2005 Volkswagen New Jetta Sedan New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2005 Volkswagen New Jetta?
After too many years on the market virtually unchanged, the 2005.5 Volkswagen Jetta is all new, redesigned from the ground up with more power, more space and a renewed emphasis on affordable German engineering. Highlights include a 150-horsepower, 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, a fully independent suspension, an optional six-speed automatic transmission, and space in the rear seat for full-size adults. Side-curtain airbags come standard, along with antilock disc brakes, traction control, and a stability control system that's included on every Jetta except the Value Edition model.

Advantages of the 2005 Volkswagen New Jetta:

• Healthy list of standard and available safety features
• Decent power from standard engine
• Roomier rear seat
• Optional turbodiesel engine
• Standard full-size spare tire

Objections to the 2005 Volkswagen New Jetta:

• Premium pricing for popular models
• Not known for durability

Editor's Advice:
Larger and more powerful than ever, the redesigned 2005.5 "new" Jetta has been a long time coming, and we're somewhat disappointed in the result. Mainly, the source of our displeasure is the new Jetta's styling, which looks just like a Toyota Corolla from the front axle to the rear bumper. Up front, the Jetta features a grinning, wide-eyed appearance that makes it resemble a surprised Audi, complete with excessive chrome trim that is sure to reflect sunlight into the rearview mirror of the car you're following. Given the clean, contemporary, handsome appearance of the previous Jetta, this new model is uninspired and garish at the same time. However, with a new 150-horsepower standard engine, lots more interior and trunk space, and a complete load of standard and optional safety and convenience features, it's clear that Volkswagen is more serious than ever about pitting the Jetta against a Camry rather than a Corolla. For buyers looking for something outside of the status quo, the redesigned Volkswagen Jetta is an interesting alternative.