2005 Volkswagen Golf Review
Price Estimate: $789 - $1,313





+59
Volkswagen Golf model years
Volkswagen Golf types
- Hatchback
- Diesel
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Long list of standard features, high-quality cabin materials, utility of hatchback design, fuel-efficient diesel engine, fun to drive.
Cons
- More expensive than its peers, mediocre performance of base four-cylinder, some controls difficult to use.
What’s new
With an all-new Golf on the way next year, there are no major changes for the current model.
Edmunds says
Though pricier than the average economy car, the 2005 Volkswagen Golf offers far more amenities, refined driving dynamics and a very fuel-efficient diesel option, all of which make it an attractive hatchback.
For sale near Columbus, OH
3 listings
- 109,782 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use only
- 21 City / 28 Hwy MPG, Manual
- BACHETTIS AUTO SALES (515 mi away)
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Alarm
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
Close
Located in Sheffield, MA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
24 Combined MPG (21 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 9BWGL61J554022999
Stock: B15570
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 05-20-2025- 139,958 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 21 City / 28 Hwy MPG
- Choice Motor Car (533 mi away)
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Alarm
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
Close
Located in Plainville, CT
>>Super clean and owned by an older lady who traded it directly in to us. Runs really well, is in great shape inside and out. Sunroof, new rims and t...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
24 Combined MPG (21 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 9BWGL61J454001416
Stock: 001416
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-19-2025
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$158/mo for Golf GL
Golf GL
vs
$160/mo
Avg. Compact Car
See Edmunds pricing data
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Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Volkswagen Golf Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Love this car!
4.63 out of 5 starslizzieinmd, 12/07/2013
2005 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
I bought my 2005 Golf TDI brand new in February 2005. I love the fuel mileage - average of 46-48 mpg and I don't visit the gas station very often. It is a really fun car to drive with what feels like lots of power due to the torque. It is, however, expensive to maintain and not always easy to find a good local VW mechanic. VW dealer service always seems to be sub par (I have been to 3 … different dealers for service). I still would not give up my car because I do love driving it!
Great engine/Gearbox shonkybuild quality
3.75 out of 5 starsDe Spear, 10/26/2010
2005 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
The engine is great and mates wonderfully to the DSG The car has plenty of torque and is responsive I am very disappointed with the quality of the materials used Car dealer service is very expensive. http://ontargetreviews.blogspot.com/2010/09/2005-vw-golf-tdi-20-comfortline.html
Too many problems
4 out of 5 starsKaren Marie, 02/26/2015
2005 Volkswagen Golf GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Bought Golf GLS M/T new Jan/2006. Had a great run for the first few years. It handles great, is a lot of fun to drive and looks good.
But, once it was out of warranty, the problems started. At about 44,000 miles/7 yrs., the master cylinder (brakes) needed to be replaced, and rotors. Internal engine oil leak - new transmission needed before 50,000 miles. Hood latch broke 2x. Strange … front thumping noise that cannot be diagnosed began in 9th year.
Around year 6 the armrest latch broke. Around year 8 the glove compartment latch broke. And this is from a single driver - hardly ever passengers, no kids - so these things were hardly ever opened.
Loved the car but would not buy again. I traded it in after 9 years and would not buy VW again, as much as I loved the car in the beginning.
Good for the long haul.
4.75 out of 5 starsscvcampdavis, 12/26/2007
2005 Volkswagen Golf GL TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
I drive about 115 miles round trip to work. All I have ever done is change the oil (about every 12-15k miles), replace a couple head lights, and change the tires. My car has yet to need brakes or any major repair. The perfect stylish, fun to drive, daily commuter!
2005 Golf Highlights
Hatchback
GL
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $15,830 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $158/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 18 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Golf include:
- Alarm
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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