You are here: Home > Research > Articles
2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI First Drive
VW delivers a sweet little sports sedan—just don’t call it a Jetta  by Alan Rider
Introduction

» Get Pricing
» Get Email Updates

» Get Consumer Ratings
» Read More Reviews

» Send a Letter
» More Auto News
   CarTV Video
 

» Introduction
» Model Mix
» Nuts and Bolts
» Design
» Safety and Technology
» Driving Impressions
» FAQ
» Specifications

 
TO THE POINT What’s New? The performance-oriented 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gets a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a choice between two excellent transmissions, beefed-up suspension bits, 17-inch wheels, xenon headlights, and several important interior tweaks over the standard Jetta 2.5.
Selling Points: Excellent drivetrain and sport-tuned suspension, and attractive, well laid-out interior, a roomier back seat and perfectly sculpted race car-style steering wheel.
Deal Breakers: The driving position may not suit everyone, and the ride may be too firm for some.
Our Advice: If you’re looking for an affordable sports sedan, the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI deserves your strong consideration.

MEET THE COMPETITION Acura TSX
Volvo S40

RELATED LINKS 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Photo Gallery

TOP STORIES Galloping Mustangs, since 1965

Top Ten Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs

Ten Safe, Affordable Family Vehicles

Ten Cheap Thrills Photo Gallery

Employee Pricing Primer

2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” - William Shakespeare

SANTA FE, NM – Winding along undulating back roads under a brilliantly blue New Mexico sky, we can’t help thinking that that Shakespeare guy hit the nail on the head when he penned the immortal phrase “What’s in a name?”

While old Bill used roses as an example, he might as well have been describing the all-new 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI. That’s because VW’s marketing types are intent on changing this sporty top-of-the-line Jetta model’s name, referring to it simply as the “2006 Volkswagen GLI” in order to make us think of this affordable sports sedan as a stand-alone model similar to their Golf-based GTI sports coupe.

Ultimately, we can’t help but think that this decision to drop the J-word is largely immaterial. Because, no matter what name they choose to use, this compact four-door is one sweet little set of wheels.


    Next >>
 
del.icio.us Save This Page   Digg!
 
 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
 
» FREE Price Quote
» Still looking? Pricing, safety info, reviews and photos
» Download a free printable New Vehicle buying guide for the Volkswagen Jetta!
» Share your  thoughts or see what others are saying about the Volkswagen Jetta in Autobytel.com Forums
 
» Auto Insurance Quotes
» Get Auto Financing
» Free Credit Reports
» Vehicle History Reports

A D V E R T I S E M E N T



CUSTOMER FEEDBACK
Why our customers love our dealers...
"Very responsive by both email and phone - professional."
- Michael M. (Plainfield, Illinois)
» Read More Testimonials