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Oldsmobile Alero vs Volkswagen Jetta

Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.

Vehicles

Oldsmobile logo

2004 Oldsmobile Alero

Volkswagen logo

2026 Volkswagen Jetta

Overview

SpecOldsmobile AleroGXVolkswagen JettaS
Selected trimGXS
Body styleSedanSedan
Drivetrainfront wheel drivefront wheel drive
Fuel typeregular unleadedregular unleaded
Transmission4-speed automatic8-speed shiftable automatic
Engine typegasgas
Model year20042026

Pricing & market

SpecOldsmobile AleroGXVolkswagen JettaS
MSRP$18,485 (best)$23,995
Lowest listing price$7,493 (best)
Median listing price$23,484 (best)
Highest listing price$30,554 (best)
For sale now080 (best)

Fuel economy & range

SpecOldsmobile AleroGXVolkswagen JettaS
Combined MPG25 MPG34 MPG (best)
City MPG21 MPG29 MPG (best)
Highway MPG31 MPG40 MPG (best)
Fuel tank14 gal (best)13.2 gal

Performance

SpecOldsmobile AleroGXVolkswagen JettaS
Horsepower140 hp158 hp (best)
Torque150 lb-ft184 lb-ft (best)
Engine size2.2 L (best)1.5 L
CylindersI4I4

Size & capability

SpecOldsmobile AleroGXVolkswagen JettaS
Seating5 seats5 seats
Doors44
Cargo volume14.6 cu ft (best)14.1 cu ft
Payload915 lbs (best)
Curb weight2,996 lbs (best)2,998 lbs
Ground clearance5.5 in (best)
Wheelbase107 in (best)105.7 in
Length186.7 in (best)186.5 in
Width70.1 in70.8 in (best)
Height54.5 in57.7 in (best)

Safety & recalls

SpecOldsmobile AleroGXVolkswagen JettaS
NHTSA overall5 / 5 ★ (best)
Frontal crash (driver)4 / 5 ★4 / 5 ★
Frontal crash (passenger)5 / 5 ★ (best)4 / 5 ★
Side crash (driver)5 / 5 ★ (best)
Side crash (passenger)5 / 5 ★ (best)
Side pole5 / 5 ★ (best)
Rollover4 / 5 ★ (best)
Open recalls (YMM scope)11

Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.

Trim overview

All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.

TrimOldsmobile AleroVolkswagen Jetta
1

GX

$18,485 MSRP(Currently comparing)

S

$23,995 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2

GX

$18,485 MSRP

Sport

$25,305 MSRP

3

GL1

$20,435 MSRP

SE

$26,985 MSRP

4

GL1

$20,435 MSRP

SEL

$29,995 MSRP

5

GL2

$21,985 MSRP

Autobahn

$33,745 MSRP

6

GL2

$21,985 MSRP

Autobahn

$33,745 MSRP

7

GLS

$23,085 MSRP

8

GLS

$23,335 MSRP

Live inventory

Oldsmobile Alero vs Volkswagen Jetta FAQ

Which is better: 2004 Oldsmobile Alero or 2026 Volkswagen Jetta?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2004 Oldsmobile Alero vs 2026 Volkswagen Jetta on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
Which costs less: 2004 Oldsmobile Alero or 2026 Volkswagen Jetta?
Based on starting MSRP, the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero starts lower at $18,485. Live Volkswagen Jetta listings start at $7,493.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2004 Oldsmobile Alero or 2026 Volkswagen Jetta?
The 2004 Oldsmobile Alero leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (18,485).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2004 Oldsmobile Alero or 2026 Volkswagen Jetta?
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (34).
Which has better horsepower: 2004 Oldsmobile Alero or 2026 Volkswagen Jetta?
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta leads on horsepower in this comparison (228).
Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2004 Oldsmobile Alero or 2026 Volkswagen Jetta?
The 2004 Oldsmobile Alero leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (1,000).
How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2004 Oldsmobile Alero vs 2026 Volkswagen Jetta?
NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Volkswagen Jetta (5/5 NHTSA overall).