A1
The first-generation Jetta appeared in the North American market in 1980, available as a two-door coupe and four-door sedan. Styling was penned at ItalDesign, by the great Giorgetto Giugiaro. A version of this model, known as the VW Fox, continued in production in South Africa until the late 1990s.
Powering the base A1 Jetta and GL trim was a standard 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing 78hp, and in 1984, the engine was upgraded to a 1.8-liter also producing 78hp. Additional engine choices were a diesel 1.5-liter four making 50hp and, in 1984 (the final year of the A1), a "GLI" high-performance version was offered, powered by the 1.8-liter from the Scirocco which made 90 hp.
A2
The longest reigning Jetta of all time, the second-generation A2 proved to be a sales success for VW, out-numbering Golf sales two-to-one, and securing the title of best-selling European car in the US. It was also one of the first VW models produced in China. With classic lines (this time penned by VW's own styling department) and great handling characteristics, it's no wonder A2 Jetta's still roam the modern automotive scene as stylish, handsome, European cars. Like the A1 series, the A2's were offered as two-door coupes or four-door sedans; unfortunately, coupes were limited to the base and diesel trim levels. Major exterior changes throughout the series run include the elimination of the front-quarter windows in 1989, the addition of larger, body-colored bumper covers in 1990, and several grille and side-cladding changes.
The base and GL trim levels were powered by a 1.8-liter four rated at 85hp (and later 90hp). There were two diesel engines offered, a 1.6-liter diesel with 52hp and 68 for the turbo diesel. The Carat was essentially a luxury trim without the performance upgrade of the GLI. For the A2 series, the GLI was powered by a 1.8-liter four with 100hp, then a 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve that made 123hp in 1987. But the GLI soon became a serious performance contender with the addition of the 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve four in 1990.
A3
Known in Europe as the Vento, and the A3 was a refined evolution of the previous-generation Jetta. Hailed as the "Poor Man's BMW", it was designed in-house under Herbert Schafer, the third-generation series was criticized for their "boxy" design. It is all a matter of perspective and preference; I like to think of it as a unique and aggressive alternative to the monotonous bubble cars that dominate the road. Though only offered as a four-door sedan, the A3 spawned more trim levels than any other Jetta line. Exterior changes to the A3 through its production run were subtle, such as a new grille, body-colored rub strips, and different wheel covers.
The GL is the base trim while the GLS is the luxury trim with leather and power locks, windows, sunroof, etc. The Trek was a special trim that included a bike rack, a Trek bike, spoiler, rocker panel covers, alloy wheels, and in 1997, other accessories and options available for the top-of-the-line GLX, save for the VR6 engine. The K2 was a similar package, but in place of the bike was a K2 snowboard or a pair of K2 skiis. The City was a utilitarian Jetta without radio or a/c, while the 1994 Limited Edition and 1995 Celebration packages were value-priced GL's costing some $600 less than standard. The Jazz Edition was a GL with a 6-disc CD player standard. All were powered by VW's tried and true 2.0-liter four making 115hp. The diesel engine once again made its comeback with VW's revolutionary 1.9-liter TDI (Turbo Direct Injection) 90hp diesel engine and was offered as a separate trim level. By far, the most exciting trim level was the GLX, replacing the GLI designation. Motivated by the renown VR6 SOHC six-cylinder, the 172hp powerplant was able to catapult the Jetta to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, the fastest Jetta to date. For those who prefer the GLX's boy-racer looks (spoiler, side-skirts, whip antenna), the GT and Wolfsburg Edition offered GLX accessories without the venerable VR6.
A4
Known as the Bora in Europe, the fourth-generation Jetta debuted in late 1998 after its larger sibling, the Passat, with which it shares many styling cues. The rounded shape and arched roofline serves as the new Volkswagen styling trademark, abandoning traditional sharp creases for curved corners. The A4 comes in three different trim levels, and is also offered as a wagon.
The GL is the base model, powered by the previous-generation's 2.0-liter four, while the GLS is the luxury trim with a sunroof as standard, along with all-power accessories. New for the A4 series is the option of a VR6, now putting out 174hp compared to the previous-generation's 172hp, on the GLS trim. The GLX VR6 remains the high-end performer. The production of a coupe version of the A4 is rumored, as indicated by the CJ concept coupe which debuted in the 1997 Detroit International Auto Show. Spy photos also reveal that a convertible version of the Jetta is in the works.