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 11 through 20 of 241.00

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  Maintenance expensive, had some trouble - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By HighMileage - October 15 - 1:06 am

  I put over 230000 km in 4 years on my Jetta. It did stay remarkably tight. Parts I had to replace include 5 wheel bearings, a dozen headlight bulbs, a new turbo for $2400., a fuel pump for $550., a turbo hose, various front end parts, e-brake cables etc. The fuel mileage is good and you think you are getting ahead but you pay it all back for the $100 oil changes and $300 every 32000km for fuel filters. My other complaint is the electrical systems, had intermittent trouble with headlights and my door lock system. For a while there I thought I owned HERBIE. Lastly, everybody loves the heated seats because a TDI takes 30 minutes of driving to actually heat up. HELLO TOYOTA HERE I COME.

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  Decent Value, Not So Decent Quality - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mjohn129 - June 20 - 2:46 am

  Purchased my 2005.5 New Jetta 2.5 in June with 27k miles on it, like new condition. More features than everything else I looked at within this price range - loaded with leather heated seats, auto windows, wipers, and headlights, moonroof, etc. 13k miles later... (I drive a lot, especially visiting home every few weekends from college) This car is very fun to drive. It can be a little hesitant when accelerating, but does better on the Sport mode, though that quickly drains fuel. Runs smoother on mid-grade than regular. Mechanically reliable, but has minor other problems... trunk suddenly stopped locking the first time, window buttons peeling, wipers suddenly wipe for no reason, etc.

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  Good daily commuter car. Not fun. - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ajt36 - February 26 - 4:42 am

  Weve owned our 2.5L Jetta since new, but Ive been driving it since about 44K miles. Now has 127K. This is a well-built, full-featured, and generally dependable daily commuter. New it was $27K and it has some features missing on my wifes $50K 2011 Audi A4. While it is a good "A to B" car, there is nothing fun or inspiring about this car. If that is not a priority in your car ownership, then no worries, the interior amenities will more than make up for it. But if you want something thats fun on the on/off ramps, and inspires confidence when you go to pass, then the 2.5L 5 cyl. is not your engine. Go with the 2.0 Turbo. Just regular maintenance, but some inconvenient repairs.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Farah - November 14 - 10:10 am

  I love driving this car! Ive had older Toyota Camrys and a Honda Accord...and my 2005 Volkswagen Jetta Value Edition feels so much more powerful. Also, it looks really nice.

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  Love It!!!!! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By wallerdawg - February 9 - 12:03 pm

  Im LOVIN the new Jetta!!! I used to have a 2000 Jetta and I loved it for me, but my passengers hated being cramped. The 2005 Jetta is AWESOME!!! I was able to pile 3 adults in the back seat and they werent too cramped! I was shocked!!! The transmission is great! I love the sports setting! I didnt like the faux wood trim in the top of the line Jetta and didnt want the satellite radio.

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  Jetta GLI 2005 1.8 Turbo 20 Valves engine - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ismael_1966 - January 23 - 8:16 pm

  I bought this car from new. Have some problems thats was cover by warranty and others that not since the car does not have warranty any more. The car has around 90,000 kms. Since new the car gave me a lot of problems with the windows falling inside the doors. Plagued with Door Locks problems. Radiator fans damage, the fuse box on top of the battery got damage. Brake light switch has damage two times. The engines has some problem to start in the morning, coolant temperature sensor has been replaced 3 times. Rear brakes make awfull noise 1n reverse. The car spend more time in the mechanic than with me. If you get a VW, sell it as soon as the warranty is finish or you will go broke!

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  Great Car, cant beat TDI- - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Geoff - December 12 - 10:53 pm

  Nothing but good things to say about this one. I have had four other VWs, and I enjoy this the most in terms of reliability and looks. NO major problems after 150k miles, TDI still feels like new, fuel filter does need to be changed every 20k, otherwise will feel loss of power. No problems with knobs, wiring, other than rear latch can be difficult to use in really cold. I guess the worst thing was engine sway mount did break, causing engine to torque more under load. Have hit 65MPG on highway-only driving doing 60mph!

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  Great performance, zero reliability - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By yoli - July 24 - 9:33 pm

  Love it and hate it. Just name a few problems fixed on my Jetta 2002: - First week of ownership, rear passenger door couldn’t open because cable fell down inside the door panel. - One piece radio got replaced three times. - Ignition coils replaced at four times. - Windshield wrapper loosened, ridiculous. - Now the front brake squeaks, I was told that there is no way to fix unless change the whole brake pads, disks, etc, I can’t believe that. …

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  Okay Car, But I Would Not Buy Another VW - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By 123Blue - June 13 - 6:10 am

  This our third VW. We also have an 01 Beetle and an 04 Passat. I purchased my 05 New Jetta 2.5 in June 2008 w/ 27k miles on it, previously a loaner. Compared to similarly priced cars (Civics, Corollas) the Jetta had a lot more features for the price. Fully loaded with leatherette interior, rain sensing wipers, auto lights, etc. Nice ride, a little sporty, not too fast, but not too slow either. Reliable as far as getting from point A to point B, but way too many problems with the build quality. Faulty trunk latch, auto window stopped working, lightbulb sensor going on and off, sunroof acting funny, buttons peeling, even the gas cap not unlocking. Will not be buying another VW!

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  Fun car ! Looks nice... - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Steve - March 18 - 5:13 am

  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.