Consumer Reports scores 2011 Jetta lower than 2010

[Oberkanone]

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/ca...ue-new-cars-consumer-reports-car-ratings.html

No love for the 2011 Jetta from CR.
2011 scored 60 points and 2010 scored 76.

 

[anotherTDI]

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/ca...ue-new-cars-consumer-reports-car-ratings.html

No love for the 2011 Jetta from CR.
2011 scored 60 points and 2010 scored 76.

they didn't like my Iphone4 either. lol

personally i don't see their complaints. i like the car.

FWIW they missed the whistling mirrors on the 2011 which kind of shows you they did a cursory review at best.

 

[Hellfire]

I'd like to see a review of the TDI - there are some important differences that go directly to the handling.

 

[mo_focus]

I'd like to see a review of the TDI - there are some important differences that go directly to the handling.

very true! co-worker of mine liked my car so much that he requested the Jetta for rental from discount car rental. He hated it so much, crappy ride, crappy fuel economy and very cheap interior. Meanwhile he loves my car. I have the Highline TDI and i guess rental companies have the basic model.

 

[TDI_Timmy]

We love ours! Drives great and rides great! For the 2009 Golf we have for a loaner??? We don't like it nearly as much. It is a base model and I guess, at least the dealer gave me a loaner. We sure do miss our TDI though.

 

[Dieselfitter]

Just out of curiosity , what is CR's opinion of the 2011 PRIUS?

 

[BarrieCommuter]

CR is a rag magazine at best. old farts for reviewers.

 

[UberVW_TDI]

I agree with Consumer Reports on this one.

When a manufacturer gives you "down grades" versus the previous model:

1. Rear suspension: Torsion beam vs better handling Multi-link
2. Non-adjustable arm rest vs adjustable on the MkV sedan
3. Cheaper dash material
4. Less features on "multi functioni display" in instrument panel
Compare the gauges in the 2011 Jetta SportWagen vs the 2011 Sedan...huge difference. 2011 Sedan = Boring, cheap looking gauges
5. Hydraulic steering vs electro-mechanical (non-TDI models)
6. Drum brakes vs Disc brakes (non-TDI models)

Its not easy to take.

The 2011 sedan body style is very nice! BUT, many owners of the MkV sedan would notice the down graded items inside the improved exterior design. That sucks VW!
I would love to buy another VW TDI in the future, but if this is the new direction of VW in the North American market, maybe not.

Why is VW downgrading their Jetta while Ford, Hyundai, GM, etc are really upgrading and going with more upscale European designs, features. The Jettas competition: 2011 Hyundai Elantra, 2011 Chevy Cruze, 2012 Ford Focus are all good examples of how Hyundai, Chevy and Ford are going more upscale. VW at the same time is turning their backs on their traditional customers and going "cheap and decontented". If I wanted cheap and decontented. I'd buy a Toyota Corolla.

I seriously hope those of you that bought the 2011 Jetta TDI are enjoying your cars. But at least be able to admit VW removed and downgraded many features vs the previous car.

 

[BarrieCommuter]

my car is wicked fun. i didn't compare it to anything.

 

[TDI_Timmy]

Let me take a stab at this:

1. Rear suspension: Torsion beam vs better handling Multi-link

While yes it may seem that Torsion beam would be worse off than IRS I decided do a search and see if in fact the 2011 Jetta was a worse off handler. The slalom for a 2006 GLI rated by MotorTrend was an average 64.7MPH where as the slalom for the 2011 Jetta SEL done by insideline.com was 65.8MPH. I know these are two completely different sources and I wish I could find two from the same source. Still working on that and if I find something different I will edit this post.
On the 200ft skidpad MT found the GLI at 0.84g and insideline.com found the 2011 Jetta at 0.80g - i don't know too much about the skidpad results, just that they are pretty close. Close enough to probably not notice a difference.

edit: Searching through Car and Driver I found more specs. A 2006(?) Jetta with the 2.5L did the 300ft skid pad at 0.80g and the 2011 Jetta Sedan SEL did the 300ft skid pad at 0.85g.

06 Jetta - http://www.caranddriver.com/var/ezf...lication/b7d13e81bde9a146427c748fc39531fe.pdf

2011 Jetta SEL - http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/10q4/2011_volkswagen_jetta_2.5_sel-short_take_road_test

2. Non-adjustable arm rest vs adjustable on the MkV sedan
3. Cheaper dash material

I'll give you the armrest gripe, however it doesn't bother me too much. Although, about the cheaper dash material - I really don't mind the hard dash. It is textured nicely. We have a 2009 Golf as a loaner right now and it has that spongy dash. I was messing with it and noticed that I didn't really like the feel of it too much. Neat that it can be so soft while appearing quite firm but I don't go around massaging my dash. Also feel that the hard dash might be easier to clean.

4. Less features on "multi functioni display" in instrument panel
Compare the gauges in the 2011 Jetta SportWagen vs the 2011 Sedan...huge difference. 2011 Sedan = Boring, cheap looking gauges

I do agree with you on this. I would of paid more to have an instrument cluster like the upcoming GLI. I am hoping that there might be some mod or something like that in the future for the 2011s. I am sure it doesn't bother some, but I just wish I could have an analog water temp gauge even if I couldn't have the nicer MFD. Even though the analog gauge didn't tell you much, I just want to know when the engine is still too cold for spirited driving and if the engine was overheating.

5. Hydraulic steering vs electro-mechanical (non-TDI models)
6. Drum brakes vs Disc brakes (non-TDI models)

While the insideline.com review stated they didn't mind the steering (hydraulic-assit since it was an SEL) they said it had a dead spot in the center and didn't translate the most feel. I would think that the difference of a power steering pump and the electro-mechanical steering is purely an efficiency thing. I could be dead wrong on this.

As for the brakes - MT tested it's 2006 GLI from 60-0MPH in 126 where as insideline.com tested the 60-0MPH in 117ft. Both models have disc brakes. I am glad our car has four wheel discs. Here is the scary bit - Car and Driver tested both an SEL and an S and saw 193ft to stop 70-0 in the 2011 Jetta S (rear drums) and 165ft to stop 70-0 in the 2011 Jetta SEL. Upon further research through Car and Driver came up with 185ft for a 2009 Jetta TDI 70-0 test and a 2006 Jetta (2.5L) did the 70-0 test in 174ft. The '09 TDI was probably farther due to mainly weight and it was a different day and conditions were not the same. Nonetheless, the difference between the brake distances of the 2011 Jetta S and SEL of almost 30 feet is a bit staggering. I have a feeling the 2011 Jetta TDI Sedan slots somewhere in between.

You are right, I do love my car. While it may be viewed as a step down from the previous Jetta model I don't feel it warrants it to be viewed as a lesser car than the previous Jetta. It really is a joy to drive.

 

[DC-IT]

I agree with Consumer Reports on this one.
I seriously hope those of you that bought the 2011 Jetta TDI are enjoying your cars. But at least be able to admit VW removed and downgraded many features vs the previous car.

I wouldn't have bought the TDI if it were the MKV design which I looked at and dislike the exterior design as too small and not appealing and worth the price asked for.

The 2011 Jetta TDI OTOH with it's larger interior and more main stream exterior with nicer treatment of the front and Audi-like rear lights is why I bought my TDI and I'm loving every minute of driving it.

IMO, VW will sell lots more MKVI Jettas than the MKV and have a winner on their hands despite what the reviews says.
Most new buyers likely do not read reviews anyways.
Or like me even though I've read all the negative reviews I still chose to buy the MKVI over the MKV because it's a better value for my $$.
To me it drives just fine with great FE and ample performance.

I'm seeing quite a few 2011 Jettas here on the Toronto highways and many of them are TDIs.

 

[UberVW_TDI]

Consumer Reports is just calling it like it is in this case.

I agree that the new body style design is very nice. I like the Audi like design cues. Good looking car. Better looking then the MKV sedan? Yes, I think so.

BUT, the truth is that VW decontented the car underneath that good looking exterior.

Interesting that VW is not going to be selling the decontented "North American" version in Europe. The Europeans wouldn't buy it. I like VW because they are great handling, solid feeling cars with that "germanic" driving experience with unique features. VW has also traditionally offered a best in class interior that embarrassed some cars costing much more. Now, they are trying to go soft and sell North America stripped down verisons of what they have in their home market.

Ford currently sells ~35,000 Ford Focuses a month in Europe. They also only sell ~5,000 "North American" versions here in the North American market a month.
The European version is the best selling C-segment car in Europe right now. Ford is trying to increase its car sales in North America too. So, they are bringing the European version to North America. The European version is a better car. It has more content, a nicer interior, better handing, etc versus the old North American version.

Why is VW doing the opposite?

If VW wants to make cheaper cars to increase its sales appeal, thats one thing. But, as a TDI fan, I wish they should also sell a TDI version of the new 2012 GLI Jetta sedan for those that would appreciate it and of course, pay for it.

I just don't want to see the things that makes VW unique in this market go away. We have enough Toyotas on the road.

When Mazda brings their new 2 liter 4-cylinder diesel (Sky-D) to the North American market, I'd like to think I'd still buy a TDI VW. We will see what VW does to future models.

 

[Hellfire]

Just out of curiosity , what is CR's opinion of the 2011 PRIUS?

Not out yet, but the 2010 scored an 80

 

[UberVW_TDI]

No love for the 2011 Jetta from CR.
2011 scored 60 points and 2010 scored 76.

Consumer Reports doesn't hate on VW in general.

2010 Jetta Sportwagen TDI = 81
2010 Golf = 85
2010 GTI = 85
2010 Tiguan = 80
2010 Passat CC = 82

 

[LordHz]

As a first time VW buyer, I would like to chime in. I have owned 18 cars and some have been very nice (Infiniti Q45 for example). I usually buy cars for one of three reasons: utility, performance or efficiency. Nothing I have owned did any two of those things well. I have always followed the VW diesels in the news and waited until they put the TDI into something with a bigger sedan body. I am also not your typical VW buyer, more on that in another post. When I started shopping, I was looking at the Mercedes E320 Bluetec and the BMW 335d. I wanted to get a blend of excellent driving car with the efficiency of a diesel. Long story short, I saw a new MKVI, liked the look and made sure it would fit 4 adults comfortably. And by adults I mean 4 people ~5'10" 170 lbs.

So for all of the VW faithful that are bemoaning the de-contenting of the car, I say your missing the big picture. This car at this price-point, even with these reduced specifications, works for more consumers! And even with all of the skimping, it still drives, feels and looks excellent.

Plus this car has more gadgets, refinement, power and most especially drive-ability than anything in its price-range. Lets think.. Honda (to small and unresponsive), Corolla (blah looks and unresponsive), Sentra (ugly and unresponsive), Hyundai (unreliable, bad history and unresponsive), Kia (see Hyundai), GM (unreliable, unresponsive, noisy), Ford (ugh), Dodge (all of the previous complaints doubled). Subaru (which I also own) is a great car, but gets terrible gas mileage. Mazda has the drive-ability, but the Mazda3 is to small and the Mazda6 is to expensive and slow and neither get good gas mileage.

On a side note, has anyone researched "upgrading" the US Jetta with the European rear multi-link? I would think, especially with the new GLI having it, that the components might fit.

-LordHz

 

[Nextwhat]

Funny how some can't accept the fact that VW blundered badly with cars like the Mk V and Phaeton in North America. North Americans don't expect and aren't willing to pay for near-luxury and luxury cars from VW. They'll go to Audi for that. VW was treading all over Audi's market niche with some of the previous generation cars. VW is now returning to what brought them their greatest sales success: affordable economy cars.

If you're unhappy with the Volkswagen models, they'll be happy to sell you an Audi, which is priced appropriately to cover the content.

 

[Schmingie]

Funny how some can't accept the fact that VW blundered badly with cars like the Mk V and Phaeton in North America. North Americans don't expect and aren't willing to pay for near-luxury and luxury cars from VW. They'll go to Audi for that. VW was treading all over Audi's market niche with some of the previous generation cars. VW is now returning to what brought them their greatest sales success: affordable economy cars.

If you're unhappy with the Volkswagen models, they'll be happy to sell you an Audi, which is priced appropriately to cover the content.

Thank you for this - I think you nailed it on the head

S.

 

[Mr. Timewise]

...I would think that the difference of a power steering pump and the electro-mechanical steering is purely an efficiency thing....

It is...but the electro-mechanical is the more efficient of the two. The hydraulic pump is always using energy (even when at idle), whereas the electronic system only uses energy when needed.

 

[TDI_Timmy]

I should of gone on with my statement

...and the electro-mechanical is more efficient since it is there when you need it versus being turned by the engine accessory belt like a conventional power steering pump....I guess I should now add that it is more efficient having two power sapping accessories, alternator and AC compressor than three - alternator, AC compressor and power steering pump.

 

[oilhammer]

....
So for all of the VW faithful that are bemoaning the de-contenting of the car, I say your missing the big picture. This car at this price-point, even with these reduced specifications, works for more consumers! And even with all of the skimping, it still drives, feels and looks excellent.

That is EXACTLY what I think, well worded. If the 'VW faithful" here were buying new cars like they do elsewhere, Volkswagen would not have changed a thing. You can still get the 'old' Golf, for about ~$4000 more (comparably equipped). Haven't exactly seen those flying out of the dealer lots either.

 

[oilhammer]

Funny how some can't accept the fact that VW blundered badly with cars like the Mk V and Phaeton in North America. North Americans don't expect and aren't willing to pay for near-luxury and luxury cars from VW. They'll go to Audi for that. VW was treading all over Audi's market niche with some of the previous generation cars. VW is now returning to what brought them their greatest sales success: affordable economy cars.

If you're unhappy with the Volkswagen models, they'll be happy to sell you an Audi, which is priced appropriately to cover the content.

Also an excellent post.

 

[LordHz]

Also wanted to mention that I usually weigh heavily how Consumer Reports (CR) rates products, however I test drove at least 3 of their "top picks" and thought they all performed poorer than my new Jetta. There are often times when quantitative analysis fails to capture the overall driving experience properly. CR always relies to heavily on the raw numbers...

 

[al63017]

2011 Jetta TDI when I bought it I had never been in a 2010 so I had no content to miss. This car is thousands cheaper than a 2010 I now hear, so for what I missed for thousands more would have kept me out of the TDI as the price is what made me shop the car. Mine has been flawless in the past three months. As good as all the Accords I have owned which were excellent cars and totally trouble free.

 

[anotherTDI]

Funny how some can't accept the fact that VW blundered badly with cars like the Mk V and Phaeton in North America. North Americans don't expect and aren't willing to pay for near-luxury and luxury cars from VW. They'll go to Audi for that. VW was treading all over Audi's market niche with some of the previous generation cars. VW is now returning to what brought them their greatest sales success: affordable economy cars.

If you're unhappy with the Volkswagen models, they'll be happy to sell you an Audi, which is priced appropriately to cover the content.

yes, excellent post.

 

[snakeye]

Funny how some can't accept the fact that VW blundered badly with cars like the Mk V and Phaeton in North America. North Americans don't expect and aren't willing to pay for near-luxury and luxury cars from VW. They'll go to Audi for that. VW was treading all over Audi's market niche with some of the previous generation cars. VW is now returning to what brought them their greatest sales success: affordable economy cars.

If you're unhappy with the Volkswagen models, they'll be happy to sell you an Audi, which is priced appropriately to cover the content.

That's because the words quality, attention to detail and German engineering simply don't compute in their heads.

 

[oilhammer]

That's because the words quality, attention to detail and German engineering simply don't compute in their heads.

And that is why cars like the Accord and Camry outsell any VW model 100-to-one here year after year, and this is exactly what Volkswagen is setting out to change.

The fact that this small thread has several people who purchased 2011 Jetta sedans and would NOT have purchased them had the pricing/content continued unabated proves that Volkswagen is moving in the right direction towards their goal. Some of us may not like it, but Volkswagen simply cannot be viable selling a few select cars to a few select buyers.

We had an interesting discussion at compu's place in Detroit this past January at NAIAS. Of all the foks gathered in the house, maybe 25+, the VAST majority did not like the new cars. And I would say we would all be considered VW enthusiasts. Yet I got to looking about the room, and it was clear that hardly anyone in that room had purchased a NEW Volkswagen in the last 5 years, and in fact the majority had never purchased a NEW Volkswagen at all. So, why would any company endeavor to cater to such a group? I certainly wouldn't.

So, given the current [real] Golf is several thousand more than a comparably equipped [North American] Jetta sedan, how much more would the Jetta sedan be had they continued to make it the same as the Golf, just with a trunk? Historically, the Jetta was about $1500+ more than a Golf, all other things being equal. So that 4dr/TDI/DSG Golf for $27k would have meant the Jetta TDI/DSG would have been, what, knocking on 30 grand? But now, the new style Jetta sedan, even with a TDI, can be had for ~$23k? That is a SIGNIFIGANT amount of money, and I am betting Volkswagen will see sales improve because of it. And the starting price of $16k simply blows just about anything else out of the water in terms of value... even the Korean brands.

Personally, I'd like to see both styles/lines available in dealer showrooms, but I know that is unrealistic since Volkswagen probably knows not many people are gonna buck up for a smaller car for ~$7-10k more just for things like IRS and a squishy dash pad.

 

[TDI_Timmy]

Excellent post!

 

[ruking]

I think this thread continues to really "thread" its way through the central issues. While a lot of more "enthusiasts" might not like to vehemently HATE it, it would truly seem that VW is keeping its focus and "eye on the prize. " They have chosen the Jetta and specifically JETTA TDI to do it with.

So while we can and should welcome new members, (and hopefully a lot more due to VW's efforts) VW will probably continue to shoot for Carmy/Accord/Civic/Corolla, etc., yearly sales numbers. Don't forget the next generation are the Passat's, TDI's (albeit American audience and American made (Chattanooga, TN). So the current "german kings/queens" are the JSW and the Golf TDI's.

If they had "de contented" the TDI drive train (engine transmission) in any way, I think it would @ least lost me. It seems to remain intact

 

[anotherTDI]

............ So the current "german kings/queens" are the JSW and the Golf TDI's.

not exactly sure what you were alluding to, but the 2011 JSWs like the sedans here in S. FL are assembled in Mexico per the window sticker parts content disclaimer.

i agree, with the TDI engine and tranny remaining German products, the Jetta has retained me as a customer and second time buyer. the "Spartan" interior of the new Jetta as well as the new styling both appeal to me. my wife couldn't believe how few knobs and buttons there are. the first time she sat in it she commented "this is like an Iphone". lol

 

[oilhammer]

The final assembly point is irrelevent, the current Golf and JSW are very "German" cars, that is what he meant.

Only a few Volkswagen models sold here are even assembled in Germany any more, many come from Mexico, Brazil, Belgium, Austria, Canada, Czechoslovakia, Turkey, etc. And most of the 4 cylinder TDI engines are assembled in Poland, and bolted to [manual] transmissions from Argentina.