The Volkswagen Jetta has been in continuous production at least somewhere around the world, since 1979. Since then, according to a press release issued by Volkswagen in 2014, the Jetta had sold more than 14 million units. Most years, over 100 000 units sold in America, and at one time, it was Volkswagen America's number one selling car. In the years following its release, the vehicle has posted healthy sales stats with a dip in 2020 to 82,662. And if it was a hit in America, then it was a knockout in China. Branded as the VW Sagitar, it sold 299.839 units in 2020, according to Car Sales Base.com.With healthy sales figures, this compact family sedan still has loads of mileage with consumers around the globe. That being said, the VW Jetta is a car that's completely transformed and evolved over the years, through eight generations. The first generation developed back in 1979 was just a VW Golf/Rabbit with a trunk tacked onto the back.While the Mark 1 (Mk1) Golf/Rabbit was created by the most influential car designer of the century, Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign, he most likely would have been underwhelmed by the in-house job design of the Mk1 Jetta, which was just his masterpiece with a clunky boot.Related: 10 Most Influential Designs By Giorgetto GiugiaroBut no matter what the designer thought, the German engineers knew they were onto something when they created the People's Sedan. Although we know it as the Jetta it's been called many names around the globe, which we will get into a bit later.Let's start the countdown to the modern Jetta and take a closer look at the Volkswagen Jetta A1.

7 Volkswagen Jetta Generation 1 (A1)

Introduced at the 1979 Frankfurt Auto Show, production on the Jetta started in August 1979 at the VW headquarters in Wolfsburg. Originally sold as a two-door sedan and four-door sedan, both shared the same design cues, not to mention the same chassis platform as the Golf/Rabbit.

The wheelbase of the vehicle was the same as the Golf/Rabbit, and its overall length was longer due to the addition of the trunk. As you can imagine, there were various models tailored for markets around the world.

Engines ranged from a 1.1L four-cylinder to a 1.8L four-cylinder. There was also a 1.6L diesel motor as well as a turbocharger.

The Jetta Mark 1 was a safe car for its era, receiving a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Remarkably, the last Jetta Mark 1, rebadged as a Fox in South Africa, was built until 1999.

6 Volkswagen Jetta Generation 2 (A2)

The second-generation really proved to be a sales success for the company and was, for a time, the best-selling European car in North America. It shared the same platform as the Golf/Rabbit of the time, and could now fit five people.

Most testers praised the new model for good handling and a roomier interior. This interior spaciousness was due to the fact that it was larger than the previous model, with an expanded wheelbase and overall length. And as with the Mk 1, there were multiple engine configurations including diesel motors, and they were available in two and four door options. And yes, the boot also got larger.

The longest produced Jetta generation to date, it had an update midway through production, which included an optional trip computer, more dampeners for a smoother ride, and the most advanced, fully electronic fuel injection system of its day.

In 2007, Volkswagen of America wanted to locate the highest mileage on an original engine. The winner was a 1986 Jetta Turbo Diesel, which had traveled 562,000 miles (904,000 km). Not surprising when you consider the Jetta Generation 2 shares its platform with the legendary Volkswagen Corrado.

5 Volkswagen Jetta Generation 3 (A3)

Production began in 1992 and had big boots to fill. In Europe, the powers that be decided to rebadged it as a Vento, as they wanted to aim it at a younger audience. The redesign was also more aerodynamic and the new structure meant it was safer than the previous model. It was also fairly environmentally friendly in its production as it used recycled plastic for the bumper and CFC-free air conditioning.

The Jetta Mk 3 has been credited with keeping Volkswagen in America.

Fuel economy was the name of the game with the Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) engine, sipping on 41 mpg or in urban settings. It was also praised for its handling and a new level of comfort. Some models came equipped with dual airbags. It was also available with the VR6 engine, which became the stuff of legends.

For the younger readers, it was also the supporting car in The Fast and The Furious film in 2001.The actual car sold for $99,900! Even though it was a low-spec model with a body kit, it's been dubbed one of the worst cars in the movie franchise.

Related: Here Are The 10 Worst Cars Featured In the Fast And Furious Franchise

4 Volkswagen Jetta Generation 4 (A4)

A giant leap was made between the two generations. With major redesign work, quality, refinement, and improved styling. This version was sold as the Bora in Europe.

The quality of the work was down to new mechanized presses and measuring techniques, as well as laser welding. This meant, for the first time since the Mk 1, the Jetta received a 5 star safety rating.

Then, as you'd expect, testers praised it for its handling and comfort. It also came as an estate, playing into the family market. The Canadians loved the model so much they rebadged it to the Jetta City and marketed it as the cheaper option to the fifth generation.

3 Volkswagen Jetta Generation 5 (A5)

When it was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show it was labeled bland, uninspired, and not true to its character. At the same show, Volkswagen debuted the New Beetle, which was a bit of a letdown as well.

The fifth-generation was also rather heavier than its predecessor, which did not please testers. But it still handled well, was comfortable, and offered the quality build that fans came to expect.

The new Jetta was offered with a TDI Clean engine and came with a new diesel particulate filter - achieving great emissions standards. This meant it could be sold in all 50 states. In 2015 journalists found out that the emissions reports were falsified and this resulted in Dieselgate.

2 Volkswagen Jetta Generation 6 (A6)

Labeled as a New Compact Sedan, the sixth generation was known for being the first Jetta to leave its premium positioning.

The marketing department got hold of the engineers and made sure that the larger vehicle was competitive with other models in its price bracket.

It achieved the best safety rating for its class and was also offered as a Hybrid.

1 Volkswagen Jetta Generation 7 (A7)

The seventh Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a solid family sedan.

Currently, in production, the latest Jetta is waving the legacy flag high. Recently, we reviewed the 2022 model, and found that the design is spot on, filled with tech, offers versatile performance, and is a comfortable vehicle.