This is a car I could own. I love the torquey diesel engine--especially the ability to put a quick pass-play on unsuspecting sport sedans. I like the clean, simple interior and roomy rear seat.
And with its $24,990 price tag, I could actually afford to buy it. Although, I think I'd throw in another $2K and add a nav.
Kelly Toepke, News Editor @ 16,700 miles

huyracing says:
03:02 PM, 06/17/09
a lot of cute girls drive jetta's. it's the perfect chick car until they make some real money or find a man to buy them a lexus, bimmer or benz.
adavis2493 says:
03:08 PM, 06/17/09
I'd take it over a Prius or Insight any day.
carguy622 says:
03:27 PM, 06/17/09
2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDi Manual: You're The One That I Want
nealibob says:
03:40 PM, 06/17/09
I wish this car would have come out 2 years ago so I could buy a used one now for less than 20k. The last-gen Jetta style just doesn't do it for me, and I like the option of a DSG.
louiswei says:
03:42 PM, 06/17/09
"And with its $24,990 price tag, I could actually afford to buy it. Although, I think I'd throw in another $2K and add a nav."
That's $27k then... At that price most girls will be much happier with a Mini Cooper...
Now for the enthusiasts...
There is the Civic Si...
Oh and that Hyundai Genesis Coupe...
nealibob says:
04:07 PM, 06/17/09
Yep, price is the issue here for me. The mileage is great, but if diesel ends up more expensive than premium again, there is no cost savings. I am willing to eat some of that for the environmental considerations of not burning as much fuel, but it gets hard to turn down a car that is more enjoyable to drive simply on that basis.
A Cooper S gets fantastic mileage for a sporty car and is, in my opinion, much more enjoyable to drive than a Jetta. I am not sure how many people actually cross-shop those two cars, but I am looking now so that I can lobby my fiancee when she decides to replace the '98 Civic EX coupe (a fantastic car, especially for 120k miles). :)
bankerdanny says:
04:14 PM, 06/17/09
I would spend $600 on a good portable nav and take the savings and, well save it.
richc3 says:
04:32 PM, 06/17/09
I'll see your "2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDi Manual: You're The One That I Want" and raise you a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDi Manual with a new facelift! Now YOU'RE the One I Want. ;-)
jederino says:
04:33 PM, 06/17/09
huyracing is right - the Jetta is a great car for a single woman. Once she's married, she can either get a really fun and impractical car, or a family car that's big enough for the kids.
The Jetta is kind of a 'tweener, with dowdy styling that requires a pretty driver to sharpen its look.
firstwagon says:
04:37 PM, 06/17/09
Sorry but I'm at a loss to understand why some people are so shallow that they brand a car a "chick car".
How does a Jetta deserve this title?
nealibob says:
04:49 PM, 06/17/09
@firstwagon: agreed. Here is a VW that would definitely qualify as a "chick car" though:
http://lucire.com/insider/20090311/heidi-klum-appears-with-barbies-life-size-new-beetle-cabriolet/
jederino says:
05:42 PM, 06/17/09
@firstwagon: Hello? - I just gave you some emperical evidences of why a Jetta is served best with a cute woman behind the wheel. Do you have evidence why a man should would enjoy owning this car? Because, uh, name calling is ugly...
carguy622 says:
06:27 PM, 06/17/09
richc3: Ah yes, you're right, the facelift is a big improvement.
carfreak8394 says:
06:39 PM, 06/17/09
"richc3: Ah yes, you're right, the facelift is a big improvement."
If you're talking about this grille, http://indianautosblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/phpthumb_generated_thumbnailjpg.jpg, then yes, it's a big improvement.
robs249 says:
06:57 PM, 06/17/09
A Jetta isn't a chick car. A lot of dudes drive this car as well. And how many chicks do u see driving a Jetta GLI?
robs249 says:
06:58 PM, 06/17/09
If anything a Mazda 3 is 10 times more of a chick car than a Jetta
mortal1 says:
07:27 PM, 06/17/09
I don't get the whole 'chick car' thing. If girls like a car ...isn't that a good thing? The only thing a manly muscle car attracts is middle aged men ...no thanks
mortal1 says:
07:32 PM, 06/17/09
Oh, and I take issue with the price. A believe I priced out a top spec jetta tdi for like 23,500.
huyracing says:
07:50 PM, 06/17/09
VW's are popular chick cars in Southern California, which is where I live.
They offer nice luxuries and solid german feel for a price many can afford and the styling is "cute." Most of the stylish trendy types seem to prefer the Jetta.
I like this type of woman and they either already drive a Jetta or want one or had one.
Sorry if you're offended by the term "chick car" but its actually a good thing because women will enjoy riding with you.
By the way, the Mini is cute and stylish, but the ride is harsh. That kills the "chick car" factor right there. Yes, they buy but many do sell ASAP. i know far more guys with Mini's... usually quite tall, lol.
joegibes says:
04:57 AM, 06/18/09
I'll take a Jetta Sportwagon TDi GLI (or a GLI TDi or whatever they call it)... A bit bigger than a Golf, sport suspension/tires, and torque :D
dougtheeng says:
06:09 AM, 06/18/09
I'd rather have a Golf, just because hatchbacks are far more versatile. Still, the Jetta is a good choice for man or woman.
thammer62 says:
06:51 AM, 06/18/09
I too see nothing but women in Jettas. Do I consider it a chick car? Not really, but if I see 80% of drivers are women - I guess it is unofficially a chick car. I can't wait for the redesign late next year (for 2011). A TDI sport wagon manual will be in my driveway by Xmas 2010 - I'll do my part to change the chick car persona.
blueguydotcom says:
08:26 AM, 06/18/09
Liked the car. I'd prefer a GTD if I were going for a VW.
jederino says:
08:46 AM, 06/18/09
My wife has very definite opinions about what is a chick car. I toyed with the idea of a Mini, which she said was total chick, and wanted me to drive something bigger and more masculine. I also like the GTI, but she does not. Apparently, the G35 satisfied her ideas. Mine too - great car, plus a reputation for reliability. The term "chick car" is not derogatory, but people cannot help but make the association with the VW Cabriolet as the definitive chick car, and that was a complete unmitigated disaster. That's too bad. Generally, I think VW should be lauded for taking risks and making cars with unique appeal.
kingkhalas says:
11:00 AM, 06/18/09
There are definitely cars that lots of men won't drive or buy because of the "chick car" stigma.
You may not like or agree with it, but it's real.
rick8365 says:
12:26 PM, 06/18/09
I have always liked what I think is beautiful fit, finish and style of the VW line - including the Jetta. But not only would I agree that the Jetta is in the chick car grouping it actually appears (at least here in Jersey) to be a preferred ride for gay men. Please....I believe it's "to each his/her own" but being a clean cut decently dressed guy, if I was driving a Jetta I think there would be some who would think that I tap my toes under bathroom partitions. I happen to be hetero and married but if i was driving a Jetta I think I would look....well...
All that said, if I win the lottery and build that 20+ car garage, a Jetta or a Golf would probably find their way into the mix.
hola_dan says:
12:32 PM, 06/18/09
"Liked the car. I'd prefer a GTD if I were going for a VW."
+1
I do hope they bring it.
lvranger says:
02:43 PM, 06/18/09
^^^Hell yes! +1! (Credit to OP BGDC)
Path_Tech says:
11:16 AM, 06/19/09
Two things here:
1.) Forget paying the $2K for the nav system. You can buy a great GPS (that talks to you, touch screen) for around $300 and have the option of moving it from car to car.
2.) Chick car? WTF? It's the most powerful four cylinder car on the road. Hell, I bet it can handle it's own against most six cylinder cars. I have no problems been seen in a "chick" car then. Especially getting upper-30's to low 40's mixed driving, and the upper 40's on long drives.
firstwagon says:
01:49 PM, 06/19/09
"There are definitely cars that lots of men won't drive or buy because of the "chick car" stigma.
You may not like or agree with it, but it's real."
You're right it is real and it's because a lot of people are shallow and narrow minded. They seem to need a car that can show the world they are macho (for lack of a better word).
The Mini and Miata are often dismissed as chick cars and I think they are two of the greatest cars on the road. I've driven both (and if I can get back to permenant employment) will likely buy a Mini.
I have no clue why people would call a Jetta a chick car. I see more guys driving them then women.
kingkhalas says:
04:35 PM, 06/19/09
Or maybe some people are thin skinned and they can't stand the ridicule from their friends and coworkers.
Either way, it's something car companies probably consider. They probably even have focus groups testing this.
firstwagon says:
04:44 PM, 06/19/09
What sort of loser would ridicule their friends or coworkers?
thammer62 says:
12:18 PM, 07/ 6/09
GTD would get very strong consideration from me as well. Bring it, vdub.