2005 Volkswagen Jetta Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.33/5 Average
241 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

A completely redesigned Jetta sedan has arrived as a midyear replacement, but some versions of the previous version are still available. The GLI VR6 version of the old model was dropped from the lineup, while the GLI 1.8T added an automatic transmission to the options list.

Read our Volkswagen Jetta TDI Long-Term 20,000-Mile Test

Pros:
  • Powerful turbo engines, fuel-efficient TDI power plant, fun to drive, comfortable ride, rich interior materials, loads of standard safety features, excellent crash test scores, solid build quality. Cons
Cons:
  • Tight rear-seat legroom and weak base four-cylinder on old model, somewhat bland styling on new Jetta.

User Reviews:

Showing 91 through 100 of 241.00
  • Best New Car Ever! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    The price of gas drvoe me to trade in my 2003 4WD Toyota Tundra, which I really liked, on the new Jetta. After a lot of research, I decided that the Jetta was clearly the best value going. There are a few other cars out there with the new Jettas features, but they cost thousands more. But the real proof came with the buying and the driving. I have never been happier with any car than this one. Superb in every respect, inside and out. If it werent for the VW symbol on the steering wheel, you would think you were driving a car that you could never afford. Forget the high-priced alternatives like BMW or SAAB...theres no comparison. Now I look for reasons to have to drive somewhere!

  • The Way to Go TDI - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I bought the diesel because of the cost of gas and 45 mpg sounded good. I test-drove both the stick and the auto and to my surprise (lifetime stick driver) I liked the auto better. The auto clearly had better gearing and performed better. So far I am getting 40 mpg city and 50 highway and I think that is fantastic for an automatic. The trans has a sports mode that is very nice for an adrenalin rush. Don’t worry that the engine only has 100hp this car is just as quick as the gas version and does not get bogged down by weight like a gas car. Also diesel is sold in more places then you think. Plus when you are getting over 600 miles on a tank you can pass by many stations anyway.

  • Fun car ! Looks nice... - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Great car with many extras for not much money! Lowered suspension, 18" BBS rims, high performance tires, Recaro seats, 1.8 Turbo, Tiptronic auto, Monsoon sound system, great styling! This car gets looks and comments wherever I go (Lagoon Blue) and costs about 9K less than a BMW 3 series sedan. One thing is that it takes premium fuel, and gas mileage isnt that great around town, averaging about 18 mpg. That can get expensive fast with the price of gas.

  • Regret it - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    A nice car but a week later I really regret not buying the Mazda3 sedan we looked at. The Mazda was more fun to drive, bigger inside and a lot less money! I definitely know what I will be trading my Jetta for as soon as I can. The Jetta is nice but not worth the price.

  • Reminds me of my old GTI - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    What a joy! After years of driving Tauruss (including a SHO), a Maxima, and an Altima, Id forgotten about driving fun. I had a first year GTI (1983) which I loved - it was quick, a good highway cruiser, but not too reliable. After that I moved into a series of borrriiiing cars and forgot about fun. That has changed! I have about 4k miles on a brand spankin new 2005 Jetta GLS TDI. This beast is amazingly quick. The engine with the 5 speed manual is exceptionally well matched to the size of the car. It is perfect for the cut and thrust type driving required for stop and go traffic. The low end torque is great and is available RIGHT NOW when you stomp on the gas (diesel?) pedal.

  • Great car... But BEWARE!!!! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Bought this certified pre-owned car with 25,000 miles. Although it was 3 yrs old... It seemed new. Friends and family love this little car. I have gotten many compliments at stop lights. Here are a few problems I have experienced. Some rattling sounds. Have taken it to dealer twice to fix, but panels keep coming loose. Cold start is very load and diesel like... They say its normal. Wiper come on for no reason. There was one occasion where trunk release did not work. Had to replace the gas tank release mechn. Word of advise... I have extended warranty until 74,000 mi. Do not be afraid to take it back to get fixed. Every is great at the dealership. They know me by name.

  • Decent investment - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I bought this car used, 2.0l, 5 speed manual, with under 95k miles. So far I havent had any problems and it runs great. Overall, the exterior and interior are fine, nothing to brag about although it is a little snug in the back. The car handles well, the power is what youd expect out of a 4 cylinder, 1st gear is almost worthless. As far as maintenance is concerned, I can do most of the basics easily but the more advanced fixes are not cheap. If you can find one that had the timing belt, water pump, tensioner and etc changed recently then youll save yourself a couple hundred dollars. If I had the choice again, Id probably purchase another VW.

  • Love it more every day - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I have owned trucks my whole life. I have never driven a more tuned car then the Jetta. Wish I would have gotten the 6 speed but needed the automatic. It handles like a dream and has all the power you need. If you need more this engine can do it. Out of all the cars out there, Volkswagen has really set the bar. Make sure you look at all the little details. It will blow you away!!

  • New Jetta Rocks! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I love this car! Ive had my “New Jetta” for 3 months now, and I couldnt be more pleased with it. The handling is outstanding, and the interior wouldnt be out of place in a luxury car. I used to have a Ford Explorer, and was looking for a fun car to have; something nice but affordable. This is it. Anyone looking for a luxury car without the price; this car is for you. The build quality is amazing. Just feeling the texture of the materials, and the way the car handles and rides on rough roads is amazing.

  • Excellent Car - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    After driving around a 98 Camry (smooth ride) it took a while for me to adjust to the 2005 Jetta which is stiffer - but more fun to drive. The car handles really well. You can feel the turbo kick in around 2,000 and the powerband keeps up until about 2,700. The interior quality is nicer then all the small cars Ive been in (Civic, Corolla, Focus) and the layout is straightforward. I currently live in Germany (although the car is American spec, bought in the U.S.) and the car handles very well on the autobahn at speeds of 90 - 110 mph. 90 mph = 3,000rpm. Sharp looking car!

Volkswagen Jetta Reviews By Year:
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