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.