2005 Volkswagen Jetta Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.33/5 Average
241 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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

Pros:
  • 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
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
  • Good Car - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    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.

  • The last of a dying breed... - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

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

  • 2005.5 Jetta VE - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    The least "VW like" VW I have owned. It has been near stone reliable for 38K miles. Interior finish weak. Soft touch finish blistering off leaving white plastic. Switches breaking or pushing through dash panel. It does not have the Euro aura of its predecessors and looks and feels more plastic. Excessive oil consumption, in my opinion. Changed every 5K with synthetic and have consumed 3-4 qts. between changes since new. Though not as much fun as previous models, the chassis is superb. Great handling combined with great ride and on 15" wheels. It is roomier for passengers and storage as well as quieter. Its just not as spirited or visually pleasing as past models have been.

  • Best Car Ever! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

  • Great Car - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    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.

  • Solid car, MSRP pricey - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    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

  • Dont Do it! Repair shop special! - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    This car is fun to drive when it is not in the repair shop! I have replaced headlights, taillights, an airbag wire harness, radiator fan, trunk latch, ignition key tumbler, the paint on the interior peels, and I have had recall services done. I implore you, even with the warranty this vehicle is not the one! You will be on a first name basis with the auto techs at VW! They are very nice but I would prefer to be on the road and not at the shop!

  • Wolfs (berg) in Lambs Clothing - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    With 50+ years of snow country driving, mostly in FWD Saabs, I find the combination of traction and stability control amazing. Ill take it over any SUV - usually out run em anyway, especially when the road gets twisty. It can carry an impressive load and get 30 mpg on cruise at 74.5 mph (by GPS) on mid-grade fuel. Clearly, this is car built for the autobahn as well as the Alps. This is my 4th since 97 and nothing has broken yet - equals great value for the money.

  • Nice Car - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    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.

  • Midwest Jetta - 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Overall a very satisfying little car. Yes, little. The backseat is for smaller children not good sized adults. I of course knew that going in but I was always going to be the driver and I wanted mileage. The diesel is surprisingly quick and the manual trans gearing is spaced just right. 46 to 50 MPG is normal and the ride rivals wifes A6 Audi! For anyone needing transportation plus a fun ride and tremendous mileage I suggest looking and driving a Jetta.

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