For more than three decades, the Volkswagen Jetta has experienced multiple transformations, but continues to remain a popular vehicle choice for drivers who desire a compact sedan with a proven safety record and fuel efficiency. In 1979 at the Frankfort Auto Show, Volkswagen, a German car manufacturing company, introduced a new, small family car called the Jetta. 1979 was a monumental year - Margaret Thatcher was elected Prime Minister of the U.K., Sony released the Walkman, ESPN launched on cable television, and the Volkswagen Jetta debuted in Europe. The first generation Jetta models were produced in Germany at the Wolfsburg plant and in Mexico, where the car was introduced in 1981 as the Mark 1 and known by the name Volkswagen Atlantic . The 1979 VW Jetta lineup included the Jetta 1300, Jetta 1500 GLS, Jetta GLi, and Jetta 1600 Diesel. The Jetta models were offered as a two-door coupe or four-door sedan with FWD (front-wheel drive) and a 4- or 5-speed manual transmission. Available in Base and GL trim levels, the early Jetta featured the angular styling of ItalDesign by Giorgetto Giugiaro and included a more upscale interior in comparison to the Volkswagen Golf.
The Jetta design offered higher style for drivers on a budget but aimed at a younger demographic, including young families. It included a roomy trunk, seating for four, solid braking, and a sturdy yet comfortable ride. In mid-1981, VW added the Jetta 1600 GLS to their model lineup, which had 5-speed transmission. The second generation of VW Jetta surpassed the popular Golf in sales and quickly became one of the best-selling cars in Europe and North America.These A2 Jetta models featured exterior design by Giorgetto Giugiaro, like the first generation. However, by 1984, the car's lines had changed slightly with an angled hood and a more square rear. The rear deck was raised to provide more trunk space and square headlights also were added. In 1985, the second generation arrived in North America, with similar models and specifications. The second generation evolution saw the GLI emerge, a high-performance Jetta sedan with a sport-suspension 5-speed manual transmission, and a high-end leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The GLI also featured an upgraded instrument display that included three new gauges. Built on the Golf's powertrain it had the 90-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. Other horsepower upgrades came in 1987 and 1989. In 1989, the GL and GLI trim packages also included special Wolfsburg editions with interior upgrades, sports seats, and an upgrade from the standard 14-inch wheel to the larger 16-inch BBS wheel. Fun Fact: A 1986 Jetta TurboDiesel from Blue Rock, Ohio won a Volkswagen of America contest in 2007 for having the highest distanced traveled on its original diesel engine. This well-traveled Jetta had 562,000 miles (904,000 kilometers) on it and even had the original muffler still in place. Fighting Radio Theft. Earlier Jetta models had a high instance of radio theft, so with the second generation VW introduced a theft protection system. The new system sent the radio into a safe mode if its power supply was cut off.
It required a special owner's code to restart the radio. If a thief stole the radio from the car, it wouldn't play if reinstalled into another vehicle. Wind-inspired car-naming trends in 1992 Europe influenced Volkswagen to rename the European Jetta to the Volkswagen Vento,while the A3, which didn't debut in North America until 1993 kept its Jetta name. The third generation of Jetta dropped its twodoor model but boasted an extended wheelbase and upgraded suspension as well as a new 115-horsepower 2-liter, 4-cylinder engine. The square headlights remained but the overall lines were more sleek and modern. The GLS and GLX trims were added in 1994 along with an expanded standard feature list that included air conditioning, cruise control, power brakes and steering as well as power locks and windows. The GLX came equipped with a 2.8-liter V6 engine for 172-horsepower and upgraded with antilock brakes, a rear spoiler, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. Trek Edition. From 1996 to 1998, the Jetta Trek edition was available, catering to the outdoor enthusiast.
The Trek edition came as a well-equipped GLS with a 2-liter, 4-cylinder engine, 115-horsepower, and a choice of 4- or 5-speed automatic or 5-speed manual shifter. It had an independent suspension and stabilizer bars to accommodate those who liked to trek off the beaten path. It also included a roof-mounted bike rack and a Trek bicycle. Other limited editions of the A3 Jetta included the Jetta K2 and the Jetta Jazz, a special edition targeted for music lovers and featuring a higher-end sound system with CD changer. The K2 was another sport enthusiast edition, like the Trek, but this one came with skis or a snowboard. Fast and Furious Jetta. 42,000. The car with a 2-liter, 4-cylinder engine had been signed by actors Paul Walker and Chad Lindberg as well as director Rob Cohen. The A4 or fourth generation Jetta 1999 model actually debuted in 1998 with an elongated wheelbase once again.
