2005 Volkswagen Golf Review
Fuel Economy
24 - 35 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Though pricier than the average economy car, the 2005 Volkswagen Golf offers far more amenities, refined driving dynamics and a very fuel-efficient diesel option, all of which make it an attractive hatchback.
Pros
Long list of standard features, high-quality cabin materials, utility of hatchback design, fuel-efficient diesel engine, fun to drive.
Cons
More expensive than its peers, mediocre performance of base four-cylinder, some controls difficult to use.
What's New for 2005
With an all-new Golf on the way next year, there are no major changes for the current model.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
My Volkswagen Golf...here is a little...
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen Golf GL TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
Review
...story. I have owned my car for the last four years. My car has been incredible on diesel mileage. I get in the city anywhere from 500 to 550 miles in the city and 550 to 625 miles on a tank. Within the first 3 years of my car, my transmission went! Could not believe it! The dealership had me pay approx $1200 to replace it. I was not happy about it at all. The dealership agreed to refund me half the amount I paid and asked I follow up the rest with Volkswagen International - No outcome from that. In the 4the year, seals and headlight bulbs replaced under warranty. Spill guard is not good for dark clothed interior. Don't replace air filter with after market unit! Dangerous!
Favorite Features
The car is zippy! Mine comes with 145hp and 250lbs of torque. Speeds off like an Angel on a mission! Excellent passing. Beautiful, quality interior, great trunk space, Tape deck with trunk cd changer capability. I have a GL version, brand is wonderful. ESC, and seats are comfortable!
Suggested Improvements
Heater is horrid! Need to up the redline to 7000 rpm. Better suspensions to minimize body roll. Keep the tape deck. include CD player, traction control, ESC, and cruise control standard. Make under body coating (noise reduction) standard. Increase horsepower and torque.
Good for the long haul.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen Golf GL TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
Review
I drive about 115 miles round trip to work. All I have ever done is change the oil (about every 12-15k miles), replace a couple head lights, and change the tires. My car has yet to need brakes or any major repair. The perfect stylish, fun to drive, daily commuter!
Favorite Features
45-50mpg! Standard kickin' sound system!
Suggested Improvements
standard roof rack
Unhappy
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
Review
Too many trips to the dealership for warranty issues has me wishing I kept my 85 Jetta diesel. The last one was for front suspension noises, dash rattles, and a timing belt job. They have to order bushings for the front and a transmission valve body solenoid for another noise it was making. I made it a mile away from the dealer when the turbo went out. This is my third diesel VW and the best one was the 81 rabbit. In the last 4 months, I've had the golf at the dealer 7 times. The sunroof was 4 trips, the fuel pump was three... it goes on and on. Each time there were other smaller issues. My average fuel mileage is only around 36-38 mpg. My best was 45.6 on a trip.
Favorite Features
The sound system is great as are the heated seats. The car handles rather well and is pretty comfortable. Thank goodness for a 50,000 mile warranty, I'm making good use of it.
Suggested Improvements
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Disappointing
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 2 | Fun-to-Drive: | 3 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 1 | Exterior Design: | 4 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen Golf GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I bought this car expecting good milage, in exchange for weak performance. Instead I got weak performance and 20mpg on the highway. Worst automatic I've yet encountered. Decent little car apart from the powertrain, though. Just keep off the highway and expect SUV-like gas bills.
Favorite Features
Handling is great, especialy going downhill on twisty roads.
Suggested Improvements
Better transmission, better fuel economy. No reason for a 2.0 4 to gobble fuel like a V-8
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Wretched little thing
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 1 | Fun-to-Drive: | 1 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 1 | Exterior Design: | 3 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen Golf GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
What a disappointment! The engine is pathetic and sad, and gets only half a mile per gallon more than the supercharged 3800 in my 2001 Buick Regal GS when driving the same commute. It's decent for surface streets, especialy if you live in a flat area, but woe betide the poor wretch who tries to accelerate going uphill. And I thought that, in exchange for any hope of good performance, I might at least get decent mileage. Ha! The handling is OK, and the interior space is all right, though the cloth seats seem to be made from the same material as lint brushes, never seen seats pick up so much hair and dust. In short, if you have a short commute in flat land, go ahead. Otherwise, avoid.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
The new generation seems to hit most of my problems, adding a decent transmission (worst automatic I've yet driven) and better engine. Styling also left much to be desired, but not much you can do with a hatchback.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2010 Volkswagen Golf
- 2006 Volkswagen Golf
- 2005 Volkswagen Golf
- 2004 Volkswagen Golf
- 2003 Volkswagen Golf
- 2002 Volkswagen Golf
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