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View Full Version : Driving Impressions, The Jetta 5, from a skeptic



Allstar3.8T
03-16-2005, 01:19 PM
I was at DH VW today, getting my sled serviced, and struck up a conversation that led to me landing a set of keys to a Jetta V. The only thing I was told is, "Drive it, and then tell me what you think."
I drove a 2.5L **5 cyl 6spd auto, w/ wheel covers, and the base interior (Which is leatherette, no more cloth). This is the ENTRY level Jetta.
The car was in an uphill battle if it were to win me, a turbo loving tuner who only sees a corollas rear , and an Accords flanks....and loves all things that spin tires and hiss when you shift.

Its tranny being a 6 spd keeps you in power. Only 150 hp, but it gets it down FAR better than the 2.0 on a 5 spd. Its like the early 1.8Ts honestly. The car is MUCH roomier, even though mathamatically it isnt by much. It steers w/ confidence that you are feeling the road, in a cleaned up state, and has a self straightening system so heavily sloped roads wont pull the car to the side. Cool. I thought it has very adequate brakes, especially on a wet day like today.. The suspension is good, atleast equal to an OEM Jetta IV...needs sways and drop springs IMO....But all cars need this. The stereo rocks in base form better than a monsoon ever did, and the HVAC works like a wind tunnel.
In conclusion--
I looked at this car as ugly, and frumpy, and a representation of all I disagree with.....until I drove it. Its like an average chic you talk to then realize shes so cool, and from then on shes strangly hot. Thats this car. It isnt my idea of sexy, it doesnt make me wanna rush to tune one, but this IS the base model. It is a car you need to drive, if you are a true VW enthusiast, you need to see for yourself. I will be anxious to drive the 2.0T (FSI) car when it arrives in a few months.
If you are in the market for a car, and you are considering the Accord, or Corolla you better do yourself a favor and drive this. At $22,020 this is what you want your wife, GF, sister or mom to drive. As for us.....We need FSI!!!

Kevykev
03-16-2005, 01:22 PM
Cool!

Accords and Corollas aren't in the same class though...

I've never heard someone say....well i'm either thinkin' of an Accord but then again i kinda want a corolla... LOL

The Yousef
03-16-2005, 01:25 PM
does it have the "DSG" tranny? or is that only on the TT and new GTIs? is there no more 1.8T? also what is FSI? sorry for all the ?s i'm a VW noob...

Allstar3.8T
03-16-2005, 01:29 PM
Kev, The corolla and Accord are regular comparrisons to this car on how it looks. Also, thier price range overlaps w/ this car. It isnt all about physical size.
FSI, is forced injection. It will be a 200 hp 2.0T

The Yousef
03-16-2005, 01:30 PM
Kev, The corolla and Accord are regular comparrisons to this car on how it looks. Also, thier price range overlaps w/ this car. It isnt all about physical size.
FSI, is forced injection. It will be a 200 hp 2.0T


oh cool thanks....btw what's Forced injection?


sorry again.... :(

RutRoe
03-16-2005, 01:31 PM
Good heads up man.. thanks for the info

eViLMunkey
03-16-2005, 01:32 PM
I'd rather get an Accord.... or screw price and get the new Lexus GS

Kevykev
03-16-2005, 01:34 PM
Kev, The corolla and Accord are regular comparrisons to this car on how it looks. Also, thier price range overlaps w/ this car. It isnt all about physical size.


ok i feel yah...



Skinny one- It's Induction! As in forced intake....as in Eat You Cereal NOW BITCH!!!

The Yousef
03-16-2005, 01:35 PM
I'd rather get an Accord.... or screw price and get the new Lexus GS


the new GS is hotness....

civic95
03-16-2005, 02:04 PM
It may be a nice car today, but VW doesn't have a good reputation with reliability and that's what would prevent me from owning a vdub. For 2004 models they practically took the whole top 10 in the least reliable chart. I'm not trying to start an arguement, and I know someone has bound to have a good VW experience but this is all statistical.

The Yousef
03-16-2005, 02:08 PM
ok i feel yah...



Skinny one- It's Induction! As in forced intake....as in Eat You Cereal NOW BITCH!!!


ahh..thank you good sir...i'll eat my Honey Bunches of Oats now...

4dmin
03-16-2005, 02:37 PM
nice i'll have to check it out.. i know chuck just posted about the 2.0t