2005.5 - 2010 Volkswagen Jetta review

Overview

2005 Volkswagen Jetta. Click for larger photo (Photo: Volkswagen Canada) Volkswagen Jetta interior. Click for larger view (Photo: Volkswagen Canada) 2005 Volkswagen Jetta. Click for larger view (Photo: Volkswagen Canada) Redesigned for the second half of 2005 model year, the fifth-generation Jetta offers stylish look, classy interior, excellent handling and variety of engine choices, including very economical TDI diesel. First, only a four-door sedan was available; a wagon body style was added for 2009. The Jetta has front-wheel drive with an electric power steering and a four-wheel independent suspension with McPherson struts up front and a 4-link with coil springs at the rear. All four wheels have disk brakes. Two gasoline-powered engines were available: the 2.5L 5-cylinder and the 200-hp 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder with direct injection. A very economical 1.9L 4-cylinder TDI Turbo Diesel was available for 2006, but it was dropped for 2007. The updated 2.0L TDI Turbo Diesel engine re-appeared for 2009. The transmission choices included a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic and 6-speed automatic Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG). The ABS, Traction Control (ASR), front and front side airbags were standard. Rear side airbags and curtain airbags were also available. The Jetta's interior is roomy, with distinctive European style and solid feel to it. Front seats have very good side support and feel comfortable even on a long trip. The steering wheel tilts up and down and has telescopic adjustment. Front headroom is generous. The trunk is very spacious and 60/40 split rear seat folds down for extra cargo space. On the downside, the rear visibility is a bit restricted by the rear-seat headrests, rear headroom is limited and some of the interior plastic can be scratched easily. On the road, the Jetta feels very solid with excellent handling and firm comfortable ride; it's a pleasure to take it on the highway. The electrical steering is responsive and precise. The 2.5L 5-cylinder engine feels adequate. The TDI Turbo Diesel offers plenty of torque and is surprisingly smooth, with minimal turbo lag. The available 2.0L Turbo engine is a rocket. In the NHTSA frontal crash tests, the 2005-2010 Volkswagen Jetta scored four stars for both the driver and the front passenger. In the side-impact crash tests, the Jetta received five stars for the front and five stars for the rear seat protection. For more details, visit Safercar.gov. The Jetta sedan also received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK award for 2010

Pros

- Stylish look
- Well-designed interior
- Fuel economy in TDI models
- Performance in 2.0L Turbo
- Great handling and solid ride
- Spacious trunk
- Decent sound system

Cons

- Expensive to maintain
- The 2.0L Turbo requires premium gasoline
- Rear visibility
- Rear seat headroom
- The plastic around the window controls and on the stereo scratches easily

Overall

The 2005.5-2009 Volkswagen Jetta offers excellent handling, classy interior and variety of powertrain choices. If you want something that is fun to drive, check sporty 2.0L Turbo model. A very economical TDI Diesel might be worth considering if you have long daily commute. I recommend the 2.5L engine, as it's simpler, it can run on a regular gasoline and it has a timing chain instead of a belt.
On the downside, the Jetta, similarly to other European vehicles, is expensive to keep. Both, parts and service are pricey and not every garage can handle the repairs, especially with electrical problems. Overall, it's a better car than the previous-generation Jetta, but Volkswagen still needs to improve the long-term reliability of its products. Avoid early models with the DSG transmission, there are plenty of complaints about it.

What to look for buying a used Volkswagen Jetta

As a first step, check used car history records. A history report may help you to uncover some of the problems the car might have in the past such as accidents, flood damage, rolled back odometer, rental use, etc. Follow this link: How to check used car history
Check the service records if available. Blue smoke at start-up may indicate engine problems, avoid such a car. Watch for low oil level, as it may indicate excessive oil consumption.
Learn more what to look for when buying a used car. Before buying a car, have it properly inspected by a mechanic. Read our step-by-step used car buying guide for more information. Some models may be costly to insure; check the insurance quotes first.
Consider an extended warranty to protect from unexpected repair costs.

Few maintenance tips

I recommend servicing your Jetta at Volkswagen dealer or VW-specialized shop.
The late Volkswagen cars require synthetic oil; check your owner's manual and use only appropriate oil type. Regular oil changes are very important to keep your engine in good shape. Check engine oil level regularly, as running the engine low on oil could lead to serious problems. If you have a Diesel engine, replace the fuel filter regularly. Use original Volkswagen parts and fluids. Have your car inspected, at least once a year, in a garage on the lift (e.g. when doing tire rotation) to keep it safe. Check more Car maintenance tips

2010 Volkswagen Jetta sedan specifications

If you are looking for Service Manual

If you need a repair manual with diagnostic procedures, check engine codes description, wiring diagrams, maintenance schedule, component location, technical service bulletins, recalls, etc., follow this link: Where to find repair manual