New or Significantly Altered Models
- 2005 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan
- Fifth generation grows in size and style. The larger new Jetta will feature a fully-indpendent suspension, four wheel disc brakes and a chassis that Volkswagen claims is significantly stiffer. The base engine is 2.5L 5-cylinder engine unique to North America. Both 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions are offered.
Mostly Unchanged
- 2005 Volkswagen Golf 2 Door
- TDI 2-door model dropped. New model for 2006.
- 2005 Volkswagen Golf 4 Door
- Unchanged. New model due in fall, 2005
- 2005 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan
- Jetta GLI VR6 model dropped. All-new Jetta due mid-2005
- 2005 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon
- Virtually unchanged
- 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
- The performance-oriented Turbo S model has been dropped. Six-speed automatic with Tiptronic replaces 4-speed automatic for the 1.8T and 2.0 models. Standard MP3 connector for radio.
- 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle Cabriolet
- Standard MP3 connector for radio.
- 2005 Volkswagen Passat Sedan
- W8 model dropped.
- 2005 Volkswagen Passat Wagon
- W8 model dropped.
- 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
- Updated front grille style. Active cruise control available mid-year. "Soft Close" doors. Myrtle and Walnut wood upgrades available on V8 model.
- 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
- V6 model gains an additional 20 hp. DVD-based navigation system