DecodedCars2005 Volkswagen Jetta
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD /Gli, 4dr Sedan FWD /Gls, 4dr Sedan FWD /Gls 1.8t, 4dr Sedan FWD /Gls Tdi
- Engines
- 1.9L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Premium Gasoline, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 35 combined · 32 city / 41 hwy
- Length
- 172.4–173.6 in
- Curb weight
- 2,895–3,179 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 50% better than the average 2005 compact car (23.3 MPG).
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car offered with 4 engines (1.9L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl and 2.5L 5-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 172 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 99-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,179 lb (4dr Sedan FWD /Gli).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 35 MPG combined (32 city / 41 highway), 50% better than the 2005 compact car average of 23.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,750 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 43 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD /Gli | 172.4 in | 68.5 in | 57.1 in | 98.8 in | 59.4 / 58.7 in | 3,179 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD /Gls | 172.4 in | 68.5 in | 57.1 in | 98.8 in | 59.4 / 58.7 in | 2,895 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD /Gls 1.8t | 172.4 in | 68.5 in | 57.1 in | 98.8 in | 59.4 / 58.7 in | 2,974 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD /Gls Tdi | 172.4 in | 68.5 in | 57.1 in | 98.8 in | 59.4 / 58.7 in | 2,970 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Wagon FWD /Gls 1.8t | 173.6 in | 68.5 in | 58.7 in | 99.2 in | 59.8 / 58.7 in | 3,175 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Wagon FWD /Gls/Gls Tdi | 173.6 in | 68.5 in | 58.7 in | 99.2 in | 59.8 / 58.7 in | 3,034 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetta Diesel | 1.9L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 32 / 41 / 35 | +50% | $2,750 | 291 |
| Jetta Wagon Diesel | 1.9L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 / 39 / 34 | +50% | $2,800 | 299 |
| Jetta Diesel | 1.9L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 / 39 / 34 | +46% | $2,800 | 299 |
| Jetta Diesel | 1.9L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 38 / 33 | +42% | $2,900 | 308 |
| Jetta Diesel | 1.9L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 39 / 32 | +37% | $3,000 | 318 |
| Jetta Wagon Diesel | 1.9L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 39 / 32 | +42% | $3,000 | 318 |
| Jetta | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +3% | $3,400 | 370 |
| Jetta | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | +3% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Jetta | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | +3% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Jetta Wagon | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +6% | $3,400 | 370 |
| Jetta Wagon | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | +6% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Jetta Wagon | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | +2% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Jetta | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -6% | $3,750 | 404 |
| Jetta | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -6% | $3,750 | 404 |
| Jetta Wagon | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -3% | $3,750 | 404 |
| Jetta | 2.5L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | -6% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Jetta | 2.5L 5-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | -6% | $3,050 | 404 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Volkswagen Jetta under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Volkswagen Jetta (this car) | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Toyota Corolla | 31 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2005 Honda Civic | 41 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2005 Toyota Prius | 46 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2005 Mazda 3 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Hyundai Elantra | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Volkswagen Jetta.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Volkswagen Jetta is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Volkswagen Jetta buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Engine — 15 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 12 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 10 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 110,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Volkswagen Jetta. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Jetta years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Jetta | 34 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 6 |
| 2025 Jetta | 33 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 31 |
| 2024 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 46 |
| 2023 Jetta | 35 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 43 |
| 2022 Jetta | 35 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 43 |
| 2021 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 70 |
| 2020 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 54 |
| 2019 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 11 | 549 |
| 2018 Jetta | 33 | – | ★★★★★ | 2 | 32 |
| 2017 Jetta | 33 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 160 |
| 2016 Jetta | 44 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 164 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →