By H. Throttle
The 2011 Jetta SEL car sells for only $24,165, which includes all extra equipment.
Volkswagen is such a famous brand; many of us have owned or driven the “bug.” Hitler was responsible for the “people’s car” back in the early days of his Nazi regime. He wanted a car for the public to own and drive much like the concept of Henry Ford who invented the assembly line.
Volkswagens could run on almost any fuel and became famous during and after World War II. The rear air-cooled engines linked to a three-speed transmission was just good, economical transportation, and they were fun to drive. With the weight in the rear of the car it waded through winter snow with ease. Long remember the old VW’s.
Now the new 2011 Jetta SEL is a product of German engineers, but that’s about all. In looking over the performance papers on the Jetta SEL that was test driven, it is made everywhere except in Germany. The car is primarily manufactured in Mexico with 9 percent American parts, 40 percent parts including the engine in Mexico, and 20 percent parts from the “Fatherland.” The final parts where they come from is completed in Puebla, Mexico, by highly skilled Mexican labor at no doubt less wages than Detroit pays. That may be one reason why this very excellent test car sells for only $24,165 that includes all extra equipment, including a sunroof and heated front seats with leatherette upholstery.
This is one smooth running vehicle for the money with all the bells and whistles including power assisted disk brakes.
The best feature about this new Jetta is the way it drives and handles on the highway. A silky smooth six-speed automatic transmission with the gear selector option is just perfect for mountain driving.
The car has an unusual 5-cylinder engine that produces a crisp and efficient 170 hp that is highly efficient in power and economy. The test model easily turned out 31 mpg on the highway and 24 in the city making mileage a strong plus for this car.
A four-door with front wheel drive – this is the perfect family car for all-purposes and seasons.
Value and quality are certainly very affordable in this very durable and efficient sedan. VW describes it this way, “Great, for the price of good.”
