Used 2005 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Reviews
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Best Car In Class - Period.
I bought my Jetta 2.5 a few days ago and I must say that I am amazed with this car's overall quality, fit and finish and attention to detail. The interior design is excellent and all materials are top-rate. The AT is smooth shifting and includes 6-speeds. There's every feature you can possibly want (with package #2) in a car in this class. No other car in this class is as well equiped or has the same attention to detail for the price (~$26k)- period. The performance of the standard 5 cyl. is "good", but it's slightly noisy; brake performance is very good; suspension is slightly firm but not too much (and absorbs bumps well); the steering feels slightly light; and the seats are excellent.
Vdub
First European car, super fun and super safe to drive. Bought it for pregnant wife and she fell in love with it. Certainly won't be last VW we own.
- GL SedanMSRP: $5,950201 mi away
- GLS TDI Diesel WagonMSRP: $7,999486 mi away
- GL SedanMSRP: $3,991516 mi away
Why buy anything else??
Gobs of fun to drive! 40+ MPG. Holds a bunch of stuff. Very good fit & finish. Too soon to tell much about reliability... Only problem so far, I look down at the speedo, Hell! I'm doing 80 again... Really smooth, quiet for a Diesel.
Expensive Fix
The first 5 years I had the Jetta I absolutely loved it. Performed all routine maintenance as recommended and had no issues other than normal wear & tear (tires & brakes). Hit 90,000 miles and problems have not stopped. Exhaust check engine light came on, $1000 to fix vent fans for engine. Didn't do service and two weeks later check engine light went off and problem ceased. 1 month later airbag fault light came on, trunk won't lock and opens when I am driving! Passanger side window will not roll up, stuck about 6 inches down. Appear to be all electrical issues but fix is very expensive.
Can't find anyting to dislike
Very quiet on the highway. Solidly built. Great stereo. Fantastic interior quality. Great paint job. Too soon to tell about reliability.
New Jetta Rocks!
I love this car! I've had my New Jetta for 3 months now, and I couldn't be more pleased with it. The handling is outstanding, and the interior wouldn't be out of place in a luxury car. I used to have a Ford Explorer, and was looking for a fun car to have; something nice but affordable. This is it. Anyone looking for a luxury car without the price; this car is for you. The build quality is amazing. Just feeling the texture of the materials, and the way the car handles and rides on rough roads is amazing.
Great Gas MPG, Great Car
Great car, a bit more refined compared to the last few years. The 1.9l with the 6 speed auto works great together. Averaging over 40mpg so far. I have had it 14 days and and over 2000 miles on it so far. Can't go wrong.
Beware the first model year of a VW
I've had this car with Package 2 for about 3 weeks. Stereo made front doors rattle something fierce. Developed buzzing noise in dashboard. Took to car wash this weekend. When air drying portion hit the front doors I thought the panneling would come off it rattled so loud! And, the next day I discovered that it retained water INSIDE the back doors. Oh, and the outside mirrors make quite a wind noise at speed.
Would Recommend
I've had the New Jetta for about two weeks, and I've been very impressed with it! It is much bigger than the previous model and has tons of luxury features that were not available before. Overall this is a great car and very fun to drive!
Perfect Econo Car
Although a Jetta might cost a little more going in, with a TDI powerplant, it can last far longer than other low- price, mid-milage cars. I don't know who said 43mpg for the TDI, but I've gotten over 55mpg. With gas prices going up, who could say no? This is my third diesel VW, and I won't drive a gasoline car again. Performance, awesome pickup, tight brakes, and lots of room to personalize with aftermarket gizmos.
Jetta Wagon TDI
Back seat is a little tight otherwise I love my Jetta. Great gas mileage with the TDI
Best car on the Road by far
Ii love my Jetta GLI I wouldn't go with anything else. The handling and the looks of this car is worth every bit of the price tag. The new GLI 05 1/2 will be even better but I just love the look of the 05.
Good Car
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 5'10" 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.
Not as good as I thought
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.
Happy Camper
I had a 95 Passat VR6, then 2001 New Turbo Beetle, now the New Jetta 2.5 with the 5 speed manual. The New Jetta is as large as my old 95 Passat (actually taller), and the 2.5, 5 cylinder engine is smooth and responsive. Not as powerful as the VR6 or 4 cylinder turbo, but I have no complaints. The quality of the interior is impressive and the instrument cluster and climate controls are very easy to navigate. Love the rain sensitive wipers. Huge trunk. My only complaint is not with the car but with the consistency of VW service. I've had multiple experiences of bad service at both local dealerships. I've just learned to be assertive.
Buyer Beware
At first I really liked this car. Sure the Value Edition limited my choices, but the car came with a lot of standard features anyway. For the price, it almost seemed to good to be true. Unfortunately, it was. It's been downhill since I drove it off the lot. A sensor problem with the door locks required VW techs at corporate to help diagnose and fix. Then there was the recent recall due to fuel line problems. But the real clincher for me is the ride. I can't believe someone described it as "smooth" unless they just got the car. Up to about 1300 miles, it was smooth. But once the suspension got broken in, it now rides like a horse-n-buggy. I would not buy this car knowing what I know now.
The new Jetta is a step backward
The new Jetta is my third VW. I sold my 2001 Jetta, which I believe was the best small car on the market for the last few years. I wasn't too crazy about the styling of the new Jetta, especially its Corolla-esque rear, but leased it anyway. Big mistake. I am disappointed at the new Jetta; rattles from the rear right door, glove compartment door squeaks, and it seems to gulp up engine oil. The car also feels a bit too hefty for its size, as there appears to be more leaning during cornering than the old model.
TDI - Yeah Baby
Dude - What an awesome car. I used to drive a 95' Jeep Cherokee. Quite a step up. 43 miles to the gallon! Smooth and quiet ride. This our first VW but we can't wait until we get our next one. You sit in the driver's seat and you think, "Man, I'm drving a pretty posh car!"
Okay Car, But I Would Not Buy Another VW
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!
Just great
With fuel prices rising, this is the only way to go. Why bother with hybrids when a tried and true TDI is there. It is fairly quick, gets over 40 mpg in mixed driving, looks and feels like a luxury car. This is my fifth VW and I currently have a Golf, New Beetle Convertable, and the Jetta TDI. The others are wonderful but this may turn out to be the best. I traded a V6 4Motion Passat for the TDI and feature for feature the New Jetta is way aahead.
Finest Car, near luxury, Fuel Economy
The Jetta TDI 2005.5 is an exceptionally well built car and is a top performer. The diesel engine is quiet and smooth. Acceleration is crisp and road handling excellent. I do quite a bit of back road, very windy driving and it handles the road wonderfully. Fuel economy so far on a brand new 1 week old engine is 45 mpg! in mixed city driving. Top speed going to work is maybe 50 mph. Avergae speed is 40 mph.
My VW
Love to drive it and great gas mileage.
Great car!
I love my Jetta! It has tons of great options, great quality, and great fuel economy. It drives like a much more expensive vehicle. Great safety and convience features.
Good basic car but
Love the sound system Monsoon. Good ride and mileage. Paint job is suspect. I have many chips on front of car and have never experienced this with any cars dating back many years. Especially concerning since previous cars were subjected to gravel roads and this has never been on gravel or dirt roads. Transmission problems necessitated valve replacement which was covered under warranty.
What now
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.
Great Car - More People Should Know Abou
This is a great car. With fuel cost going so high I was thinking of a hybrid but didn't like the Toyota Prius or Honda Insight. Stopped by VW almost as an afterthought and so glad I did. Getting 38 MPG in town and 44 on highway. Typical German built car. Details are not left to chance.
Great car!
My overall experience with my first VW is great. I travel for my job which means I'm in my car for 3-5 hours everyday. Being 6'2", the electric leather seats with memory is a wonderful feature and very comfortable. The pickup and fuel economy mix is perfect as I like to take the corners quick and use the cruise control for the highways. Good looks and solid VW engineering. Purchased in Dec 08 and this review written in Sept 09 it's been great.
big man
front seat are not made for people over 6'02" i am bigger and just fit
I'm All for It
When I saw pictures of the new Jetta i was not impressed at all but when it got to my local dealership this car was my salesman introduced this car to me I fell in love instantly and I traded in my old Jetta (2003) that day. I'm glad that the Jetta sort of grew up.
WOW! Best New Vehicle I've Owned!
My VW Jetta is everything I expected it to be. The fit and finish are first rate. No rattles or odd noises. The ride is right on target for a vehicle this size and the handling is great. The HUGE trunk is a very big plus. My fuel economy has been much better than stated on the sticker. Traveling through New England in October of 2007, and traveling on major roads along with the various State Police crusers at 80 mph, I got 34.5 mpg. The fuel milage was calculated from the last fill up and the amount of fuel needed to fill up again. I've owned Saabs etc., but for the money, you just can't go wrong with a VW Jetta. It feels like a very expensive car, but at a working mans price.
2005 Jetta TDI (Pumpe Duese)
The new Pumpe Duese TDI offered in the 2005 Jetta is even better than the already proven diesel of the last generation. The new TDI features a direct injection, which as a by-product boosted engine performance and fuel economy. For those interested in speed - the New TDI Jetta will out perform the 2.0L gas 5 speed manual Jetta and get twice the gas mileage during the process! Overall, the new Jetta drives with outstanding peformance, efficency, balence and versatility.
New Jetta in Orlando
This New Jetta is awesome. Performance is unbelievable. Its German design is unique and pleasant to the eye.
Jetta TDI #2
First Jetta TDI 2000 model was purchased used with about 40,000 Miles. Needed and automatic with good mileage for a daily 86 mile round-trip commute. Has excellent torque and good performance in traffic. After 3 years of ownership got an average of 40+ mpg. Became interested in the improved engine on the new models after 2004 which had additional torque and horsepower and also wanted an upgrade to the GLS with leather heated seats and moon roof so purchased a 2005. I have only 3,000 miles on the car but have averaged 42 MPG or better on each tank. The performance reflects the increased torque and horsepower. Am very pleased with the car.
Why buy anything else ?
47 MPG, A real hoot to drive, and gobs of room for stuff. Great build quality, great, fit and finish, and it looks great! Too soon to say anything about the reliability. Monsoon sound system is really nice. Was looking for a base GL, TDI, 5 sp Man. Not one to be found in TX. I think I got the last 5sp. manual in TX. $5,000 off for slight hail damage & hard negoiating. No trades, my own financing. Scion XB was too small, Ford Focus Wagon was just too vanilla, PT Crusier was going to be it, but I drove this Jetta Wagon later that afternoon. NO WAY was I going to buy the PT Crusier after driving the Jetta TDI. Both 5sp Man.... We will be driving this car 10 years from now, still grinning...
Germans do it better!
This was my first brand new car and I've been completely happy with it. The base line model (GL) doesn't feel very base line with remote key less entry, power windows/locks, CD AM/FM and cassette, cruise control, chrome trim accents and those cool purple dash board lights. It's comfortable, reliable, nice to drive and gets good mileage. Servicing is reasonably priced and so is the car itself. I don't think the signal lights staying on were manufacturer default, but operator malfunction. Here's a tip, turn the lights OFF and they won't run your battery down. Good luck backing up in that ION. (that's a bad shape)
The New Jetta
This is a great car. I believe it is reliable and it has a lot of features that are nice, such as seat warmers, rain sensors, and the 6-CD changer. It rides and drives really well. The fuel economy is not bad either. This car has style and class for a very inexpensive price.
Cheap plastic knobs are pealing
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.
Regret it
A nice car but a week later I really regret not buying the Mazda3 sedan we looked at. The Mazda was more fun to drive, bigger inside and a lot less money! I definitely know what I will be trading my Jetta for as soon as I can. The Jetta is nice but not worth the price.
Love this!
Even though we bought the value package, it still has some great features. Power windows and doors and remote entry are really great! For a 4 cyl. it still drives nice. It fits our three kids in the back with one booster seat. Lots of trunk space!!! We bought new and have had no problems. It is the perfect small car for us. My husband is tall and I am really short and it is very comfortable for both, unlike the Honda. I felt like I was in a Low rider. The Jetta makes me feel taller and more comfortable. Would (and have) recommend this car to others.
We just love it. Traded in the old S500.
We get 49.5 mpg in our Volkswagen Jetta TDI Sedan. We can go from CT ro FL on 2 tanks og gas! Going from a Mercedes-Benz S500 to the Jetta TDI is an extreme jump, but that is what my wife wanted and she is completely satisfyed.
My 2005 Jetta GTI 1.8T
I love my new Jetta. It handles great on the highway and on city streets.
Luv the VW
I love, love, love my new VW! I feel Llke I am driving an expensive car but, I'm not. I went from a Ford to VW and I could not be happier. It is good on gas, it's so cute, and has an awesome stereo system in it!
Love it more every day
I have owned trucks my whole life. I have never driven a more tuned car then the Jetta. Wish I would have gotten the 6 speed but needed the automatic. It handles like a dream and has all the power you need. If you need more this engine can do it. Out of all the cars out there, Volkswagen has really set the bar. Make sure you look at all the little details. It will blow you away!!
Insane
I would have never imagined so much from a diesel. At 3,000 rpms I was doing 90 mph getting 42 mpg with plenty of pedal left! Thats just insane. This car is great for anyone commuting daily more than 25 miles, its fun, safe, and economical.
NEW 05 TDI experience
After owning a 2000 Beetle GLX turbo for 5 years with gas prices rising I decided to make a switch. Deciding on the 2005.5 New Jetta TDI with package #2 all the options. I have really enjoyed the overall performance and not to mention the mileage. I get 38 in the city and 48 on the highway. Amazing what diesel technology can do. I would definately tell anyone interested to go diesel. Anyone who wants to can relpy with their VW experiences.
I love my Jetta
I love this car. I handles great. Fuel consumption is reasonable. It is an excellent city car, but also good on the highway. I have had four Jettas, and this is by far the best.
Best New Car Ever!
The price of gas drvoe me to trade in my 2003 4WD Toyota Tundra, which I really liked, on the new Jetta. After a lot of research, I decided that the Jetta was clearly the best value going. There are a few other cars out there with the new Jetta's features, but they cost thousands more. But the real proof came with the buying and the driving. I have never been happier with any car than this one. Superb in every respect, inside and out. If it weren't for the VW symbol on the steering wheel, you would think you were driving a car that you could never afford. Forget the high-priced alternatives like BMW or SAAB...there's no comparison. Now I look for reasons to have to drive somewhere!
So Far So Good
I owned an Audi TT before the Jetta. I loved my TT but realized that maybe I couldn't afford it after the warranty runs out. The Jetta is more comfortable than the TT. It rides more smoothly. It just doesn't snap your head back when you put it in third and give it some gas. But still, if I close my eyes when I walk to the car and then get in the Jetta, I am in a luxury Audi TT. It has a nice sound system, sunroof, heated seats, and sweet leather. Enjoy life! I really like this Jetta!
A Few Kinks, but I Love It!
I traded my Jeep because of gas prices and love this Jetta. I had done earlier research on the Jetta back in late 90's and was not impressed but this year was a completley different car. I love the ride until you have to floor it, would be nice to have a little more pick up and go when needed. I have a driver side sterio speaker issue that I need to fix, the car does start up kinda loud but then it goes away and runs smoothly. The trunk space is GREAT and the numerous other german features are wonderful and I enjoy! I have hit 45-50 miles to the gallon driving wisely, or maybe I just got a good engine.
New Jetta is a keeper
Just got a new Jetta and the ride and performance of the car are in my opinion better than the Volvo S40. The interior is well designed and spacious for a small car. I love that 6 speed automatic with triptronic and sport shift.