Still basking in its popularity, and soon to be the best-selling Volkswagen in North America, the 1985 Volkswagen Jetta changed little from its second generation redesign for 1984.
Available as either a 2-door coupe or a 4-door sedan, the coupe came in three editions -- base, diesel, and Wolfsburg. The sedan also came in three editions. The base and GL Jetta featured a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder, 85-hp engine and 5-speed manual transmission. The snazzier GLI, seeking to appeal to a more performance-oriented driver, boosted that horsepower to 100-hp. A 3-speed auto tran was optional. Great gas mileage and precision Volkswagen craftsmanship have maintained the Jetta's popularity, and the 1985 Jetta wins praise from drivers for its expert handling, solid feel behind the wheel, and a huge trunk. The seats and interior are plain, but comfortable. Though owners say it is easy to work on, parts can be hard to find and put a dent in your wallet. Other complaints mention the lack of fold-down rear seats and some road noise.