2009 VW Jetta TDI: The little engine that could
The 2009 Jetta TDI's engine represents a great balance of driver-friendliness and eco-friendliness. We just wish the rest of the vehicle lived up to its prestige.
- North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year (NACTOY) Awards Juror
If we were rating the Volkswagen Jetta TDI purely on the merit of its engine, it would be a shoe-in for our Editors' Choice award.
With great torque, fuel economy, and clean emissions, the 2-liter turbocharged diesel engine represents a fantastic blend of fun and frugal. We could go on talking about how much we love this engine.
Unfortunately, we don't drive engines; we drive cars.
The Jetta TDI must be looked at as a whole vehicle, and viewed as such the Jetta just doesn't shine. The cabin doesn't look like it was designed, so much as calculated. The lackluster cabin tech package is punctuated by an even more mediocre stereo.
Our biggest complaint about the Jetta TDI is that it doesn't really take any chances and, to the exception of that jewel of an engine, doesn't really excel.