2005 Volkswagen Jetta Review
Fuel Economy
22 - 35 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
The Jetta offers a near ideal balance between ride and handling, and premium cabin materials make it one of our top recommendations to small-car buyers.
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.
What's New for 2005
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.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Cheap plastic knobs are pealing
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
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, can't fix. Design problem. Right now, trying to decide whether to buy or walk away from lease.
Favorite Features
Spunky, fair gas mileage, big trunk.
Suggested Improvements
Wheel covers are cheap. Better covering for knobs, not cheap plastic that melts away.
What now
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen Jetta New 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 5M)
Review
This is a comfortable, efficient car. I have had no problems at all. It drives great, is comfortable and sporty. I have heated leather seats a sunroof and a great sound system. I also get about 32 mpg. My only concern is finding a 4 wheel drive car that will live up to the Jetta.
Favorite Features
heated leather seats
Suggested Improvements
none
Okay Car, But I Would Not Buy Another VW
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen Jetta New 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 5M)
Review
This our third VW. We also have an '01 Beetle and an '04 Passat. I purchased my '05 New Jetta 2.5 in June 2008 w/ 27k miles on it, previously a loaner. Compared to similarly priced cars (Civics, Corollas) the Jetta had a lot more features for the price. Fully loaded with leatherette interior, rain sensing wipers, auto lights, etc. Nice ride, a little sporty, not too fast, but not too slow either. Reliable as far as getting from point A to point B, but way too many problems with the build quality. Faulty trunk latch, auto window stopped working, lightbulb sensor going on and off, sunroof acting funny, buttons peeling, even the gas cap not unlocking. Will not be buying another VW!
Favorite Features
Auto headlights, wipers, sunroof, leatherette interior, heated seats, large trunk with hooks for groceries...
Suggested Improvements
Improve on build quality!!! Also, car calls for regular fuel, but seems to run much smoother on mid-grade. Not much of a difference between mid-grade and premium.
Not as good as I thought
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 2 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I have loved my Jetta until today. All of sudden, I was stuck in the middle of the road because my car would not go into gear (manual transmission). I have read many complaints on the National Highway and Safety website of other owners complaining of the same problem and VW who will not take responsibility. My warranty was up less than 1000 miles ago. My car has only been driven 50,000 miles. I should not be having problems with it so soon. It is costly to fix and I am very upset. I had planned on upgrading to a Passat in 2 years because I was so happy with the Jetta, but I don't think I will.
Favorite Features
heated seats, good sound system and good gas mileage
Suggested Improvements
A reliable car that won't have major problems like the transmission or clutch breaking. A better warranty.
Maintenance expensive, had some trouble
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
Review
I put over 230000 km in 4 years on my Jetta. It did stay remarkably tight. Parts I had to replace include 5 wheel bearings, a dozen headlight bulbs, a new turbo for $2400., a fuel pump for $550., a turbo hose, various front end parts, e-brake cables etc. The fuel mileage is good and you think you are getting ahead but you pay it all back for the $100 oil changes and $300 every 32000km for fuel filters. My other complaint is the electrical systems, had intermittent trouble with headlights and my door lock system. For a while there I thought I owned HERBIE. Lastly, everybody loves the heated seats because a TDI takes 30 minutes of driving to actually heat up. HELLO TOYOTA HERE I COME.
Favorite Features
Heated seats, power roof.
Suggested Improvements
Should have a block heater, maintenance is too high, expensive for a sub compact car, forever to heat up! They eat light bulbs, count how many you meet on the road with a light out. It is rather amusing!!!!!!!!!!
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
- 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
- 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
- 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
- 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
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