2005 Volkswagen Jetta front.JPG

To rejuvenate its slumping sales, Volkswagen has unleashed the fifth generation in its proud line of Jettas, and a lot more is new this time than last. The pyramid styling gives way to a more aggressive face. The wimpy 115-horsepower 4-banger (unchanged since 1993) gives way to a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine "specifically designed for the American market" (since when did we ask for five cylinders?) making a much-improved 150 horsepower. A 200-horsepower 2.0 turbo 4 is on the way and the diesel will return (though not to California). A 5-speed manual is available, a 4-speed automatic gives way to a 6-speed Tiptronic, and the Jetta's quirky handling traits are forever banished thanks to a multilink rear suspension. Volkswagen also loves to rave about its new electro-mechanical steering, which America has yet to evaluate. Six airbags make it safer than most compact cars. Pricing starts around where its competitors end: $18,000 for the manual, $19,000 for automatic. On-sale date is