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 131 through 140 of 241.00
  • For the young fans - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I bought my GLI with 6k on it from vw about 2 years ago. Its a great car, looks amazing, wish it had the performance to go with that. I have had several little problems with it, biggest was radio. Great overall car with little to improve on, but needs more power!

  • *** Unless no costs involved ever stay away**** - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    The only reason that I bought this car was for the mpg ; however even an oil change is $85 and is recommended every 3000 miles ; regarding the comfort only the front seats are the best part of the car and also only straight roads such Floridas roads are the best feel with this car otherwise every sharp curve feels like youre falling off the cliff :) fortunately didnt have it for long enough to get any mechanical issues however only the belly pan cover was $460....and that is just a piece of plastic from underneath....inside is very loud and the glove box always had issues closing as well the trunk....best and only good part of it is the MPG otherwise if you are a heavy footed driver youll pay the price at the VW service where the parts are insane $$$.......switched now to a Ford Taurus and could not be any different smoother ride while a sporty feel very happy with the Ford and getting close to 30mpg hwy;

  • Great car, but high maintenance - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Ive had this car for about 8 years now. Im not really a car enthusiast, just need something to comfortably take me from point a to point b without any issues. It does exactly what I need it to do most of the time. The only thing is that unexpectedly random things will go wrong with it. In the past 8 years, power steering broke, oil leaked, trunk door got stuck, and my favorite, the ignition lock(?) broke so that my key would not go in the ignition. Very costly to get these issues fixed, on top of high regular maintenance costs. Replacing the ignition lock cost $700 + towing expenses.

  • Why buy anything else ? - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    47 MPG, A real hoot to drive, and gobs of room for stuff. Great build quality, great, fit and finish, and it looks great! Too soon to say anything about the reliability. Monsoon sound system is really nice. Was looking for a base GL, TDI, 5 sp Man. Not one to be found in TX. I think I got the last 5sp. manual in TX. $5,000 off for slight hail damage & hard negoiating. No trades, my own financing. Scion XB was too small, Ford Focus Wagon was just too vanilla, PT Crusier was going to be it, but I drove this Jetta Wagon later that afternoon. NO WAY was I going to buy the PT Crusier after driving the Jetta TDI. Both 5sp Man.... We will be driving this car 10 years from now, still grinning...

  • My 4th and so far the best VW - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I recently purchased my 05 Jetta I am one of those people who just love VW this is my 4th one I absolutely love it though it is only 7 inches longer and 1 3/4 inches taller and 3 inches wider it feels huge I love the features such as the dual climate control, rear seat vents, new armrest in back seat. Would you believe from 2 cupholders to 6? Wow, satellite radio which I love. This is truly a smooth riding comfortable car. Go VW!

  • makes me more mad every day - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I bought my 2004 gli 1.8t in April of 2004. I test drove a R32 first, but the gli caught my eye. I drove it next and liked its performance and style. At around 2,000 miles a loud sound started coming from the rear somewhere, it almost sounds like brakes , but I wonder if its some kind of tension on metal. Anyway its anoying as it can be. Also, the gear shifter keeps poping off. I have taken the car to the dealership to get both of these problems fixed. They told me that they fixed the shifter but its still doing it. They told me that they couldnt figure out the noise in the rear and to bring it the car back some other time. Its got 16,000 on it now and is pissing me off more each day.

  • I love my Jetta - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I have always loved VWs. So when I was in the market for another car and this slightly used one came up for sale, I jumped at the chance to own another VW! My first car was a 1980 VW Rabbit. My mother owed a 1984 GTI Wolfsburg, I learned how to drive a stick on that one. We ran these cars until they just gave out. Ive owned other cars but NOTHING compares to a VW! I have the 2005 1/2 Jetta and I love the way it handles, all the features and I love the looks I get when Im driving it. My daughters friends call it the "Sexy Mobile." My only wish is that it got better gas mileage (I knew I should have bought the diesel). I am a faithful VWer for LIFE!

  • Perfect Econo Car - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Although a Jetta might cost a little more going in, with a TDI powerplant, it can last far longer than other low- price, mid-milage cars. I dont know who said 43mpg for the TDI, but Ive gotten over 55mpg. With gas prices going up, who could say no? This is my third diesel VW, and I wont drive a gasoline car again. Performance, awesome pickup, tight brakes, and lots of room to personalize with aftermarket gizmos.

  • Superior Compact Car - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    2 days after purchasing the NEW Jetta 1.9L TDI, I took it on a road trip from Denver to Phoenix (14 hour drive through the Rockies over several passes). The TDI Jetta handled curving mountain roads and inclines seamlessly. I am very impressed with the New Jetta. I had Passat envy just after purchasing the Jetta as I thought it might be a tad too small. However, after this road trip (1700 miles) Im glad I purchased this pleasure drive vehicle (package 2 features) and excellent 42+ mpg. These diesels have tremendous torque handling Wolf Creek Pass as if it were a flat land drive with the ability to accelerate at any given time. The New Jetta TDI is an excellent choice for consumers.

  • Jetta Wagon TDI - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Back seat is a little tight otherwise I love my Jetta. Great gas mileage with the TDI

Volkswagen Jetta Reviews By Year:
Great Deals Near You
  • Loading cars...

Selected Edmunds.com visitor vehicle reviews

Edmunds.com Visitor Vehicle Ratings and Reviews are the property of Edmunds.com, and may not be reproduced or distributed without the consent of Edmunds.com. Edmunds© is a trademark of Edmunds.com, Inc. Edmunds.com, Inc. is not affiliated with this website or app.

Powered By Edmunds

× Estimated monthly payments based on 3.9% APR, 60 month financing, and 20% down payment. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment. Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary.

Payment calculations are sourced by EveryAuto.com and may not reflect actual dealer financing terms.

Send Us Feedback ×


Locating Vehicles In Your Area