2005 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Volkswagen's best-selling line mostly marks time for 2005, as redesigned models began arriving in spring 2005. Jettas are 4-dr sedans and wagons that far outsell Golf 2- and 4-dr hatchbacks. Roughly parallel lineups offer identical front-wheel-drive powertrains. GL and GLS models use a 2.0-liter 4-cyl engine. A turbo 1.8 4-cyl powers 1.8T models, Jetta GLI 1.8T sedan, and 2-dr Golf GTI. A 2.8-liter V6 is reserved for the Golf GTI VR6. TDI models use a 4-cyl 1.9-liter turbodiesel. Dropped for '05 are Jetta's GLI VR6 sedan and the limited-edition all-wheel-drive V6 Golf R32. All models offer 5-speed manual transmission or optional automatic except GTI VR6, which comes only with 6-speed manual. The automatic for 2.0-liter models is a 4-speed unit; 1.8Ts offer a 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate. All Jettas and Golfs include antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, front torso side airbags, and head-protecting curtain side airbags. Traction control is standard except on 2.0 and TDI models, where it's unavailable. An antiskid system is standard for GTI VR6, optional elsewhere. OnStar assistance is available for all. A redesigned Jetta with larger dimensions became available midyear (see separate report). VW says Jetta-based Golf and GTI hatchbacks will go on sale by mid 2006.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise the smallest passengers cars. These vehicles range from tiny economy models to slightly larger popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons.

Our Best Buys include the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.