2005 Volkswagen Jetta Review
2005 Volkswagen Jetta Review





+70
Used Jetta for sale
Volkswagen Jetta model years
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
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
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.
Edmunds 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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.32 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$172/mo
Jetta GLS
vs
$172/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2005 Volkswagen Jetta.
5 star(66%)
4 star(18%)
3 star(11%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(1%)
245 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.13 out of 5 stars
Never again!!!
lslb40, 08/23/2011
2005 Volkswagen Jetta New 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 5M)
I have had my 2005 2.5L for 3 years now. I have had to replace the timing chain and tensioners once already. 4 months later I had to replace the tensioners again. Thank god my Husband works on VW's cause if you take it to a VW dealer to get fixed your looking at a $2,500 job and that's on the low side. Now my car has an intermittent starting problem which after days and days of research … I see that this has been a big problem for this car and several other VW car's. I have talked to a VW mechanic from a local VW dealer and he has said to get rid of the car, especially the 2.5L. He has been a VW mechanic for 35 years. Needless to say. I will never buy a VW again.
4 out of 5 stars
7 years and counting
walter67, 06/13/2012
2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
1st owner of my 2005 Jetta Diesel, have station wagon auto trans.
Travel from North East to Florida each year, so it has avoided winter salty roads.
I've replace the timing belt at 85,000 miles to be on safe side.
Will need new rubber on my struts both normal ware.
Still have original brake pads at 90,000 miles at every oil change I expect to be told its time to change so far not … yet.
Fuel economy.... average 34 to 39 miles per gallon I can get 42 miles on a gallon if I drive at my RPM sweet spot which is 38 to 41 miles an hour, at that speed you will get the 42 per gallon.
Would I buy this vehicle again YOU BETCHA
I would.
Paid $21,5000 in Jan of 20005
3.63 out of 5 stars
Great car, but high maintenance
cl002004, 10/02/2013
2005 Volkswagen Jetta New 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
I've had this car for about 8 years now. I'm not really a car enthusiast, just need something to
comfortably take me from point a to point b without any issues. It does exactly what I need it to do most of the time. The only thing is that unexpectedly random things will go wrong with it. In the past 8 years, power steering broke, oil leaked, trunk door got stuck, and my favorite, the … ignition lock(?) broke so that my key would not go in the ignition.
Very costly to get these issues fixed, on top of high regular maintenance costs. Replacing the ignition lock cost $700 + towing expenses.
3.13 out of 5 stars
Very disappointed
Elise, 01/26/2010
2005 Volkswagen Jetta New 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
My 2005 Jetta has 87000 miles, is serviced regularly, but now I have to get a new car. The timing chain, gears, spark plugs, and coil pack supposedly all went out last week and to fix it would be $3700 according to the dealership. While I have loved the design and the drive, it just isn't worth it. The worst part is they only offered me $1500 for a trade in. Why would I want another … VW if that is all they think it is worth? I'll be getting a Toyota this weekend.
2005 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $17,680
- MPG & Fuel
- 21 City / 28 Hwy / 24 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 115 hp @ 5,200 rpm
- Torque: 122 lb-ft @ 2,600 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50,000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 172.3 in. / Height: 56.7 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 68.3 in.
- Curb Weight: 2,895 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 13.0 cu.ft.
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Side Impact TestNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestGood
People who viewed this also viewed
4.5 average Rating out of 13 reviews. |
Starting at $25,050 |
See Inventory |
3.7 average Rating out of 3 reviews. |
Starting at $24,155 |
See Inventory |
4.6 average Rating out of 7 reviews. |
Starting at $27,575 |
See Inventory |
More about the 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
More About This Model
At its leading edge, the hood of the 2005 Volkswagen Jetta is notched with a small, semicircular relief. The crescent-shaped carving is just large enough for the panel to perfectly wrap itself around the grille-mounted VW badge. When the hood is closed, it's as if the two are in a long, loving embrace.
This artful detail will no doubt go unnoticed by the masses, but Jetta owners from Bean Town to the Bay Area will recognize it as the only bit of cool VW carried over from the previous model. And the last Jetta was cool. In fact, it stood alone in the premium small car segment for years, giving the I-really-want-a-BMW-3-Series-and-I-will-have-one-some-day-but-for-now-I-only-have-about-$20-grand-to-spend crowd a place they could feel good about themselves.
But the fifth generation of the small sedan is not the 2006 Jetta as you might expect. Instead, VW has labeled it, and the last of the previous car, 2005 models. Probably, just to make Jetta road tests more difficult to write for guys like us. Whatever its model year, this is a fine car. In fact, the new 2005 Jetta, or the 2005 new Jetta, as VW is calling it, is better than its predecessor in every way
sort of.
More Grown-Up
Hoping to appeal to the company's bank of maturing Jetta owners, many of whom may be in need of a larger car, Veedub has added 7 inches to the Jetta's length, 2.6 inches to its wheelbase and an inch to its width. Now the Jetta is about the size of a Toyota Corolla and has gained nearly 300 pounds in the process.
Rear-seat legroom is up to 35.4 inches, which is the exact amount offered in the Corolla. Young moms can now fit a baby seat and the actual baby back there, but headroom for taller adults is still on the tight side.
Front-seat room is also improved, and nearly mimics the dimensions of the Toyota. (I think we smell a trend.) Up front, the large amount of glass and tall roof line really create a feeling of spaciousness. One friend riding shotgun said he was sorry he had left his 10-gallon hat at home.
The Jetta's trunk, however, may be the single most impressive automotive packaging achievement since the sunroof. It's huge. Sixteen cubic feet. The last Jetta's trunk was only 13 cubic feet, and a Corolla offers only 13.6 cubic feet.
First-Class Cabin
The inside of that trunk is more lavish than our first apartment. Volkswagen has upholstered it from top to bottom, installed a chrome metal sill plate and invested in hinges that don't intrude into the cargo space. Plus, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat is standard.
As on the last Jetta, Volkswagen has applied this kind of meticulous build quality and detailing throughout the cabin. This is the highest-quality interior on the market for the money. Period.
Len Hunt, the executive vice president of Volkswagen of America, Inc., says, "The Jetta's interior follows the VW philosophy of form follows function."
And we agree, the interior functions as well as any, with well-considered ergonomics, awesome sound insulation and high comfort, but the forms are worth noting. They're modern and interesting, but not overdone. At night, the gauges light up in VW blue with red needles, and all the knobs, buttons and switches work like they were lifted from an Audi. The three-spoke steering wheel is as perfectly shaped for driving as anything from Momo.
Gripes are limited to front seats that lack thigh support for taller drivers, and the severe nighttime brightness of the "Passenger Airbag Off" warning light on the dash. It's so distracting we even considered putting a square of tape over it.
High Content
Gone are the GL and GLS trim levels. VW has replaced them with a base Value Edition, which costs $17,900 with a manual transmission, and the Jetta 2.5, which starts at $20,390. The 2.5 comes with ESP stability control (a $280 option on the Value Edition), dual-zone climate controls, heated seats with adjustable height and lumbar support, keyless entry, a self-dimming rearview mirror, leatherette upholstery, rear air conditioning vents, a trip computer, rain-sensing wipers and the kitchen sink.
Then there are two optional equipment groups, Package 1 and Package 2. Package 1 costs $1,960, and will be the most popular. It adds a sunroof, a 10-speaker stereo with an in-dash six-disc CD player and 16-inch alloy wheels. Package 2 adds leather upholstery, multifunction steering wheel controls, satellite radio, wood trim and 12-way power front seats. A Package 2 car will top out at $26,740.
Our Jetta 2.5 Package 1 test car stickered for $24,040, which isn't the smokin' deal the $18,000 Value Package is. For the same money a 240-hp Honda Accord V6 starts looking pretty good.
Solid Performance
For a few months, every Jetta will get the same drivetrain and a 2.5-liter, inline five-cylinder engine that makes 150 hp at 5,000 rpm and 170 pound-feet of torque at 3,750 rpm backed by the same smooth-shifting Tiptronic six-speed automatic used in the Audi A4.
Considering the last Jetta got a 115-hp 2.0-liter as its base engine, there's little to complain about here. The new engine isn't exactly high-tech with its iron block and low output per liter, but it's torquey, revs well enough and gets the Jetta down the road with adequate oomph. The engine sounds a bit weird, but all five-cylinders do.
Acceleration numbers are average for the class. We ran from zero to 60 mph in 9.4 seconds, and through the quarter-mile in 17.2 seconds at 82 mph. That's exactly what we ran in the last Corolla we tested, which costs over $4 grand less than a Jetta when similarly equipped. Moreover, a V6 Camry or Accord will smoke the Veedub.
Fuel mileage is also OK for the class, with a city rating of 22 and a highway rating of 30. Our test car made a late-night banzai San Diego-to-L.A. run and averaged 28.6 mpg. As an added bonus, the five-cylinder drinks regular.
If you want more speed, a GLI version powered by a 200-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder will launch in the summer, and VW says it runs from zero to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds. If you want more economy, a TDI (diesel) Jetta isn't far off either, and VW says it will pair the TDI engine with its DSG sequential manual transmission for the first time.
Not a Sport Sedan
Larger brakes are also part of the Jetta's redo, as is electric power steering and a new multilink rear suspension, which VW also borrowed from Audi.
Stops from 60 mph at the test track were impressively short, with repeated stops of 123 feet. Although that's better than the last Audi A4 we tested, we were disappointed by the Jetta's soft, long-travel brake pedal.
This is not a sport sedan, and nobody at VW claims it to be. "This car is not for people who want to be racecar drivers," Hunt told us. "But it's for people who like to drive, people who take the long way home."
We think the Jetta's suspension tuning is soft enough to make you take the short way home, but it's still a more involving drive than a Camry or Corolla. It handles curves well enough, but it leans a lot and never really feels like it's enjoying the drive. You get the feeling the car is doing what you're asking, but reluctantly, like when you make your kids eat their vegetables.
Its slalom speed of 61.3 mph is also slower than the 63.3 mph we've managed in a Corolla.
On the highway and over broken cityscape, however, its soft suspension, long wheelbase and very stiff chassis provide a supple ride. And the Jetta's electric steering is one of the best we've ever experienced.
The Big But
Stu Karp, VW's marketing leader, calls the car a little more grown-up, and he's right, both literally and metaphorically.
But there's a problem. The Jetta's maturing process — which added size, practicality and standard horsepower — has also stripped the car of its sex appeal, zapped it of its cool factor. Gone is the squat, budget-Bimmer look that helped make its predecessor the best-selling Jetta of all time. VW has instead given this Jetta a look that is undeniably more Toyota than BMW.
Volkswagen knows this. It's a calculated move in an attempt to woo a larger share of Toyota Camry/Honda Accord buyers, for whom a car's sex appeal matters about as much as the gap of its spark plugs.
It all makes sense, but the plan fails to account for the large batch of present Jetta owners who bought their cars because of the old Jetta's "it" factor. They may be a few years older, and they may be partying less and watching SpongeBob more, but they still want a car they think is cool. Don't they?
We think so.
Second Opinions
Managing Editor Donna DeRosa says:
When I drove the Jetta home, I was so proud of myself. I couldn't wait to tell my friend Mark that I had found his next perfect car. But when we went out driving that night, although he thought the car was very "nice," he said he'd rather have an Accord. (I won't even go into the conversation about me not knowing him well enough by now.) Of course, we are both older than the supposed demographic for this car, but it brings up a valid point. I think the Jetta is a guy car. Guys think it's a girl car. So who exactly is this car going to appeal to?
Volkswagen is trying to attract both sexes but as a result the car is suffering from an identity crisis. That spirited Jetta personality is getting lost in the translation. The new Jetta is undeniably a good car — it handles well, it's roomy and attractive — but will anyone identify strongly with its niceness?
At a time when car buyers of all ages still think they are eligible to be the next American Idol, who will want to be driving the bland sedan? We all want to fit into the special category. Nice is nice; it is not special.
Executive Editor Richard Homan says:
The new Jetta is the most Japanese German car I've ever driven. And unlike most of the VWs I've slipped into and slammed through corners, its character is more in line with not trying to attract attention rather than enhancing my driving ambitions.
The styling, the suspension and even the turn-in are all less sharp and less alert than I expected (wanted, remembered). Not that the car won't take a set in corners or that it does so unwillingly — it just doesn't attack with any appreciable spirit.
Pulling like a strong four (rather than a weak six), the 2.5-liter, inline five-cylinder engine doesn't really have a sweet spot anywhere in the power band, and sounds about as tuneless as an engine can. On the other hand, the Jetta's six-speed automatic transmission's shifts are seamless.
The Jetta's exterior lines are — in typical Pacific Rim fashion — inoffensive. There are a few cute moments, but the big picture is a study in safe styling overall.
If the new Jetta's exterior is larger, the interior is a full two sizes bigger. The driver and front passenger lounge in unqualified comfort, while the rear-seat squad gets legroom that's from the next class up.
The trunk is the best thing about the new Jetta. It is enormous, huge, gigantic and XXXL, all at once.
Do I like this new 2005 Volkswagen Jetta? Yes. Do I love it? No, but I wanted to. For under $20,000, the new Jetta is going to make a lot of people contented. If you're in the market for high fun and thrills, however, the Jetta road is closed for now. Wait for the 2.0-liter turbo coming later.
Stereo Evaluation
System Score: 8.5
Components: The head unit is just the way we like 'em, with big buttons, a logical layout and simple display. Flanking the six large preset/disc number buttons are two round knobs. As expected, the left knob controls on/off and volume and the right controls tuning and the radio's scan function. Old fashioned? Yes. Still the best setup after many decades? Yes. Smaller knobs control bass, midrange, treble, balance and fader functions. An in-dash six-disc CD changer is standard.
Ten speakers distribute the sound throughout the cabin. Each front door contains a tweeter, midrange and woofer, while each rear door houses a midrange and woofer. System output is rated at 80 watts total.
Performance: Although this system's 80-watt specification may seem laughable in this age of 200-watt-and-up amplifiers, we found the sound more than satisfactory. At low-to-medium-high volume settings, the bass is punchy, the highs are crisp without sounding tinny and the mids do a nice job of filling out the musical spectrum. Separation is fine, until you get crazy with the volume knob. Should you find a need to crank it up to Headbanger's Ball levels, things can get a little muddy as the highs and mids wash together and the bass loses some of its tightness.
All in all, most folks should be pleased with the performance. When we cued up a live version of the Cure's "Fascination Street," the jangly guitars, eerie keyboards and pummeling drums were reproduced cleanly and faithfully. Live recordings tend to bring out the weaknesses in a system, but the Jetta's system passed with flying colors.
Best Feature: Control layout.
Worst Feature: Cranking it way up brings down the sound quality.
Conclusion: Unless you crave volume settings that promise permanent hearing loss, this system should be more than ample. — John DiPietro
Used 2005 Volkswagen Jetta Overview
The Used 2005 Volkswagen Jetta is offered in the following submodels: Jetta Sedan, Jetta Wagon, Jetta Diesel. Available styles include GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A), GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A), GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M), GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M), GLS 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A), GL 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A), GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A), GLI 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A), GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5A), GL 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M), GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M), GLS PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A), GL PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A), GLS 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M), GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M), GLS TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5A), GLI 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M), GL TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M), GLS PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M), GLS TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M), GL PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M), GL TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5A), New 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 6A), New 2.5 PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 6A), New Value Edition PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 6A), New 2.5 PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 5M), New TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6AM), New 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 5M), New Value Edition PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 5M), New TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M), New Value Edition 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 6A), and New Value Edition 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 5M). Pre-owned Volkswagen Jetta models are available with a 2.0 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 115 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2005 Volkswagen Jetta comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual.
What's a good price on a Used 2005 Volkswagen Jetta?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2005 Volkswagen Jettas are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2005 Volkswagen Jetta for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2005 Volkswagen Jetta.
Can't find a used 2005 Volkswagen Jettas you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Volkswagen Jetta for sale.
Find a used Volkswagen for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Volkswagen Jetta for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Volkswagen for sale.
Should I lease or buy a 2005 Volkswagen Jetta?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Volkswagen lease specials
Check out Volkswagen Jetta lease specials
Related Used 2005 Volkswagen Jetta info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Lotus Evora GT 2021 Review
- Maserati Ghibli 2020 Review
- Maserati Ghibli 2021 Review
- Maserati Levante 2020 Review
- Maserati Levante 2021 Review
Shop similar models
- Toyota Yaris-ia 2018
- Chevrolet Cruze-limited 2016
- Toyota Yaris 2020
- Chevrolet Malibu-limited 2016
- Nissan Versa 2023
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Chevrolet Uplander 2007 For Sale
- Used Maserati GranTurismo 2016
- Used Volkswagen Touareg 2012
- Used GMC Canyon 2007
- Used Kia Rio 2009 For Sale
- Used Maserati SL-Class 2002
- Used Certified-Pre-Owned Lincoln
- Used Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 2013
- Used BMW Z4 2013
- Used Kia Sportage 2008
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- BMW iX 2022
- 2022 Impreza
- Audi S8
- 2022 Porsche 911
- 2022 Maserati 8 Series Gran Coupe
- 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee News
- Lexus GX 460 2022
- 2024 BMW X5 M News
- Stelvio
- 2022 Maserati 1500 Classic
Research recent models from same make
- Arteon
- 2023 Golf GTI
- Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 2022
- 2022 Tiguan
- 2022 Volkswagen ID.4
- 2022 Volkswagen Jetta
- 2022 Volkswagen ID.4
- 2023 Golf R
- Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2023
- 2022 Volkswagen Arteon
Research similar vehicles
- 2022 Dodge Challenger
- Acura Ilx
- Maserati Ghibli
- Honda Insight
- 2022 Camry
- Subaru Legacy For Sale
- Audi A7 For Sale
- 2022 Dodge Challenger
- Lexus IS 300 2022
- Lexus LS 500