2008 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2008 Honda Civic
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta and 2008 Honda Civic contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta and the 2008 Honda Civic.
When comparing the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta's and the 2008 Honda Civic's specifications and ratings, the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, interior volume and base engine power. The 2008 Honda Civic has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta's and the 2008 Honda Civic's specifications and ratings, the 2008 Honda Civic is a better car than the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta.
Pricing: A used 2008 Volkswagen Jetta ranges from $2,000 to $7,994 while a used 2008 Honda Civic is priced between $3,626 to $10,986.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta loses 40.2 percent of its value and the 2008 Honda Civic loses 27.9 percent of its value. This means the 2008 Honda Civic retains 12.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Volkswagen Jetta is 8.0 out of 10 while the Honda Civic's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the Volkswagen Jetta being ranked 18 out of 37 Best Small Cars and the Honda Civic being ranked 2 out of 37.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Volkswagen Jetta is 7.5 out of 10. For the Honda Civic the reliability rating is 8.1 out of 10. This gives the Honda Civic a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Jetta.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta’s base engine makes 170 horsepower, and the 2008 Honda Civic base engine makes 140 horsepower. The Jetta is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 421 miles. The Civic is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 449 miles. This gives the 2008 Honda Civic the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2008 Honda Civic has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta and the 2008 Honda Civic have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
16990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
15370
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
13895 - 17495
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
15010
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
15370
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
13895 - 17495
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
4846
Price Range:
2000 - 7994
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
5798
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
4846 - 6957
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
31
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
153909
# Good or Great Deals:
13
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
6957
Price Range:
3626 - 10986
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
5798
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
4846 - 6957
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
176
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
153079
# Good or Great Deals:
34
Volkswagen Jetta Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.0 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Honda Civic Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
9.3 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2008 Honda Civic
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.3228390463692343
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
7.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
1.6 - 16.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
13.510564511611864
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
7.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
1.6 - 16.1
Volkswagen Jetta Rankings
Ranking
6 out of / 37Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 37Ranking
8 out of / 22Ranking
9 out of / 37Ranking
9 out of / 22Ranking
15 out of / 37Ranking
17 out of / 37Ranking
18 out of / 37Ranking
22 out of / 37Ranking
24 out of / 37Ranking
24 out of / 37Ranking
27 out of / 37Honda Civic Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 22Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 37Ranking
2 out of / 17Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 37Ranking
4 out of / 37Ranking
4 out of / 37Ranking
4 out of / 37Ranking
4 out of / 37Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 37Ranking
8 out of / 37Ranking
9 out of / 37Ranking
12 out of / 22Ranking
17 out of / 37Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Coupe, Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Hybrid, Natural Gas
2008 Volkswagen Jetta Trim Levels
S, S PZEV, SE, SE PZEV, SEL, SEL PZEV, Wolfsburg Edition, Wolfsburg Edition PZEV
2008 Honda Civic Trim Levels
DX, EX, EX w/Navi, EX-L, EX-L w/Navi, GX, LX, Si, Si MUGEN, Si w/Navi, Si w/Navi w/Summer Tires, Si w/Summer Tires
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
170 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque:
177 foot-lbs @ 4250 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.053 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
140 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque:
128 foot-lbs @ 4300 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.053 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
5
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 29 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
305 / 421 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.8 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 34 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
343 / 449 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bluetooth:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bluetooth:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.1 inches
Cargo Space:
16 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
91.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
53.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
52.4 inches
Cargo Space:
12 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
90.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3230 lbs
Width:
70.1 inches
Height:
57.4 inches
Length:
179.3 inches
Wheelbase:
101.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.4 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2628 lbs
Width:
69 inches
Height:
56.5 inches
Length:
176.7 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
205/55R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
15.0 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P195/65R15
Exterior Colors
Black
Black
Blue
Blue Graphite Metallic / Laser Blue Metallic
Gray
Platinum Grey Metallic
Red
Salsa Red
Silver
Reflex Silver Metallic
White
Campanella White
Exterior Colors
Black
Not available
Blue
Atomic Blue Metallic / Royal Blue Pearl
Gray
Galaxy Grey Metallic
Red
Not available
Silver
Alabaster Silver Metallic
White
Taffeta White
Interior Colors
Beige
Pure Beige - Jetta Cloth
Black
Anthracite - Jetta Cloth
Gray
Art Grey - Jetta Cloth
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Not available
Gray
Grey Fabric
