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 61 through 70 of 241.00

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  Cute, Peppy Car - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Derek Sutherland - April 17 - 4:30 pm

  The new Jettas engine is more peppy than the previous one, but could always use more power. With the transmission in "sport" mode, or in Tiptronic, the power was fine. Interior design is genius, and the outside is attractive, especially in black with that chrome grill.

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  2005 and One-half Is Superb! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dan - April 17 - 5:06 am

  This car is an absolute joy to drive! It has that solid, self-assured feel of German automotive engineering that exudes quality and performance. The only reason that I didnt give it all "10s" across the board is that there are cars out there with better performance, design, and comfort...but they cost more than twice as much! Interior features, fit and finish is outstanding. Ride and cornering are excellent. Get-up-and-go...it has plenty! The multi-function display, digital climate control, and the premium sound system with XM radio all contribute to a great driving experience. I will be a loyal VW customer after this.

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  Best vehicle purchase EVER!! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By cdstraw - February 26 - 3:50 am

  Absolutely fabulous vehicle. Purchased as New Jettas were hitting showroom and dealer wanted to clear out old inventory. Within 3 months dealer wanted to purchase TDI back and give me and exceptional trade on New Jetta. No Way! Average city driving 46-48 mpg, Interstate at 65 mph cruise, 60 mpg!

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  Needs Prius Style MPG guage - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By wiring-geek - February 20 - 8:56 am

  The Jetta TDI is a great car. My family needs booted me out of my beloved compact pickup, but this is a worthy replacement. If youre hauling children only in back, definitely remove and store the rear head rests...at least remove the middle (of three) for better vision when backing up.

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  VW has hit a homerun with the new Jetta - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By RDW South Carolina - December 25 - 2:36 pm

  We have driven Mercedes diesel autos for fifteen years. my wife got us interested in the Jetta diesel and we made a good decision to buy the VW. it is a pleasure to drive.

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  New 2005 Jetta TDI 5 sp manual - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By desertair - December 9 - 12:56 am

  Poor mans BMW 325i, rich mans Toyota Corrola. Great fuel economy,averaging 45 mpg in the city. Fun to drive: handles extremely well in tight corners and suspension is nice and firm. Acceleration is sluggish, and barely adequate. The handling, suspension and sound of the diesel engine delude you into believing that you are going very fast. Very comfortable and well laid-out interior design. Exterior is sharp looking.

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  Fun to drive, and Low cost to operate - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mbielick - November 15 - 3:03 am

  I was looking for a low cost to operate vehicle, and I was not impressed with the hybrids. I bought this car, and was amazed by the fun-to-drive aspect of it. The huge amount of torque available from the engine gives you a lot more zip than you would expect from a diesel. Highway cruising is great, with barely 2,400 RPM turning at 70 MPH. Although I have only driven the car 5,000 miles to date, there has been nothing wrong with the car, and Im getting over 47 MPG each time I fill.

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  Best car I have every had - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By james w - November 5 - 11:23 pm

  By far my Jetta is the best I have ever owned-and I have had 7 different cars in 12 years!! This one is for keeps! It is so comfortable on road trips and with a 1.8Turbo and manual transmission - this car has an incredible amount of pickup and speed! The heated seats and the steering wheel mounted radio controls are the best things ever invented.

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  Commendable Vehicle - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By steve - October 31 - 5:33 pm

  My 2005 VW Jetta TDI is very fun and predictable to drive. All of its systems function fine. Its gas mileage was fairly close to 50 mpg on my first trip from St. Louis MO to Las Vegas NV.

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  Great Car for a Teen - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JettaGirl - October 12 - 8:23 pm

  Im 17 years old and my dad bought me a 2005 Jetta in January. It is so great for me, it has great gas mileage and I can count on it since it is brand new right off the lot. The styling is really trendy and hip ecpecially in the galatic blue (like mine). The new redesigned Jettas are really luxurious inside, but the exterior styling is not that great.