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Used 2005 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
74 reviews

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4.75 out of 5 stars

2004 VW Jetta TDI

John Ades, 12/16/2004
2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

A fun car to drive.It has lots of acceleration for normal highway driving.The fuel economy is wonderful at todays prices.I have gotten as high as 49 mpg on a trip,and always get at least in the low 40's.Slightly pricey,but nothing except hybreds come close to the fuel economy.

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5 out of 5 stars

2005 Jetta TDI (Pumpe Duese)

Brian, 12/31/2004
2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Jetta TDI #2

VW Owner, 01/23/2005
2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Bill's jetta

Bill, 02/10/2005
2005 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is my second TDI Jetta, I also had a 2001 and my wife purchased a 2003. We have been very satisfied with the car, its performance and reliability. I had 60,000 miles on my other car when I sold it to a friend. This is a great car. If I were to improve it I would make the rear seat leg space larger and I would quiet the interior so you would not get as much road noise.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Ultimate in practicality and fun

Rob from JAX, 03/04/2005
2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The Jetta was everything promised. With 7,000 miles on it, I've averaged 43 mpg in the city. It's fuel efficient, yet it has get-up-and-go when it needs it. The fuel gauge is more conservative than published in the owners manual. I've been very satisfied.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

It is good for the money

max becker, 03/22/2005
2005 Volkswagen Jetta New TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It always starts, the TDI is great for mileage. The handling is good for a car that is not a performance car.

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5 out of 5 stars

Superior Compact Car

Scott, 06/04/2005
2005 Volkswagen Jetta New TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

2 days after purchasing the NEW Jetta 1.9L TDI, I took it on a road trip from Denver to Phoenix (14 hour drive through the Rockies over several passes). The TDI Jetta handled curving mountain roads and inclines seamlessly. I am very impressed with the New Jetta. I had Passat envy just after purchasing the Jetta as I thought it might be a tad too small. However, after this road trip (1700 miles) I'm glad I purchased this pleasure drive vehicle (package 2 features) and excellent 42+ mpg. These diesels have tremendous torque handling Wolf Creek Pass as if it were a flat land drive with the ability to accelerate at any given time. The New Jetta TDI is an excellent choice for consumers.

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5 out of 5 stars

The Way to Go TDI

Doug, 06/05/2005
2005 Volkswagen Jetta New TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought the diesel because of the cost of gas and 45 mpg sounded good. I test-drove both the stick and the auto and to my surprise (lifetime stick driver) I liked the auto better. The auto clearly had better gearing and performed better. So far I am getting 40 mpg city and 50 highway and I think that is fantastic for an automatic. The trans has a sports mode that is very nice for an adrenalin rush. Don’t worry that the engine only has 100hp this car is just as quick as the gas version and does not get bogged down by weight like a gas car. Also diesel is sold in more places then you think. Plus when you are getting over 600 miles on a tank you can pass by many stations anyway.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

New 2005 Jetta TDI 5 sp manual

desertair, 06/30/2005
2005 Volkswagen Jetta New TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

Premium sedan

Ursula Fries-Herfort, 06/30/2005
2005 Volkswagen Jetta New TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car can not be compared to the civic or corolla. It is a class of its own, closer maybe to the passat or accord but cheaper. The interior is that of a premium car. Great comfort with great fuel efficiency. Enough space for a family of 4, huge trunk makes it a great car for travel. When you drive it you forget that it is a diesel engine.

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5 out of 5 stars

New Jetta 1.9 TDI auto

grmyth, 07/02/2005
2005 Volkswagen Jetta New TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

51 mpg va to ny

mark, 07/12/2005
2005 Volkswagen Jetta New TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Once a month I make a 1100 mile round trip from Alexandria Va to the Adirondacks in NY. I mainly stay on interstates at 75 to 80 mph and the car handles like a pro. Cold weather, snow, no problem. The best its done for mpg is 51, worst 49. The only complaint is it takes forever to warm up at 0 degrees F. My tootsies get cold by the time the heat starts blowing on them. All in all, I highly reccomend the car, and love owning it!

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Love my Jetta TDI

AUJettaTDI, 08/04/2005
2005 Volkswagen Jetta New TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

I love this car!

Elizabeth, 08/05/2005
2005 Volkswagen Jetta New TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love driving this car. It handles well, gets great gas mileage, and is incredibly comfortable. Some say the visibility is limited, but it doesn't bother me a bit. But you should test drive one to make sure you like it. I have had a blast with it so far though!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

minor changes

peter, 08/10/2005
2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great car, only issues, car is not level, higher in rear. Driver seat feels like you are tilted forward (falling forward), not sitting level. Also front windshield is smaller than previous Jetta's and window pillars are obstructing driver's view, saftey issues. Car has great mileage.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Ecstatic

Gary, 08/20/2005
2005 Volkswagen Jetta New TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

2005 Jetta TDI

john rollins, 09/08/2005
2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

More than pleased with my New Jetta TDI

Yves Blanchet, 12/05/2005
2005 Volkswagen Jetta New TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love to drive my Volkswagen Jetta TDI. It is quiet, yet we can feel the road. The interior is beautiful and practical and uses only quality materials. The trip computer is a real pleasure. I liked my previous car which was a Mercedes-Benz C240, however this Jetta TDI takes the crown. I do not know why I would pay more when I have it all with this Jetta at $24,000. I have driven it over 7,000 miles in five months and my average fuel economy is 49.6 mpg so far (yes almost fifty!).

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4 out of 5 stars

Diesel all the way

tiddywag, 05/11/2006
2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is a great car to own. Admittedly, it's not too fast, but it gets the job done. It has good low RPM power and unbelievable fuel economy. My best has been 50.64 MPG so far, that was with 85% highway driving. Be sure to set the cruise control fairly conservatively for best results and constantly monitor your tire pressure.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

Can be improved

Walter, 11/19/2007
2005 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Have one ongoing problem, it's the road clearance under car, you will bottom out on road dips (not potholes) just thoses waves and dips that you cannot see. This has caused the dust panel behind front bumper to fall off. You will hit this panel entering and leaving driveways etc. There is just not enough clearance under car. I estimate the clearance under my Jetta to be approx. 2 to 3 inches at most. Is this legal? Local mecanic suggested that mybe Volkswagon might have stiffer front springs to lift car a little higher, will check soon. Good fuel economy but you lose a little of what you save from the pumps when you pay high, very high oil changes.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

From Gas to Diesel

dokdiesel, 08/15/2005
2005 Volkswagen Jetta New TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Never owned a diesel or VW before. I needed a high mpg car for a longer commute. I was leaning towards a hybrid, but I test drove it and I was impressed. Just turned 1,100 miles on the car. It's been a great commuter car so far. The car handles well and latest safety test rating are and added bonus.

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5 out of 5 stars

Never a Regret

Missouri Lady, 05/21/2006
2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I drive 86 miles round trip to my job. I get an average of 48 miles per gallon on diesel. I was driving a 4 wheel drive, half ton truck which only got 14 miles per gallon. I live in St. Louis and the temperatures can be very cold. My Jetta is very reliable and fun to drive. I love it! I will buy another Jetta TDI. Thanks Volkswagen.

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5 out of 5 stars

TDI is a great engine

DD, 03/13/2005
2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I've now had the Jetta wagon with the diesel engine for about two months. Assuming it lasts (the engine assuredly will, time will tell about the rest of the car)it is a wonderful car. Comfortable, road-friendly, intelligently designed (they even have a sunglasses holder), this is a great car. And, I'm getting 40 mpg. It loves to cruise at 80 mph. Great car.

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1 out of 5 stars

German garbage

j k, 08/28/2016
2005 Volkswagen Jetta New TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM)
0 of 17 people found this review helpful

Never buy German; stick with Japan, S Korea, USA, Subaru

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Interior
2 out of 5 stars
Comfort
2 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
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