Overview & Reviews

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

• 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

• Tight rear-seat legroom and weak base four-cylinder on old model, somewhat bland styling on new Jetta.

User Reviews:

Showing 141 through 150 of 241.00

• 

  Jetta GLI - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jason - January 20 - 11:00 pm

  This is a great looking car sits low to the ground, so you have to be careful. It needs a short shifter and there is not much leg room in the back. The wheel well liners rip easy though. Overall, this has been a great car so far.

• 

  The new Jetta is a step backward - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sarah Pak - January 2 - 1:56 am

  The new Jetta is my third VW. I sold my 2001 Jetta, which I believe was the best small car on the market for the last few years. I wasnt too crazy about the styling of the new Jetta, especially its Corolla-esque rear, but leased it anyway. Big mistake. I am disappointed at the new Jetta; rattles from the rear right door, glove compartment door squeaks, and it seems to gulp up engine oil. The car also feels a bit too hefty for its size, as there appears to be more leaning during cornering than the old model.

• 

  Pretty on the outside, ugly on the inside - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By eder_cheddar - December 27 - 2:05 pm

  I got my car used with 62k miles on it. As soon as I got it, the car kept breaking down on me time after time. Maybe I got a lemon, who knows. I had a tiny piece of plastic connecting my inter coolant break on me that crippled my car and was a $3 piece of plastic I got at OReillys. Its terrible that you dont have the transmission oil easily accessible. You have to take it to a mechanic to get lifted so they can access it. My favorite/current issue is the transmission that crapped out on me 3 times. I currently have had the car for 72K miles and its ridiculous to have this occur so soon.

• 

  Frustrated beyond belief - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By frustrated77 - November 9 - 2:21 pm

  Nothing but trouble. Wiring issues, now transmission hard shifts. Problem is extremely common via Google search. VW dealership just says needs new transmission and denies knowing anything about it, though there has even been at least one attempted class action lawsuit. DO NOT BUY!!!

• 

  2005 Jetta - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By SpecialJohnny - October 3 - 2:23 pm

  The brakes are very loud. My brakes have made noise from almost day one. The stealership has not replaced or done anything. I hand wash the wheels and car and the problem is with brake dust. Other than that good car to drive. Nice performance. So the first mod should be new aftermarket brake pads and forget trying to get VW to do something.

• 

  Happy Camper - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dr. H - July 28 - 4:13 am

  I had a 95 Passat VR6, then 2001 New Turbo Beetle, now the New Jetta 2.5 with the 5 speed manual. The New Jetta is as large as my old 95 Passat (actually taller), and the 2.5, 5 cylinder engine is smooth and responsive. Not as powerful as the VR6 or 4 cylinder turbo, but I have no complaints. The quality of the interior is impressive and the instrument cluster and climate controls are very easy to navigate. Love the rain sensitive wipers. Huge trunk. My only complaint is not with the car but with the consistency of VW service. Ive had multiple experiences of bad service at both local dealerships. Ive just learned to be assertive.

• 

  I love this car! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Elizabeth - July 3 - 11:33 pm

  I love driving this car. It handles well, gets great gas mileage, and is incredibly comfortable. Some say the visibility is limited, but it doesnt bother me a bit. But you should test drive one to make sure you like it. I have had a blast with it so far though!

• 

  Stay Away - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By John - June 30 - 7:13 pm

  This 2.5 Jetta is the tenth VW weve owned in fifteen years. It is junk. The transmission skips, it will not engage in drive or reverse properly, and there is a dangerous lapse when taking off from a slow down. The rain sensor wipers are terrible. They sometimes wipe when the windshield is dry or wont wipe at all in a downpour. On continuous wipe they go into intermittent (this car does not have it). The climatronic is screwed up. The a/c comes on by itself when temp is set at 70 and it wont turn off. I have been to two dealers and VW service cannot fix anything. The VW area rep has refused to do anymore warranty service. I am filing lemon law and VW is fighting it. I will never buy VW again.

• 

  Ultimate in practicality and fun - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Rob from JAX - June 20 - 6:00 pm

  The Jetta was everything promised. With 7,000 miles on it, Ive averaged 43 mpg in the city. Its fuel efficient, yet it has get-up-and-go when it needs it. The fuel gauge is more conservative than published in the owners manual. Ive been very satisfied.

• 

  Classy Small Car - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike - June 8 - 2:56 pm

  My car has the 2.0L engine and the "Cold Weather" upgrade (seat warmers, leather seats, steering wheel controls). I like the look and size of this car over the new Jetta design. I get about 35 mpg with conservative highway driving(not hybrid numbers but at least its a PZEV), and while its not a race car, it moves with plenty of purpose. The proof of this is was driving with college students in all 5 seats, a full trunk of luggage and 3 bikes on a trunk rack, and still having power to pass on the highway(of course the mileage was not the best on this trip). I keep up with maintenance and care, the reliability on the early model years was not great but it seems problems were fixed on this year