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 21 through 30 of 241.00

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  Great car... But BEWARE!!!! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Luftlinea - February 28 - 9:00 pm

  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.

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  Decent investment - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By michman247 - January 8 - 11:19 am

  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.

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  Excellent Car - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Andy - November 17 - 8:40 pm

  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!

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  Nothing but frustration - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jessica - September 27 - 4:50 pm

  This vehicle is enjoyable to drive and not bad on the design. However, as far as quality, I have had nothing but problems since I drove it off the lot. Between the recalls and the other problems Ive had with it, it is in the shop more than on my driveway. The list of problems is extensive ranging from the latch on the trunk to the wiring and the brakes. I would not recommend purchasing this vehicle.

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  2005 VW Jetta Wagon GLS TDI - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By joshdkatz - June 24 - 9:46 pm

  First of all, my fuel economy is awesome. I have been getting upwards of 40 mpg in combined highway / city driving. It is generally very fun to drive. It has a very smooth and forgiving clutch and shifter. It has good pickup and can go pretty fast. Ive had a few problems though. My window on my drivers side fell off the track and needed to be put back on. Thankfully it was covered under warranty. Now, I am developing some trouble with my speakers. But generally, this car is pretty nice.

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  Software Problem for Jetta CA, MA and NY - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jetta05 - June 12 - 9:26 pm

  As all of you who own a 2004 or 2005 model year Volkswagen Jetta sold in California and other states, the car has a unique problem that causes it not to start smoothly in the morning. I found numerous complaints filed to the National Highway Transporation Safety Administration for the 2004 Jetta. The jerk start is caused the sudden engagement of transmission when the brake lamp is turned off. Until then, there is no drive power supplied to the drive shaft. Dont you feel it? Other than that this is a nice car.

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  Germans do it better! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Lulu - March 29 - 9:53 pm

  This was my first brand new car and Ive been completely happy with it. The base line model (GL) doesnt feel very base line with remote key less entry, power windows/locks, CD AM/FM and cassette, cruise control, chrome trim accents and those cool purple dash board lights. Its comfortable, reliable, nice to drive and gets good mileage. Servicing is reasonably priced and so is the car itself. I dont think the signal lights staying on were manufacturer default, but operator malfunction. Heres a tip, turn the lights OFF and they wont run your battery down. Good luck backing up in that ION. (thats a bad shape)

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  Why buy anything else?? - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By TXwhitewater - February 10 - 1:10 am

  Gobs of fun to drive! 40+ MPG. Holds a bunch of stuff. Very good fit & finish. Too soon to tell much about reliability... Only problem so far, I look down at the speedo, Hell! Im doing 80 again... Really smooth, quiet for a Diesel.

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  So far so good - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By who needs a hybrid? - December 16 - 2:53 am

  Purchased new in 9/05, paid full sticker, no dealer shopped would budge on price so it came down to color/options. First diesel car ever owned and would definitely buy another one. Car seems as quiet/powerful as the 1.8 gas, mileage averages over 40mpg, 80% highway driving with the automatic. Surprising reliability as an 86 GLI I owned fell apart around 75K miles of hard driving. Gripes, I once owned a 04 Passat and was much more comfortable behind the wheel, Im only 6 tall, the center console protrudes too much into my right leg. Also, the cruise control controls belong on the steering wheel, like the Passat. Otherwise no other major complaints other than I wish diesel was cheaper!

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  For the Value Edition you get a lot - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By davbev - May 31 - 4:30 am

  I have had this car for almost a year and I still love to drive it. It has a lot of get up and go and I love burning through the gears. The stereo is pretty good considering it is the Value Edition and I love the front end styling. For around $18,000 you arent going to find a much better car. I leased mine for $158 a month. I have had no problems at all. I just got back from North Carolina, a 10 and a half hour drive for me and it was comfortable enough for just two short gas stops. I would like to get a GLI next with even more power with exterior styling.