2005 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf: Road Test
2005 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf ▼
- MSRP: $15,830 - $25,045
- Invoice: $14,824 - $22,914
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Our road test for the 2005 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf help you decide if a 2005 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Golf GLS TDI, man. | Golf GTI VR6 | Jetta GL sdn, man. | Jetta GLS 1.8T wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 4.1 |
Base 2.0-liter 4-cyl feels sluggish at 35-55 mph. Lively 1.8T is a better overall choice despite some turbo lag--a delay in power delivery--especially with automatic transmission. Test manual-transmission Jetta 1.8T sedan did 7.9 sec 0-60 mph. V6 GTI has a bit more midrange punch than 1.8Ts; expect about 7.5 sec 0-60. Torquey turbodiesel furnishes healthy low- and midrange pickup, but needs a downshift for passing at highway speeds. And it emits smelly diesel fumes on cold start-ups.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Golf GLS TDI, man. | Golf GTI VR6 | Jetta GL sdn, man. | Jetta GLS 1.8T wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Averages for manual-transmission test cars: Golf GL, 25 mpg; Jetta GL wagon, 25.8; Jetta 1.8T, 24.7; Golf GTI VR6s, 21.6-23.5. With manual transmission, Golf TDI averaged 41.5 mpg, Jetta TDI 38.5. Test automatic-transmission Jetta GLS 1.8T averaged 26.9 mpg. VW recommends premium-grade fuel for V6 and 1.8T.
RIDE QUALITY
| Golf GLS TDI, man. | Golf GTI VR6 | Jetta GL sdn, man. | Jetta GLS 1.8T wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 4.6 |
Best with base suspension and 15-inch tires, which provide comfortably absorbent control. Ride choppier but not unbearable on GTI Golfs, Sport Package models, and Jetta GLIs with their firmer suspensions and 16-, 17-, or 18-inch wheels.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Golf GLS TDI, man. | Golf GTI VR6 | Jetta GL sdn, man. | Jetta GLS 1.8T wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 5.4 |
All models nimble, feel sporty. GTIs and 1.8Ts handle best, though with more cornering lean than ideal. Sport suspension and/or 17-, 18-inch wheels pay dividends with sharper steering response, terrific smooth-road grip. Available antiskid system a rare, laudable safety plus in this price class. So are standard 4-wheel ABS disc brakes that provide short, stable emergency stops.
QUIETNESS
| Golf GLS TDI, man. | Golf GTI VR6 | Jetta GL sdn, man. | Jetta GLS 1.8T wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 4 |
One of the more-refined small cars. TDIs suffer some diesel clatter at idle and get gruff above 65 mph, but 1.8T and V6 engines always sound nice and don't intrude much. Jetta sedans isolate wind and tire noise better than wagons and hatchback Golfs, but all suffer more audible road roar with 17-, 18-inch tires.
CONTROLS
| Golf GLS TDI, man. | Golf GTI VR6 | Jetta GL sdn, man. | Jetta GLS 1.8T wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.5 |
Mostly clear and well-arranged, though low-mounted audio and climate controls not always easy to adjust while driving. Cabin materials and finish set the class standard. Night lighting for every knob and switch a welcome luxury-car touch.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Golf GLS TDI, man. | Golf GTI VR6 | Jetta GL sdn, man. | Jetta GLS 1.8T wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
Above-average leg room. Ditto head room even with sunroof. Firm, supportive seats have simple pump-handle height adjusters, tedious handwheel backrest recliners. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel helps tailor driving position. Easy outward vision except dead astern in sedans.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Golf GLS TDI, man. | Golf GTI VR6 | Jetta GL sdn, man. | Jetta GLS 1.8T wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3.6 |
OK head room for two 6-footers, but leg room tight unless front seats are well forward. Entry/exit a squeeze on 2-dr Golfs, somewhat better on Jetta, 4-dr Golfs.
CARGO ROOM
| Golf GLS TDI, man. | Golf GTI VR6 | Jetta GL sdn, man. | Jetta GLS 1.8T wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 3 | 7 | 3.9 |
All models have split folding rear seats and low load sills. Jetta sedan's trunk is large for the class. Golfs and Jetta wagons offer even more useful cargo space and versatility.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Golf GLS TDI, man. | Golf GTI VR6 | Jetta GL sdn, man. | Jetta GLS 1.8T wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
GL-grade Jettas and especially Golfs are the best dollar values in this line. But all versions of these cars are satisfying to drive and come with a laudable list of safety features. The available diesel engine and range of body styles are other assets. VW's high-grade interior materials are the industry standard, but the company also gets below-average customer-satisfaction scores for vehicle reliability and dealer service.
Total Score
| Golf GLS TDI, man. | Golf GTI VR6 | Jetta GL sdn, man. | Jetta GLS 1.8T wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | 55 | 53 | 58 | 48.6 |
Total Score: 58
Scores for all Compact Cars
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