2005.5-2008 Volkswagen Jetta: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Redesigned in midseason as a 2005.5 model, this Jetta replaced a slightly smaller design that dated back to 1999. The new front-drive compact sedan was 2.6 inches longer in wheelbase and 7 inches longer overall than the 1999-2005 version. Four-door competitors included the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, and Mazda 3. A 150-horsepower five-cylinder engine went into Value Edition and 2.5 models. The TDI held a 100-horsepower turbodiesel four-cylinder engine. A five-speed manual transmission was standard for the Value Edition, 2.5, and TDI. Optional for the Value Edition and 2.5 was a six-speed automatic with a manual shift gate. The TDI model could get a Sequential Manual Transmission (SMT), which was essentially a manual gearbox with no clutch pedal that could be set to shift like an automatic. The Value Edition sedan rode on 15-inch wheels; 2.5 and TDI, 16-inch. All Jettas came with antilock four-wheel disc brakes, traction control, front side airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, and split folding rear seatbacks.