding rear seats with folding center armrest and ski pass through, stylish 16-inch alloy wheels, Sirius Sattelite Radio, heated seats, USB port and V-Tex covered faux-leather seats.Now if you think putting V-Tex on the seats instead of leather is a cop out for VW, this option is actually very Earth-friendly as the production of methane from cows is the number one cause of global warming. V-Tex not only wears better than leather (which can look worn out after three or four years) but it also gives the 2010 VW Jetta a much smaller carbon footprint. And isn’t a concern for the future of this planet the most family friendly thing a car company can do? Kudos to VW for using V-Tex, which really does manage to mimic the look, feel and smell of leather without all the catastrophic side effects.

Another great feature of the 2010 VW Jetta is the fact that it offers 3 years/36,000 miles of free maintenance. The only thing that isn’t included is tires and brake pads. But that is a nice feeling knowing you won’t have to shell out a dime for scheduled maintenance for the first three years you own this stylish four door.

The 2010 VW Jetta wasn’t updated as thoroughly as the Golf but the interior did see quite a few changes to keep it up to date. The climate controls, audio system and dashboard design has been slightly altered to mimic the very upscale look of the Golf’s interior. The result is a cabin that is easily just as nice as the Golf’s all the while still maintaining VW’s dominance in creating the classiest small car interiors. It is so nice in here you just might want to move in.

While the Jetta is probably at its best hauling four adults in comfort there is room for five in here. The trunk, however, shames everything in its class with a studio-apartment-sized 16 cubic feet available. Standard on all SE models is a six-speed manual that shifts precisely and has a very light clutch even for heavy traffic. A six-speed Tiptronic automatic is optional.

Although some have criticized the 5 cylinder in the Jetta for not making a sporty enough sound there is a great deal of fun to be had winding it up with the fun to shift manual transmission. The torque curve of this motor is also really fat meaning that power is easy to access at all engine speeds. Steering is precise and the 2010 VW Jetta SE also absorbs bumps with aplomb.

If you look at it there really are no drawbacks to ownership of a 2010 VW Jetta SE given its free maintenance, low price, spaciousness and fun to drive nature. If you want a faster, more fun to drive BMW 3-series you are looking at paying well over double. And that’s just ridiculous.