Against 265 other 4-cyl cars rated 2003–2005, the Jetta Wagon beats their 24.5 mpg average by 9.5 mpg, about $438 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2001, the 1.9L 4-cyl (2002–2005), does 36.8 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.8L 6-cyl (2001–2002), 20: $877 a year apart.
Every Volkswagen Jetta Wagon engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9L 4-cyl | 33 / 42.8 | 2002–2005 | $1,043 | |
| 2L 4-cyl | 21 / 29 | 2001–2001 | $1,600 | |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 17 / 26 | 2001–2002 | $1,920 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Subaru Impreza gets 22.3 mpg, the Volvo V50 22.5 mpg and the Mitsubishi Lancer SportBack 22 mpg, next to 34 mpg for the 2005 Jetta Wagon. The Jetta Wagon is the cheapest of them to run: $616 a year less than the Mitsubishi Lancer SportBack.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2005) | $0.094 |
| Fuel per year | $1,129 |
| Fuel over five years | $5,645 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2003–2005 | −$438 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,479 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2005 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon gives up 8 mpg in town: 39 on the highway against 31 in the city, $254 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2005) | 31 mpg | $1,239 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 39 mpg | $985 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +8 mpg (26%) | Typical for its type |
How the Jetta Wagon changed over the years
The Jetta Wagon peaked in 2003 at 39 mpg (35 city, 45 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2001 at 22 — 17 mpg apart, or $760 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2005 car does 34. The biggest single-year change came in 2003: 29.5 to 39 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 31 / 39 | 1 | $1,129 | |
| 2004 | 31 / 42 | 1 | $1,097 | |
| 2003 | 35 / 45 | 1 | $985 | |
| 2002 | 26 / 35.5 | 2 | $1,302 | |
| 2001 | 19 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,745 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 7 EPA ratings of the Volkswagen Jetta Wagon — 3 engines across 2001–2005. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,479. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2005 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon get?
34 mpg combined, 31 city and 39 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2001 the Jetta Wagon has averaged 30.1 mpg.
Is the 2005 Jetta Wagon more efficient than the 2004?
No: 34 against 35 mpg combined, about $32 a year more to run.
Which Jetta Wagon year has the best gas mileage?
The 2003, at 39 mpg combined (35 city, 45 highway).
Does the Jetta Wagon get better gas mileage than the Subaru Impreza?
Yes: 34 mpg for the 2005 Jetta Wagon against 22.3 for the 2006 Subaru Impreza, about $593 a year less to run.
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