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 1 through 10 of 241.00

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  Good Car - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tiffany - November 30 - 1:30 am

  I actually bought this car because we were moving over to Europe and thought it would be easier to find parts for. WRONG! Because it was made American spec we have a really hard time getting parts. However, I have not needed to order to many things besides oil filters or air filter, thank goodness. It drives nice, but could be roomier. My husband is 510" and has a hard time fitting in it. The backseat is not as big as people say. I have a 10month and his rear facing car seat will only fit in the center of the back seat. And when my husband is driving his car seat gets pushed up into a vertical position. Not very safe. I would not recommend this car for people with young children.

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  The last of a dying breed... - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mike - November 10 - 12:10 pm

  Good overall vehicle. Decent gas mileage, plenty of available power, smooth opertation. Its a heavy car that needs more power to compensate.

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  Great Car - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By John - October 6 - 6:03 am

  This car has excellent handling, great fuel economy, and is a real blast on twisty roads. The Goodyear tires are great in the wet and dry. The only problem with the summer tires is the need for winter tires and rims. The ride is a little stiff but well worth it when you want to play boy racer. Overall this is an excellent car.

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  Solid car, MSRP pricey - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mike ogle - September 25 - 1:13 am

  This is third Jetta we have owned, Bought new body style, $28K MSRP 5spd chosen to try and improve power of 2.5 and package 2 which puts it near to entry level luxury vehicles but so does the price. Interior design is superb, tops in class I would say, high quality plastics for most part, with a few cost cutting exceptions. Black exterior with beige interior and real wood accents, very impressive. Leather seats have held up well, no wear apparent after 64K miles. Reliability problems have been minimal with exception of stereo system which has been disappointing. Overall a nice vehicle, plan on moving to a used Audi A4 in next few months to upgrade handling and power

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  Nice Car - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tom - August 21 - 11:33 pm

  I just bought this car today and had to write in. I really love it. The interior looks and feels like an Audi. More expensive now but I think it is worth it. Will write in again after a few months have gone by tell let everyone know what I still think.

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  nice car but probably not again - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bnienhau - June 1 - 11:10 pm

  I bought the new 2005 Jetta with the 2006 body style. I bought it new with about 32000 miles and within about 20000 miles I had to to take in for a tranny problem. good thing it was under warranty. I havent had any more problems except for the interior. Raido is peeling and the handles black paint is peeling. The cosmetic issues inside are garbage but all in all a good car if that is not a conern. I have 2 years left on my loan so I hope it lasts cince it now has 100000 miles on it. Will the car last. Any suggestions on making it last are welcome.

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  New Jetta: More Than My Moneys Worth - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By J D - March 13 - 8:33 pm

  I was pleasantly surprised by the New Jetta. Bought the 2.5 without premium package (but not Value Package.) With incentives the price was $20,264. Surprisingly, all the goodies from my A4 3.0 are there, plus more, like rain-sensing wipers and auto headlights. Handling is way crisper than Edmunds review would have you believe, and power is quite adequate if not barnburning. Six speed Tiptronic transmission is the only auto tranny in this price range with more than four gears - - makes all the difference. Seats are really comfortable (very firm as is typical of Germans.) Although assembled in Puebla Mexico the workmanship (so far) is absolutely first rate. No complaints whatever. Great value!

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  Overall a very good economy car - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Erin C - January 31 - 5:03 pm

  The Jetta is a great car. The base model doesnt have a ton of power, but it will get out of its own way for sure. The front seats are comfortable for a small car. The back seat is very tight. Kids and small adults fit fine, anyone larger will have a hard time. The automatic trunk release is a nice feature also. The cruise control works great and isnt jerky like some vehicles. There is some road noise when driving but the great monsoon stereo will cover that up. There should be more pockets or storage areas in the Jetta, the cup holders are placed in a weird spot and are not very convenient, but there are 3 in the middle and two more in the glove box (not sure why).

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  Diesel all the way - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tiddywag - December 15 - 9:13 pm

  This is a great car to own. Admittedly, its not too fast, but it gets the job done. It has good low RPM power and unbelievable fuel economy. My best has been 50.64 MPG so far, that was with 85% highway driving. Be sure to set the cruise control fairly conservatively for best results and constantly monitor your tire pressure.

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  Fun, but Unreliable - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dan - October 25 - 3:06 pm

  Purchased this car as a certified used vehicle from a VW dealer a little over a year ago. Fun to drive, mileage is excellent. However, Ive spent way too much time in the dealers service waiting room. Broken trunk latch, peeling radio controls, two bad cooling fans, bad rear brake calipers, smearing and chattering windshield wipers. In a few days Im having the windshield replaced because it is so scratched and full of tiny pitting that it is dangerous to drive at night. Dealership claims the windshield is due to "external factors", but based on the uniformity of the pitting Im sure it is a materials defect. Ive wasted too much time getting this car fixed!