2005 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Reviews

Good Car

Written by: Tiffany on 06/24/2008

Vehicle

2005 Volkswagen Jetta New 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 5M)

Review

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.

Favorite Features

I do like the heated seats, dual AC, onetouch control to roll down all the windows, trunk size, and the fact that it has several airbags.

Suggested Improvements

I would recommend to make more spacious on the inside. Bigger backseat and center console. Air filter is not easily accessible either.

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Already Broken?

Written by: mhibuy on 06/17/2008

Vehicle

2005 Volkswagen Jetta New 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 5M)

Review

I bought the first New Jetta 5 speed in my area. I have had it in the shop several times. The speakers rattle in the door, the gearshift knob top broke off, gasket replacement, etc. The newest one that truly upsets me is the "Airbag Fault" idiot light that is on now. WOW @ 55,000 miles should we have to replace an igniter for the passenger side airbag for more than 300.00 dollars?

Favorite Features

Interior lights, body style

Suggested Improvements

Use a little more quality in the interior components.

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Great Little Car

Written by: JET-7 on 06/10/2008

Vehicle

2005 Volkswagen Jetta New 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 5M)

Review

Just purchased a dark blue 2006 Jetta 2.5 loaded with leather, sunroof, heated seats, rain sensing wipers, etc w/ 27k miles. Great little car, classy and clean looking with a lot of pickup and go. Very fun car to drive. Compared with used Camry, Fusion, and Malibu - definitely the nicest quality and drive of all, followed by the Fusion. Also looked at the new Passat, but found that the drive wasn't nearly as fun as the Passat and the dash layout was a little too complicated for my tastes. The Jetta is just right...

Favorite Features

Sunroof, leather, heated seats, rain sensing wipers, digital A/C

Suggested Improvements

I haven't owned it long enough to really comment on reliability. Better fuel economy for such a small car and better visibility (the large headrests make visibility out of the back a little difficult).

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Best vehicle purchase EVER!!

Written by: cdstraw on 06/04/2008

Vehicle

2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)

Review

Absolutely fabulous vehicle. Purchased as New Jetta's were hitting showroom and dealer wanted to clear out old inventory. Within 3 months dealer wanted to purchase TDI back and give me and exceptional trade on New Jetta. No Way! Average city driving 46-48 mpg, Interstate at 65 mph cruise, 60 mpg!

Favorite Features

TDI, oil change every 10K miles. Fuel Economy. Diesel fuel is more expensive, but I get twice the fuel mileage. Therefore, only one fill up for everybody else's two fill ups.

Suggested Improvements

I added Sirius radio, not a VW/dealer option on this model year.

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Pocket Rocket

Written by: Morianos on 05/08/2008

Vehicle

2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

We bought this car for my wife brand new in 04 I guess. It's been great ever since and VW has stood behind it. My wife hit a curb, VW replaced the wheel and tire free of charge, a slight defect in the paint on the bumper was also fixed no problem. Fast with super gas mileage what more can you ask for.

Favorite Features

quick and nimble, but refined. seats, wheels, black on black.

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Classy Small Car

Written by: Mike on 04/24/2008

Vehicle

2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLS PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

My car has the 2.0L engine and the "Cold Weather" upgrade (seat warmers, leather seats, steering wheel controls). I like the look and size of this car over the new Jetta design. I get about 35 mpg with conservative highway driving(not hybrid numbers but at least it's a PZEV), and while it's not a race car, it moves with plenty of purpose. The proof of this is was driving with college students in all 5 seats, a full trunk of luggage and 3 bikes on a trunk rack, and still having power to pass on the highway(of course the mileage was not the best on this trip). I keep up with maintenance and care, the reliability on the early model years was not great but it seems problems were fixed on this year

Favorite Features

Ride quality, stereo system, seat warmers, interior looks/layout (classy styling that doesn't look or feel cheap), lighting on the gauges, visibility all around, safety rating (front and rear side curtains), overall quality, window control from outside via keys, quiet and smooth engine/transmission.

Suggested Improvements

Mostly just wish-list things(some are available on the new Jettas), 5 instead of 4 speed automatic, MP3 adapter, bluetooth.

0 out 2 people found this review helpful

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I love it!

Written by: BALesq on 04/18/2008

Vehicle

2005 Volkswagen Jetta New 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 5M)

Review

I have owned the 2005.5 New Jetta since July of 2005, Option Package 1, and I love it. It's a lot of fun to drive, and the interior is so "fit and finished." If you're looking for a lot of options for a reasonable price, this car is worth looking into. I haven't had any maintenance issues. The one thing I notice (my wife has a 2006 New Jetta), is that the transmission on my car is a little "jerky" shifting between gears 1 and 2, and sometimes between 2 and 3, compared to the 2006 Jetta. But, my older model has more bells and whistles for the price. The bottom line is that I love driving this car.

Favorite Features

My favorite features are the auto-four-blink turn signal for changing lanes, the auto-dimming rearview mirror, the rain-sensing windshield wipers, the auto-dual-zone climate control, the heated outside mirrors and front seats, and the transmission in "sport mode".

Suggested Improvements

Heated rear seats, GPS Navigation, iPod integration, All wheel drive option, Gas Mileage in the 40's-50's.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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WOW! Best New Vehicle I've Owned!

Written by: Ron on 12/27/2007

Vehicle

2005 Volkswagen Jetta New 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 5M)

Review

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.

Favorite Features

Fit and finish. Overall construction and feeling of a secure Tank! Especially with the 6 air bags. The performance is good. The 16 cubic foot trunk is GREAT! You can really pack the trunk full for vacations. The fuel economy is terrific! Local travel is at 23 to 24 mpg., daily driving. Size is right.

Suggested Improvements

Improve the sound insulation. There is WAY TOO MUCH NOISE coming through to the passanger cabin. Increase the power to 165 Hp. This would be needed and appreciated, on mountainous roads and passing on narrow rural roads. This is especially true when traveling with 4 passengers and FULL trunk load.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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2005.5 Jetta VE

Written by: Mikey on 12/13/2007

Vehicle

2005 Volkswagen Jetta New 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 5M)

Review

The least "VW like" VW I have owned. It has been near stone reliable for 38K miles. Interior finish weak. Soft touch finish blistering off leaving white plastic. Switches breaking or pushing through dash panel. It does not have the Euro aura of its predecessors and looks and feels more plastic. Excessive oil consumption, in my opinion. Changed every 5K with synthetic and have consumed 3-4 qts. between changes since new. Though not as much fun as previous models, the chassis is superb. Great handling combined with great ride and on 15" wheels. It is roomier for passengers and storage as well as quieter. Its just not as spirited or visually pleasing as past models have been.

Favorite Features

Handling and ride qualities. Well equipped for the base model.

Suggested Improvements

Interior finishes. Less generic looking dash controls. Usable and attractive center console. Better cruise control switch and operation in a more ergonomic correct position. Control of daytime running lights. A normal oil drain plug. Fold flat rear seat / rear seat cushion able to raise.

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Can be improved

Written by: Walter on 11/19/2007

Vehicle

2005 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)

Review

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.

Favorite Features

Fuel economy, getting 38 to 42 on average.

Suggested Improvements

Move the center panel between driver and front passentger a couple of inches to the right, so driver has move leg room. Though for the passenger, but they can sleep when the driver can't - it's an even trade off.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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