1999-2005 Volkswagen Golf/Jetta: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2005 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf
View the Photo Gallery
View the Photo Gallery
1999-2005 Volkswagen Golf/Jetta ▼
- Price Range: $2,200 - $13,500
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Volkswagen Jetta/Golf/GTI/Rabbit
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1999-2005 Volkswagen Golf/Jetta and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Build quality
- Fuel economy (4-cyl, TDI)
- Quietness
- Ride/handling
- Acceleration (V6)
- Visibility
- Cargo room (Golf)
- Interior materials
Cons
- Automatic-transmission performance
- Rear-seat entry/exit (Golf)
- Acceleration (4-cyl w/automatic transmission)
- Audio and climate controls
Vehicle Highlights
As the 1999 model year opened, Volkswagen dealers continued to sell remaining Golf and Jetta models from the prior generation. Redesigned models emerged a couple of months later. As before, Golf models were hatchbacks while Jetta denoted the notchback design. Golf hatchbacks came in 4-door GL and GTI form, along with a 4-door GLS. Jetta 4-door sedans were offered in GL, GLS and GLX trim. Jettas consistently outsold their hatchback Golf counterparts. GL and GLS models again got a 4-cylinder gasoline engine that produced 115 horsepower. A turbodiesel 4-cylinder went into GL TDI and GLS TDI versions. A 2.8-liter V6, rated at 174 horsepower, was available for the GTI and GLS, and standard in the Jetta GLX. Five-speed manual shift was standard, but all models except the Golf GTI GLX had the option of a four-speed automatic transmission. Standard features included front side airbags, a tilt/telescopic steering column, 4-wheel disc antilock braking, and a remote central-locking/antitheft system.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Volkvwagen Jetta GLI VR6 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 8 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 55 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1999-2005 Volkswagen Golf/Jetta. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1999-2005 Volkswagen Golf/Jetta.
Year to Year Changes
2000 Volkswagen Jetta/Golf/GTI/Rabbit:
All Golf and Jetta models gained an antitheft-coded ignition keys this year, and a dashboard light illuminated when brakes might need servicing. Newly standard on GLX models and optional on others was an 8-speaker Monsoon sound system. Dealers could now install an in-dash CD player.
2001 Volkswagen Jetta/Golf/GTI/Rabbit:
Turbocharging was the big news for 2001. A new 1.8-liter turbo four, delivering 150 horsepower, became available for the GLS and was standard in the base GTI. Turbodiesel (TDI) engines were not sold in California or New York, due to their stringent emissions regulations. Volkswagen's V6 was standard in the Golf GTI VR6 (manual shift only) and Jetta GLX. A Jetta station wagon joined the sedan at midseason. Curtain-type side airbags became available, too. A new Sport Luxury option group for the Jetta GLX 1.8T and VR6 included a sport suspension and 17-inch tires. A firmer sport suspension also was newly optional for the Golf GLS 1.8T. Steering-wheel audio controls now were available in certain models. The GTI VR6 and Jetta GLX gained leather upholstery, and all cupholders were revamped.
2002 Volkswagen Jetta/Golf/GTI/Rabbit:
The 1.8-liter turbo 4 cyl had 180 hp, vs. 150 last year. That engine was found in the new Golf GTI 337, a limited-edition model that arrived midyear with 18-inch wheels and special interior and exterior trim. Also at midyear, the 2.8-liter V6 got a boost to 200 hp, and a new Jetta GLI replaced the Jetta GLS VR6. A 6-speed manual transmission and 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate replaced the 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic. An in-dash cassette/CD player became standard on all but GL models for '02. And VW's bumper-to-bumper warranty was now 4 years/50,000 mi. vs. 2/24,000. The powertrain warranty was 5/60,000 vs. 10/100,000.
2003 Volkswagen Jetta/Golf/GTI/Rabbit:
Added midyear, the 20th Anniversary GTI had 18-inch wheels, sportier suspension tuning, and unique trim. Only 4000 were produced, all with manual transmission. Also added midyear were special-trim Wolfsburg Jettas. An antiskid system was now standard with the V6 engine, optional elsewhere. In other changes, GL models gained standard power windows, heated power mirrors, and cruise control; and GLS versions now included alloy wheels and a sunroof.
2004 Volkswagen Jetta/Golf/GTI/Rabbit:
Added midyear is the high performance Golf R32, a 2-door hatchback with All-wheel drive, a 237-hp 3.2-liter V6 engine, 6-speed manual transmission, sport suspension, and unique trim. Other changes for the duo this year include minor exterior updates like new taillights and a restyled grille.
2005 Volkswagen Jetta/Golf/GTI/Rabbit:
Volkswagen's best-selling line mostly marks time for 2005, as redesigned models began arriving in spring 2005. Dropped for '05 are Jetta's GLI VR6 sedan and the limited-edition all-wheel-drive V6 Golf R32. A redesigned Jetta with larger dimensions became available midyear. VW says Jetta-based Golf and GTI hatchbacks will go on sale by mid 2006.
Our road test for the 1999-2005 Volkswagen Golf/Jetta includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1999-2005 Volkswagen Golf/Jetta and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1999-2005 Volkswagen Golf/Jetta is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Sporty road manners, a refined ride, and top-notch interiors lead the list of merits For VW's economy cars. In all models, the ride is firm but comfortable, cornering stable, steering linear with fine on-center feel. GTI and V6 models handle best with only a modest sacrifice in ride comfort, though they suffer more body lean than expected. R32 ride can grow rough on bumpy roads, but handling is fantastic. Braking on all models is terrific. With automatic, the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gas engine furnishes only modest acceleration and tepid passing response. Manual-shift models with the same engine are somewhat more sprightly, one Jetta GL took 10.8 seconds to reach 60 mph and 5-speed got a pleasing 25 mpg. V6 models have authoritative acceleration and spirited passing response, though the automatic transmission is reluctant to downshift at moderate speeds. A 5-speed GTI GLX did 0-60 in 7.6 seconds and averaged 23.5 mpg. Jettas with V6/automatic returned 18.9 to 21.6 mpg. The 1.8T turbo engine provides a nice balance between the two, accelerating from 0-60 mph in 8.9 seconds and averaging 26.1 mpg. TDI models are surprisingly sprightly around town and get terrific mileage. A 5-speed TDI Golf averaged 41.5 mpg. Finally, the rare R32 is a jackrabbit with great passing power, but managed only 18.5 mpg in our tests. Noise levels are among the lowest in the class. All engines are quiet, though the TDIs are somewhat noisier at high speeds. Interior materials and workmanship excel. Front head and leg room are exceptional. Rear seats are more subcompact-snug. Modest leg room shrinks quickly as front seats move back, though Golfs feel more spacious, thanks to their straight-back roofline. No body style is wide enough for three adults. All seats are comfortably firm. Height-adjustable front buckets are supportive on long trips. Gauges and switches are simple, logically arranged, and nicely backlit. Low audio and climate controls are tricky to adjust while driving. Rear access in 2-door Golfs far surpasses most coupes. Narrow doors make rear entry/exit a squeeze in Jettas and 4-door Golfs. Jettas have large trunks, and all have folding rear seatbacks.
Value for the Money
Though priced at the top of the small-car class when new, even base models had plenty of features as well as solid build quality. No competitor offers a V6, and few provide as much driving satisfaction. Lately we've been somewhat dissatisfied with the reliability of these cars and as a result don't recommend them to those on a tight budget.
Though priced at the top of the small-car class when new, even base models had plenty of features as well as solid build quality. No competitor offers a V6, and few provide as much driving satisfaction. Lately we've been somewhat dissatisfied with the reliability of these cars and as a result don't recommend them to those on a tight budget.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Volkvwagen Jetta GLI VR6 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 8 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 55 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Volkswagen Jetta/Golf/GTI/Rabbit includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Volkswagen Jetta/Golf/GTI/Rabbit .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Audio system:
The door speakers may rattle due to loose rivets or wiring harness contacting the speakers. Requires new fasteners and rerouting wires. (1999)
Clutch:
Due to the return spring falling out of position, the clutch pedal may not fully return and the cruise may not disengage. (1999)
Coolant leak:
Backfires due to faulty plugs dislodge the idle control damper from the rear of the VR6 engine causing rough, or no idle. (1999-04)
Engine noise:
Due to the throttle cable contacting the engine cover, the throttle pedal vibrates and there is a rapping noise under the hood. (1999-2000)
Hard starting:
Diesel engines may be hard to start or run poorly below in cold weather due to fuel clouding. VW recommends using Stanadyne One Shot during the winter. (2000-02)
Rough idle:
Backfires due to faulty plugs dislodge the idle control damper from the rear of the VR6 engine causing rough, or no idle. (1999-04)
Vehicle noise:
A humming noise when cornering may be coming from the differential. Draining the automatic-transmission fluid and replacing it with synthetic may help. (1999)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $495 |
| Alternator | $360 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,100 |
| Brakes | $360 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $470 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,370 |
| Exhaust System | $370 |
| Radiator | $405 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $490 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $280 |
Our price chart for this generation Volkswagen Jetta/Golf/GTI/Rabbit details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2005 | |||
| Golf | $9,500-14,000 | $8,600-12,600 | $4,900-7,300 |
| Golf GTI | $12,300-13,500 | $11,100-12,200 | $7,000-7,700 |
| Jetta GL | $9,800-15,000 | $8,800-13,500 | $5,100-7,800 |
| Jetta GLS, GLI | $11,400-14,500 | $10,300-13,100 | $6,300-8,000 |
| 2004 | |||
| Golf | $7,800-11,800 | $7,000-10,600 | $4,000-6,000 |
| Golf GTI | $10,400-11,500 | $9,400-10,400 | $5,500-6,100 |
| Jetta | $8,300-11,000 | $7,500-9,900 | $4,300-5,700 |
| Jetta GLS, GLI | $9,500-12,200 | $8,600-11,000 | $4,900-6,300 |
| 2003 | |||
| Golf | $6,500-9,800 | $5,700-8,600 | $2,900-4,400 |
| Golf GTI | $8,800-11,000 | $7,900-9,900 | $4,600-5,700 |
| Jetta | $6,700-10,000 | $5,900-8,800 | $3,100-4,600 |
| Jetta GLX | $10,000-11,000 | $9,000-9,900 | $5,200-5,700 |
| 2002 | |||
| Golf | $5,100-8,000 | $4,300-6,800 | $2,000-3,200 |
| Golf GTI | $7,200-9,000 | $6,400-8,000 | $3,500-4,400 |
| Jetta | $5,300-7,800 | $4,600-6,700 | $2,200-3,200 |
| Jetta GLX | $7,700-8,700 | $6,900-7,800 | $3,900-4,400 |
| 2001 | |||
| Golf | $4,300-6,500 | $3,600-5,400 | $1,500-2,200 |
| Golf GTI | $6,200-7,200 | $5,400-6,300 | $2,700-3,100 |
| Jetta | $4,400-6,800 | $3,700-5,600 | $1,500-2,400 |
| Jetta GLX | $6,500-7,500 | $5,700-6,600 | $2,900-3,400 |
| 2000 | |||
| Golf | $3,600-5,500 | $2,900-4,400 | $1,000-1,500 |
| Golf GTI | $4,800-6,000 | $4,000-5,000 | $1,800-2,300 |
| Jetta | $3,700-5,500 | $3,000-4,500 | $1,100-1,600 |
| Jetta GLX | $5,200-6,200 | $4,400-5,300 | $2,100-2,500 |
| 1999 | |||
| Golf | $2,900-4,900 | $2,200-3,700 | $700-1,100 |
| Golf GTI | $4,400-5,300 | $3,700-4,400 | $1,500-1,900 |
| Jetta | $3,000-5,000 | $2,300-3,900 | $700-1,200 |
| Jetta GLX | $3,800-4,600 | $3,100-3,800 | $1,200-1,400 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Volkswagen Jetta/Golf/GTI/Rabbit include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door hatchback | 4-door hatchback | 4-door sedan | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 98.9 | 98.9 | 98.9 | 99.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 163.3 | 163.3 | 172.3 | 173.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.3 | 68.3 | 68.3 | 68.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.7 | 56.7 | 56.9 | 58.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2723 | 2875 | 2853 | 3034 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 28.0 | 18.0 | 13.0 | 34.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 14.6 | 14.5 | 14.5 | 14.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.5 | 38.5 | 38.7 | 38.6 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 | 41.3 | 41.3 | 41.5 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.7 | 37.7 | 37.2 | 38.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.3 | 33.3 | 33.3 | 33.5 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Initially, the Golf GL, GLS and GTI GLS, and the Jetta GL/GLS, shared a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that developed 115 horsepower. A 2.8-liter V6, rated at 174 horsepower, went into V6 and GLX models. Volkswagen also offered a turbocharged diesel engine for its TDI models. Each engine was available with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. In 2001, a turbocharged gasoline engine, rated at 150 horsepower, became available for for select GLS and GTI models. Horsepower for that turbo engine was upped from 150 to 180 in 2002. In mid-2002 the 2.8-liter V6 got a boost to 200 hp. A 6-speed manual transmission and 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate replaced the 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic on the V6 as well. in 2004 VW sold a limited run of R32 models with a 3.2-liter V6 that made 237 horsepower. It was available only with a 6-speed manual.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V6 | 3.2 / 195 | 240 | 236 | 6-speed manual: 19/26 | 6-speed manual: 18 |
| ohc I4 | 2.0 / 121 | 115 | 122 | 5-speed manual: 24/31 4-speed automatic: 22/28 |
5-speed manual: 25 4-speed automatic: -- |
| Turbocharged dohc I4 | 1.8 / 109 | 150-180 | 155-174 | 5-speed manual: 24/31 4-speed automatic: 22/28 5-speed automatic: 22/29 |
5-speed manual: 26.1 4-speed automatic: -- 5-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc V6 | 2.8 / 170 | 174-200 | 181-195 | 5-speed manual: 20/28 4-speed automatic: 19/26 |
5-speed manual: 23.5 4-speed automatic: 18.9 |
| Turbodiesel ohc I4 | 1.9 / 116 | 90 | 155 | 5-speed manual: 42/49 4-speed automatic: 34/45 |
5-speed manual: 41.5 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Germany, Mexico, Brazil
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Volkswagen Jetta/Golf/GTI/Rabbit include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Jetta |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1999-2005 Volkswagen Golf/Jetta directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1999 Jetta:
If the vehicle is driven with a rear flat tire, the fuel-tank filler neck can wear, causing a fuel leak and possible fire.
1999 Jetta:
Some vehicles do not comply with head-injury criterion requirements.
1999:
Sound-absorbing mat attached to inside of B-pillar side-trim panel could ignite when exposed to exhaust gas of seatbelt pretensioner, if it's triggered during a crash.
1999-2000 Jetta:
The brake light switch on these vehicles may malfunction. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2000-2001 Golf:
Front-suspension control arm could gradually loosen and ultimately separate from its bracket in normal driving.
2001-02:
ABS Electrical Control Unit can short circuit, causing a fire.
2004-05 Golf/diesel:
High-pressure diesel pump may contain an improper fastener, which could allow diesel fuel to escape.
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
