Used 2005 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Reviews
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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 Third Jetta
I just traded in my Jetta for the new 2005 Jetta. I love this car! I have owned a 2000 TDI and a 2005 Jetta. What an upgrade from the previous vehicles.
- GLS WagonMSRP: $5,99533 mi away
- GLS PZEV SedanMSRP: $2,99536 mi away
- TDI Diesel Sedan (Midyear)MSRP: $6,49965 mi away
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.
Best car ever
I am used to driving trucks that get 10-13 mpg. This is a whole lot better then that of course. What else can you ask for? Its a sports car with all the luxury you need. Sunroof, great sound system, and all the electonics you need. I am 5'11 and 245 lbs and the recaro racing seats fit me just fine. There's nothing to complain about the car. I never knew you can go so fast around corners until this car. The power is there when you need it with or without the typtronic. I never would have bought a VW let alone a Jetta but am in love with this car. Basically everything you need at a pretty cheap price only if you go through Edmunds.
Love It!!!!!
I'm LOVIN the new Jetta!!! I used to have a 2000 Jetta and I loved it for me, but my passengers hated being cramped. The 2005 Jetta is AWESOME!!! I was able to pile 3 adults in the back seat and they weren't too cramped! I was shocked!!! The transmission is great! I love the sports setting! I didn't like the faux wood trim in the top of the line Jetta and didn't want the satellite radio.
The Best Jetta EVER!
This car is absolutely the best Jetta ever built. This is my 2nd Jetta owned and it won't be my last. The gas milage is great. 27 in the city and 33 on the highway. The new body style also gives the car the room it needs in the back seat. Plus, probably the best feature, this car just got named the safest car on the road right now. It aced the side impact crash tests! Overall the car fits me and my family perfectly!
My best car yet
My 05 TDI has 112000 miles. I purchased it new. It gets up to 60 mpg but averages 45 mpg. I'm 6', 250 and find it very comfortable and fun to drive. Maintenance is expensive but I never had any major problems. I also had a 04 Passat TDI but only got 30-32 mpg. Would love to have another Jetta TDI like mine.
3rd jetta
my third. had a gen 3 and 4. traded the 4 for the gen 5. wanna turbo it later. a little on the slow side for me. but it keeps up with normal cars. sounds system would rock if my door panels didnt rattle with it hahah. only problom i have seen. love the car.
The last of a dying breed...
Good overall vehicle. Decent gas mileage, plenty of available power, smooth opertation. It's a heavy car that needs more power to compensate.
Midwest Jetta
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.
I love this car!
I am thrilled with my 6-speed manual Jetta GLI. The only negatives I can think of are the lack of a center console and the very short first gear that almost makes you want to start out in second. However, it is without a doubt the most fun driving experience I have ever had in any car, and I love hearing the turbo whistle after 2000 rpms. it looks awesome with the ground effects, 18-inch rims, and Recaro racing seats-all of which come stock with the GLI. The clutch is extremely smooth, the breaks are perfect, good air conditioning and easy-to use controls, and an excellent stereo system. I would definitely suggest this vehicle to anyone who wants a good blend between power and practicality.
New 2005 Jetta TDI 5 sp manual
Poor man's BMW 325i, rich man's 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.
Love this car! Will not be my last VW!!
Bout this car from a private party, July 2010. It is NOT the tdi, the 1.8l. I am 20 years old, so you can imagine how I drive my car. Fiance and I are both active firefighters, this car goes through it all. I drive it to work and college every day, also on shopping trips over 100 miles away. Car runs wonderfully, you can't even hear it running. I did hit a deer, was very impressed with the durability of the car. The driver door held up beautifully, and the window shattered just like it was supposed to. There are no problems with anything on this car, must say it is the best investment I have made. I will be buying another VW, just not the turbo diesel! Too many problems with those.
New Jetta 1.9 TDI auto
Had the car for less than a month. Gas mileage is awesome, lot better than my previous car. Only problem with the new Jetta's so far is the rattling of the speakers in the front doors. There is a TBA out, and most dealers know about the problem. After, when the problem is fixed, the sound system sounds awesome.
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.
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.
Can't beat the GLI! True sports sedan!
This car has as much luxury as an Audi, much of the driveterrain is Audi, it has a big brake kit like the Audi TT, and the 1.8T motor and tranny are from the Audi A4. The real aluminum dash, recaro seats, and suspension are awesome. Get the GIAC chip it rocks this car, adds 30-40hp and its not dealer traceable. Turbo is smooth, gearing is awesome, this car is a true sleeper and underrated. For the luxury and build quality under the hood in the trunk everything this is a great bang for the buck, the only thing nicer maybe a BMW 3-Series or an Audi. This car drives and handles so smooth, around turns you want to feed the engine more. I get 26 mpg thanks to the really nice trip computer / screen usually found in more expensive cars.
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.
I'm having a blast driving! Great car...
I am a first time Jetta owner and I am so happy that I got it. The new Jetta style is hot, classy and it's so much fun to drive. I am extremely excited and happy about it. The warranty is great and the dealership was super friendly and it was an easy transaction.
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.
Love my Jetta TDI
Car likes to drive the interstates, and I love driving it. Runs easily at 85 and still wants to go faster. Very perky car too. Handles very well.
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.
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!
New Jetta: More Than My Money's Worth
I was pleasantly surprised by the New Jetta. Bought the 2.5 without premium package (but not Value Package.) With incentives the price was $20,264. Surprisingly, all the goodies from my A4 3.0 are there, plus more, like rain-sensing wipers and auto headlights. Handling is way crisper than Edmunds' review would have you believe, and power is quite adequate if not barnburning. Six speed Tiptronic transmission is the only auto tranny in this price range with more than four gears - - makes all the difference. Seats are really comfortable (very firm as is typical of Germans.) Although assembled in Puebla Mexico the workmanship (so far) is absolutely first rate. No complaints whatever. Great value!
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.
Ecstatic
Been looking for a non-hybrid fuel efficient car to replace my truck from everyday driving. Looked on line and found that the VW diesels were the most fuel efficient. I test drove a 2005 Jetta and liked it. I couldn't find a great deal in May before the new body styoe came out, so I waited. I lucked into a 2005.5 loaded automatic TDI and bought at dealer invoice. I drive about 4,200 miles each month, 90% hwy, & will save 150 gallons a month at 42 mpg. In only 2 days, I have been averaging better fuel economy every time I get in the car. Yesterday it was 48+ mpg and todfay it was 51+ mpg. I look forward to averaging between 50 & 60 mpg & have the fuel savings pay for the car!
2005 Jetta TDI
I am happy with the 42 mpg average on my 80 mile daily commute, averaging highway speeds of 65 to 79.999 mph. My car passes everything including the gas pumps. I'm saving about $2,500 a year on fuel driving this car. In nine years if fuel is still $2.79 per gallon the car was free. 2005 TDI GLS, leather, 5 speed, moonroof, monsoon was less than $22,000, free after 9 years of fuel savings. That's a discount program.
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.
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.
Noises and Rattles
I have had my VW Jetta for three months. It makes a horrible noise when starting (after sitting several hours), dealer says its normal :(... (secondary air pump?). Have also had several dash rattles and speaker noise. Dealer ordered repair kit for speakers, but there is no fix possible for engine noise (sounds like a diesel when first starts). I am a first and probably a last timw VW owner.
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.
Totally Outstanding - Love It!
This car is the best I have ever owned. The Tiptronic is a really sweet option and the rain-sensing wipers are awesome...especially here in Seattle!! The drive is smooth and you can feel the tires grip the road. Driving in the rain on wet pavement with the ESP is like driving on dry pavement. I would recommend this car to everyone that wants a high-end quality vehicle for an affordable price!
Stay Away
This 2.5 Jetta is the tenth VW we've owned in fifteen years. It is junk. The transmission skips, it will not engage in drive or reverse properly, and there is a dangerous lapse when taking off from a slow down. The rain sensor wipers are terrible. They sometimes wipe when the windshield is dry or won't wipe at all in a downpour. On continuous wipe they go into intermittent (this car does not have it). The climatronic is screwed up. The a/c comes on by itself when temp is set at 70 and it won't turn off. I have been to two dealers and VW service cannot fix anything. The VW area rep has refused to do anymore warranty service. I am filing lemon law and VW is fighting it. I will never buy VW again.
Lovin the Wagon
My 2005 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon is fun to drive and comfortable. I have not had any problems with it. Its smooth ride is excellent on long trips.
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!
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!
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.
Great Car!
I love driving this car! I've had older Toyota Camrys and a Honda Accord...and my 2005 Volkswagen Jetta Value Edition feels so much more powerful. Also, it looks really nice.
Electrical Problems
This is my first Jetta and I was so excited with the new body style and the 2.5. It's a great car for driving and it handles excellent on the highway and fuel mileage is 24. in the city. But then electrical problems began with Check engine, coolant, temp gauge, radiator fan wiring harness all replaced within the first 6 months. Now again, electrical problems, drivers door power window wiring harness replaced then the air bag wiring harness will be replaced next week. I'm thinking FORD right about now. I loved my VW but the problems are not worth the name of Jetta.
Excellent Car
After driving around a '98 Camry (smooth ride) it took a while for me to adjust to the 2005 Jetta which is stiffer - but more fun to drive. The car handles really well. You can feel the turbo kick in around 2,000 and the powerband keeps up until about 2,700. The interior quality is nicer then all the small cars I've been in (Civic, Corolla, Focus) and the layout is straightforward. I currently live in Germany (although the car is American spec, bought in the U.S.) and the car handles very well on the autobahn at speeds of 90 - 110 mph. 90 mph = 3,000rpm. Sharp looking car!
I Love It!
This is the seventh VW I have owned in my life and it has been the best handling, and most fun to drive of the lot of them. The seat, 6 speed gear box and 18" tires make it a blast to drive in the tight twisty country roads here in Wisconsin. I did get a second set of tires for the long winter months here and it still handles the road fine.
Terrible Car - Will Never Buy One Again
I bought my 2005 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 the first day it was available in Texas - Huge mistake! My car has been in the shop 5 times in 9 months, and the worst thing about it is that I am still having problems. The sunroof has broken twice. The speakers rattle terribly! They have already been fixed once, but I still have the problem. There is a clicking in the dashboard that they supposively fixed (still there). It is an automatic, but I can feel my transmission stick as it goes from gear to gear. The clock doesn't keep accurate time. They were unable to fix either of these problems. When I start the car, it is extremely loud! I am a first time VW buyer, and I can guarantee that I will never buy another!