Jetta had a V6 engine option for model years 1994 to 2004, ultimately meeting its demise to make room for a 2.5-liter five-cylinder. Jettas that come standard with a six-cylinder engine have “VR6” as part of their rear badging.

Known for its many body styles and engine configurations, the Jetta has reached cult status over the years. It’s sturdy, compact, and faster than the competition, yet safe enough to be a family vehicle. Drivers looking to experience Jetta’s power to the fullest should consider an older-generation model with a V6 under the hood.

If you’d like to know more about the VR6 Jettas of yesteryear, you’re in the right place. Read on for a guide of all the notable specs—and some insight on which six-cylinder Volkswagen Jetta might be the one for you.

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Volkswagen Jetta models with V6 engine options

Since 1980, Volkswagen has cultivated a steady fanbase for Jetta. For ten years, Jetta offered at least one trim level that included a six-cylinder engine as part of its standard equipment.

Here’s an overview of the three trims that carried the Volkswagen Jetta VR6 badge.

Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 1994-2003

Typical listing price: $4,102 (2003 model)

Engine: 2.8-liter V6

Horsepower: 172 hp @ 5,800 rpm (1994-1999)

174 hp @ 5,800 rpm (1999.5-2002)

200 hp @ 6,200 rpm (2002-2003)

Torque: 173 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm (1994-1999)

181 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm (1999.5-2002)

195 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm (2002-2003)

0 to 60: 7.2 seconds

The GLX was the trim that led Jetta’s VR6 charge. It debuted in 1994 and was Jetta’s highest trim level across the third and fourth generations, until it was discontinued in 2003. In addition to being exclusively fitted with a VR6 engine, GLX featured high-end features, like heated leather seats, self-dimming mirrors, and wood trim—classy!

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Volkswagen Jetta GLS VR6 1999-2002

Typical listing price: $2,980 (2002 model)

Engine: 2.8-liter V6

Horsepower: 174 hp @ 5,800 rpm (1999-2002)

200 hp @ 6,200 rpm (2002)

Torque: 181 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm (1999-2002)

195 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm (2002)

0 to 60: 7.5 seconds

The

Jetta GLS

VR6 was lighter and had less luxe interior features than the GLX. It did, however, come with the GLX’s same sporty suspension.

Jetta’s GLS VR6 trim came out in 1999, just in time to kick off Jetta’s fourth generation. That same year, Volkswagen decided to roll out a mid-year engine redesign with a new intake manifold that boosted horsepower and torque. When GLX and GLS VR6 were the only two six-cylinder Jettas, both were available with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

Volkswagen Jetta GLI VR6 2002-2004

Typical listing price: $4,544 (2004 model)

Engine: 2.8-liter V6

Horsepower: 200 hp @ 6,200 rpm (2002-2004)

Torque:195 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm (2002-2004)

0 to 60: 6.8 seconds

2002 was arguably the VR6 Jetta’s high point—when the

GLI VR6

trim joined GLS and GLX as a third VR6 option. This was the only year three VR6 trims were available.

Jetta GLI served as the performance version of the swanky GLX—a six-speed manual transmission was its sole option. From 2002 to 2003, the GLX no longer had a manual configuration—GLI essentially became the manual version of the GLX.

Fast forward to 2004 and GLI was the last VR6 Jetta standing (it was discontinued the following year), but fresh standard perks included brand-new 17-inch alloy wheels and heated seats.

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How’s the fuel economy?

With the original VR6 engine, early-year models of the GLX and GLS get 17 city/23 highway/19 combined—pretty typical for a six-cylinder car.

Fuel economy slightly improved with the redesigned engine of 1999, bringing the mpg to 17 city/26 highway/20 combined. If your VR6 Jetta is from the model year 2002 or later, the fuel economy improves a bit more at 19 city/27 highway/ 22 combined.

Which Volkswagen Jetta models have the V6?

Three Jetta trim levels have carried a V6 as standard fare: the GLX, GLS, and GLI. 2004 was the last model year for Jetta VR6.

How fast is the Volkswagen Jetta V6?

The fastest V6 Jetta is the newcomer GLI, which sprints from 0-60 in 6.8 seconds. Not too shabby, but several modern-day V6 sedans can beat this time, such as:

Kia K5 GT

: 5.2 seconds

Hyundai Sonata N-Line

: 5.4 seconds

Genesis G70 3.3 T

: 4.5 seconds

Key Takeaway Sedans with V6 engines are fast and powerful, but if you’ve got your sights on a V6 Jetta, the newest model you can buy is from 2004.

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Which is better: Jetta GLX, GLS, or GLI?

If you’re a person who loves old-school creature comforts, there’s a lot to be had with the GLX. It was the top-of-the-line trim for nearly two Jetta generations, so you can enjoy its elegant interior over a variety of model years.

You may be hoping to get your hands on the newest V6 Jetta possible—which is understandable, considering how much tech features in cars have advanced in the new millennium. If you want to purchase the last incarnation of the Jetta VR6, the choice is clear: GLI was the only six-cylinder Jetta produced in 2004—before the five-cylinder took its place.