2017 Volkswagen Jetta — Carivo review carivo.co
Sedan

2017 Volkswagen Jetta

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $17,788–$20,786
Fuel Economy 26 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Sedan
Est. Annual Fuel $2,019/yr

Key Specifications — 2017 Volkswagen Jetta

Engine2.0L 4-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic (AM-S6)
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeRegular
City / Hwy MPG24 / 33 MPG
Combined MPG27 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$2,500
CO₂ Emissions326 g/mi
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSedan
Base Price$17,788–$20,786

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2017 Volkswagen Jetta is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.3/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.5/10, while Safety at 6.8/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 8.2/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety is a notable gap at 6.8/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.

With 7.4/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. At 7.7/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.

Priced from $17,788–$20,786, 26 MPG, seating 5, the Volkswagen Jetta sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Its value score of 8.5/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Verdict: The 2017 Volkswagen Jetta sits in the middle of the field. Until its safety scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Sedans

The 2017 Volkswagen Jetta ranks #802 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 39% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $17,788 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 36%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →

Which Jetta Year Should You Buy?

Across the Jetta model years we've scored, the 2017 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.7/10$23,241 Read review →
2025 7.7/10$23,241 Read review →
2024 7.6/10$22,565 Read review →
2023 7.6/10$21,888 Read review →
2022 7.5/10$21,211 Read review →
2021 7.5/10$20,534 Read review →
2020 7.6/10$19,857 Read review →
2019 7.4/10$19,180 Read review →
2018 7.4/10$18,503 Read review →
2017 (this review) 7.3/10$17,788
2016 7.3/10$17,130 Read review →
2015 7.2/10$16,472 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2017 Volkswagen Jetta

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Exceptional value for money — high-quality features at a competitive price point
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
  • Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing

NHTSA Recalls — 2017 Volkswagen Jetta (7 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Fuel system, gasoline / Fuel injection system / Fuel rail
21/10/2020 · 20V648000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Jetta vehicles. The fuel rail bolts may become loose over time, allowing fuel to leak.
Service brakes, hydraulic / Foundation components / Master cylinder
23/09/2020 · 20E064000
Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master…
Electrical system / Ignition / Anti-theft / Control module
22/08/2019 · 19V615000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual…
Equipment / Other / Labels
31/05/2017 · 17V352000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Jetta vehicles. The affected vehicles have Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) markings on the body that do not match the VIN plate near the windshield. As such, these vehicles fail…
Engine and engine cooling / Engine
03/02/2017 · 17V070000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Jetta vehicles equipped with a 1.4L engine. These vehicles have an engine that may seize due to an improper casting of the block.

Showing 5 of 7 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.

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