| Model year | 2005.5 |
| Make | Volkswagen |
| Model | Jetta 2.5 |
| Style | Package 1 |
| Base MSRP | $20,390 |
| As-tested MSRP | $24,040 |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine type | 2.5 |
| Displacement (cc/cu-in) | DOHC inline five-cylinder |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 150 @ 5,000 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 170 @ 3,750 |
| Transmission type | 6-speed automatic |
| Suspension, front | Independent strut w/ stabilizer bar |
| Suspension, rear | Independent multilink w/ stabilizer bar |
| Steering type | Power rack-and-pinion |
| Tire brand | Michelin |
| Tire model | MXV4 |
| Tire size, front | 205/55HR16 |
| Tire size, rear | 205/55HR16 |
| Brakes, front | 4-wheel antilock vented front/solid rear disc |
| 0-45 mph (sec.) | 5.87 |
| 0-60 mph (sec.) | 9.42 |
| 0-75 mph (sec.) | 13.75 |
| 1/4-mile (sec. @ mph) | 17.17 @ 82.46 |
| Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.) | 31.61 |
| 60-0 mph (ft.) | 123.50 |
| Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) | 61.3 |
| Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) | 35.8 |
| Sound level @ idle (dB) | Low |
| @ Full throttle (dB) | 71 |
| @ 70 mph cruise (dB) | 65 |
| Acceleration comments | Acceleration is linear and smooth, if not terribly exciting. At full throttle the transmission shifts at 5,600 rpm, and redline is marked at 5,800 rpm. The wheels spin off the line with the traction control disengaged, and the five-cylinder pulls hard off the line with a second surge of power coming in around 3,800 rpm. |
| Braking rating | Good |
| Braking comments | Under hard braking, the pedal is progressive with solid feel and minimal ABS noise or vibration. We noted some pedal sink and rear end lift during hard braking, but neither was problematic enough to cause concern. Distances were short and brake fade was minimal. |
| Handling rating | Good |
| Handling comments | The Jetta benefits from excellent steering feel and a tight ratio. Body roll reared its ugly head as speeds increased through the slalom, but was not excessive for what is still a relatively inexpensive car. The tires give plenty of warning before sliding out, and the car is easy to place as a result. More power would have helped, especially as we tried to exit the last set of cones at speed. |
| Elevation (ft.) | Not Tested |
| Temperature (°F) | Not Tested |
| Wind (mph, direction) | Not Tested |
| EPA fuel economy (mpg) | 22 City 30Highway |
| Edmunds observed (mpg) | N/A |
| Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.) | 14.5 |
| Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) | 3,285 |
| Length (in.) | 179.3 |
| Width (in.) | 69.3 |
| Height (in.) | 57.5 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 101.5 |
| Legroom, front (in.) | 41.2 |
| Legroom, rear (in.) | 35.4 |
| Headroom, front (in.) | 38.5 |
| Headroom, rear (in.) | 37.2 |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Cargo volume (cu-ft) | 16 cu. ft. |
| Max. cargo volume, seats folded (cu-ft) | 16 cu. ft. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Corrosion | 12 years / Unlimited mileage |
| Roadside assistance | 4 years / Unlimited mileage |
| Free scheduled maintenance | N/A |
| Front airbags | Standard |
| Side airbags | Standard |
| Head airbags | Standard |
| Antilock brakes | Standard |
| Electronic brake enhancements | Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, BrakeAssist |
| Traction control | Standard |
| Stability control | Standard |
| Rollover protection | N/A |
| Emergency assistance system | N/A |
| NHTSA crash test, driver | Not Tested |
| NHTSA crash test, passenger | Not Tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side front | Not Tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side rear | Not Tested |
| NHTSA rollover resistance | Not Tested |
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