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 41 through 50 of 241.00

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  Jetta GLI - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Robert - January 26 - 11:20 am

  I purchased my car used with 31,000 miles. Kudos to VW for adding the 6-seepd tranny, larger brakes, stiffer springs, body kit and Recaro seats! This Jetta is definitely worthy of the GLI badge. The suspension is on the firm side, but its great fun to drive. It is very comfortable on my commutes. As a previous reviewer also mentioned, the front lip hangs fairly low, so you need to exercise caution when parking or when going up ramps. I love the car so far.

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  big improvement - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By athanx4 - January 1 - 12:16 pm

  I was surprised at the quiet ride and the suspension absorbs bumps with no problem. Best steering feel Ive experienced--just the right road feel.

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  From Gas to Diesel - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dokdiesel - October 7 - 11:26 am

  Never owned a diesel or VW before. I needed a high mpg car for a longer commute. I was leaning towards a hybrid, but I test drove it and I was impressed. Just turned 1,100 miles on the car. Its been a great commuter car so far. The car handles well and latest safety test rating are and added bonus.

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  teenagers are out of it - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By eric - July 22 - 11:06 am

  Before the Volkswagen Jetta had more fun and excitement for teenagers but now its like a family sedans so I am not too thrilled of the new arival of this sedan. Although I must say that its a really good fuel economy vehicle and its interior design is nice. The exterior design doesnt make me feel very excited. Overall the Jetta is an OK car and they should work now on bringing back the teenage theme back in the Jetta. It can be better I think quality-wise.

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  It is good for the money - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By max becker - June 27 - 2:43 am

  It always starts, the TDI is great for mileage. The handling is good for a car that is not a performance car.

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  Great Car - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ckeel4 - April 28 - 2:13 am

  I bought this car for my wife in late 2005. She absolutely loves it and will probably keep it for many years to come. I love the heated seats (also does great in the snow). Its size is comparable to an Accord or Camry. I feel it matches up better in fact with a BMW 3 series. It is remarkably similar to a 2002-2005 Audi A4 and the size of the old Passat. Very few downsides show through on the car. The driver compartment aggravates me as I like to rest my leg in the middle of the car, in the VW this falls right on a sharp edge. Also, the wheels are susceptible to scratches.

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  Cheap plastic knobs are pealing - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By susan - April 23 - 11:06 pm

  Love the heated seats. Thought I would get better gas mileage. Plastic covers over knobs peeling off. Wipers come on without turning them on. Needed new timing belt, this was covered , thank god, very expensive repair. In cold weather, loud rattling noice from muffler area, was checked out, cant fix. Design problem. Right now, trying to decide whether to buy or walk away from lease.

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  Love Hate Relationship - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By marson - March 6 - 12:56 am

  I have loved my Jetta since I bought it but it seems like too much is going wrong to make it worth keeping. I have had to replace almost 10 sensors on it, adjusters are breaking, and check engine codes are flying out of it like crazy. In the last month I have had to put close to 2,000 into the motor because of problems and there is only 90,000 miles on it. I take very good care of my cars and I have never had to go through this much of a headache with a car. I would never buy a VW again and if I could go back I would buy anything else.

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  No Regrets - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By kaigoss69 - February 7 - 5:00 am

  I bought this car as a family car (2 adults, 2 young kids) to replace our Honda Pilot. I must say I was very leary about getting rid of the bigger Pilot, mainly because of the loss in cabin and trunk space, but I have been pleasantly surprised by the amount of trunk space the Jetta offers, and interior space, especially in the back seat, is sufficient for our needs. The 2005 model offers a lot of "bells and whistles" standard that do not come standard in the 2006 model, and thats the main reason I went with an 05. The interior design and build quality are superb. The car is built like a rock. The ride is nice and sporty, acceleration is decent. Gas mileage is 20 C / 32 H after 700 miles.

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  Love this Turbo Jetta 1.8 - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Keiffer - January 31 - 2:46 pm

  They shouldnt have stopped making this Jetta GLI. Those who got the last of the 2005 Jetta before the new one came out are a lucky bunch. I was very relunctant to buy a Jetta after owning an Audi, Infiniti, and Acura but after test driving the Jetta GLI Turbo, I was sold. Its performance matches the Audi A4 quattros which we still own. Its turbo engine makes it very quick taking off especially when you put it in the tiptronic (5 speed automatic) mode. My only complaint is the seats - although they are sporty and they make for a fun ride manuevering curves, I still miss the luxury of my leather seats. But thats just me - Im sure many are happy with the Recaro sport seats.