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Photos: 2008 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2008 Volkswagen Jetta offers a lot of good driving gear and a comfortable cabin for a low price in an attractive package. However, its cabin tech options are generally lacking.

CNET Reviews staff
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The Jetta, Volkswagen's most successful brand, comes in three different trim levels: S, SE, and SEL. This is the SE model.
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Along with a curvy, aesthetically pleasing body, the car gets Volkswagen's signature grille treatment.
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The 2.5-liter engine has five cylinder and is transversely mounted, powering the front wheels. It produces 170 horsepower.
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The Jetta seats four comfortably, and five in a pinch. It's a simple, four door sedan, best suited for general use such as commuting and the occasional road trip.
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Although the car has some interesting driving gear standard, such as electric power steering, traction and stability control, and an electronic differential lock, we didn't find it suitable for sport driving.
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The Jetta holds a good amount of cargo in its trunk, and the there is a pass-though between the rear seats for long objects, such as skis.
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The interior is fairly basic, but we generally liked the fit and finish. Navigation is only an option on the SEL trim version.
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We missed having audio controls on the steering wheel, as is becoming more and more common.
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The display between the speedometer and tachometer shows some useful information, but the Jetta doesn't come with a modern trip computer, so you can't see average fuel economy or mile to empty.
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The Tiptronic six speed automatic transmission is an option. It works well enough, but we can't see many situations where you would need the manual shift capability.
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Lacking the navigation system, the dashboard holds this double-DIN stereo, which comes with an in-dash six disc changer. The stereo is satellite radio capable and can play MP3 CDs.
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This iPod dock is optional, replacing the standard auxiliary input. We like its positioning, but its interface on the stereo isn't very good.
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The SE and SEL trim Jettas get a 10 speaker audio system, offering very good audio quality.

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