Volkswagen made no changes to its venerable Golf hatchback for 2005, in anticipation of a completely redesigned vehicle due the following year. Two basic trim packages were still available. The Golf GL came in either a two-door or a four-door version. The two-door Golf was available with only a 115-hp, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gas engine, while the four-door version was available with either the 4-cylinder gas engine or a 100-hp, 1.9-liter diesel engine with the TDI (turbo direct injection) feature.

The four-door, higher-end Golf GLS was available with the same two engines. A five-speed manual transmission was standard equipment across the line. A five-speed manual transmission was standard across the line. A four-speed automatic transmission was optional with the gas-engine Golfs, while a five-speed automatic was optional with the TDI diesels.

Standard features for the GL package included air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, front and side airbags for the driver and passenger, anti-lock brakes, a tilt/telescoping steering column, an anti-theft alarm system, a keyless entry system, cruise control, and a stereo system with a CD player. The GLS added a power sunroof, among other features. Stability control is optional across the line.

Drivers gave positive marks to the Golf's build quality, acceleration, handling, safety features, and smooth-shifting manual transmission. Gas mileage, though, was noted by some drivers as not being as good as expected.