Ride Report - 2005 VW Jetta
Feb 6, 2006, 8:14 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP, B6 Mosaic, UA Platinum, others
Posts: 1,270
Ride Report - 2005 VW Jetta
Usually a trip to CMH means a bland mid-sized American car. Once in a while, however, there's a surprise waiting in the stall. This time around, it was a silver 2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLS.
This is NOT the new Jetta released in mid-2005, but the older, better performing model which has existed in more or less this form since '99.
The particular model was equipped with a 2.0L engine, the heated cloth seats which come standard with the GLS package, a sunroof, a nice CD player, and the traction enhancement stuff VW calls ESP.
Power: The 2.0 liter engine is pretty much the least fun engine you can get on a Jetta, making barely over 100 HP. The 1.8T or VR6 is a LOT more fun... but this does mean this car can get by on regular. This choice also means the Jetta comes with a standard automatic transmission rather than the cooler Tiptronic version. Still, the car moves reasonably quickly, certainly more eagerly than your run of the mill class C car.
Handling: Responsive steering -- 15k miles hasn't made a dent in the rock solid handling of a VW. Lots of road feel, which didn't feel too great on some of the rough roads in the area. Very tight turning radius.
Interior: Typical very good VW build quality, however this particular car could have been cleaner. The dashboard was dusty, the seats needed vacuuming. This aside, the interior was pretty comfortable - in the front at least. I'm a tall guy and I could get as much legroom as I needed. The rear seat was useless for adults, however. The trunk was adaquate in size.
Features: Power everything, nice sunroof, and a really pretty good CD player. Daytime running lights, and a rather neat blue/red nighttime dashboard configuration.
Value: Pretty solid for a C-class. Good handling, fun to drive, a breath of fresh air in an otherwise boring class of rentals.
This is NOT the new Jetta released in mid-2005, but the older, better performing model which has existed in more or less this form since '99.
The particular model was equipped with a 2.0L engine, the heated cloth seats which come standard with the GLS package, a sunroof, a nice CD player, and the traction enhancement stuff VW calls ESP.
Power: The 2.0 liter engine is pretty much the least fun engine you can get on a Jetta, making barely over 100 HP. The 1.8T or VR6 is a LOT more fun... but this does mean this car can get by on regular. This choice also means the Jetta comes with a standard automatic transmission rather than the cooler Tiptronic version. Still, the car moves reasonably quickly, certainly more eagerly than your run of the mill class C car.
Handling: Responsive steering -- 15k miles hasn't made a dent in the rock solid handling of a VW. Lots of road feel, which didn't feel too great on some of the rough roads in the area. Very tight turning radius.
Interior: Typical very good VW build quality, however this particular car could have been cleaner. The dashboard was dusty, the seats needed vacuuming. This aside, the interior was pretty comfortable - in the front at least. I'm a tall guy and I could get as much legroom as I needed. The rear seat was useless for adults, however. The trunk was adaquate in size.
Features: Power everything, nice sunroof, and a really pretty good CD player. Daytime running lights, and a rather neat blue/red nighttime dashboard configuration.
Value: Pretty solid for a C-class. Good handling, fun to drive, a breath of fresh air in an otherwise boring class of rentals.
Feb 6, 2006, 9:21 pm
#2
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Diego US and Brisbane AU
Programs: AA EXP/2MM - DL PM - OZ Diamond - Bonvoy LTT - Hyatt Glob - IHG Plat - National EE - Sixt Platinum
Posts: 1,315
Interesting! I had heard that Hertz may bring in MK5 Jettas, but I didn't know they carried the older MK4s. I like the Jetta, although like the Corolla, it may be a bit small to be in the C rate class...
Thanks for the review. ^
Thanks for the review. ^
Jun 3, 2006, 9:03 pm
#4
Join Date: May 2006
Location: midwest
Programs: aa-plat, nw-gold, ua, sw, marriot-plat, hh-silver, hz-presidents circle, amtrak-who knows
Posts: 136
I can confirm that CMH airport is a Hz franchise owned by a local dealership. I sometimes call and spcifically ask for the Jetta.
_m
_m