52/100

1985Compact CarsDiesel

1985 Volkswagen Jetta

EPA ID: 403

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City MPG

Combined MPG

34MPG· Excellent

Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 1985 Volkswagen Jetta achieves an EPA-estimated 34 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 31 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a manual 5-spd, this compact cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 1985 Jetta produces approximately 299 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Jetta performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $2,400, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $1,250 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassCompact Cars

Fuel TypeDiesel

Engine1.6L 4-cyl

AspirationTurbocharged

TransmissionManual 5-spd

Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions299 g/mi

Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped

GHG Score-1/10

Smog RatingN/A

Est. Annual Cost$2,400

5-Year Cost DeltaSave $1,250

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG

33.8

Impact vs EPA

+$9

/ year

💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost

$500/mo

Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.

Annual Mileage15,000 mi

Value Depreciation

Est. value lost over 60 months

$14,000

46.6%

Fuel & Electricity

Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)

$7,721

25.7%

Estimated Insurance

Based on vehicle class risk profile

$7,900

26.3%

State Registration Fees

Based on National Average DMV base rates

$400

1.3%

Total 5-Year Cost$30,021

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #06E018000·2006-03-30

critical

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

CERTAIN HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSES, P/N 171.611.107B, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR 1975-1985 VOLKSWAGEN (VW) RABBIT; 1985-1992 VW GOLF; AND 1980-1992 VW JETTA PASSENGER VEHICLES. POSSIBLE BRAKE HOSE RUPTURE COULD OCCUR WHICH FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 106, "BRAKE HOSES."

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: BRAKE HOSE RUPTURE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: FOREIGN PARTS DISTRIBUTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE BRAKE HOSES WITH COMPLIANT BRAKE HOSES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 30, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FOREIGN PARTS DISTRIBUTORS AT 305-885-8646 EXT. 11.

Campaign #92V050000·1992-05-29

advisory

Component: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE

THE END CAP CONNECTING THE HEAT EXCHANGER'S CORE TO THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM COULD RUPTURE AND ALLOW HOT COOLANT TO ESCAPE INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: THE COOLANT ESCAPING INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT COULDCONTACT THE DRIVER'S FEET AND INJURE THE DRIVER. ALSO, STEAM FROM THE HEATEDLIQUID WILL CLOUD ON THE WINDOW SURFACES AND IMPAIR THE DRIVER'S VISION ANDCOULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy: REPLACE THE HEATER CORE WITH AN IMPROVED HEATER CORE.

Campaign #87V053000·1987-06-04

moderate

Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

FUEL PUMP, LOCATED INSIDE FUEL TANK, COULD SEIZE DURING HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BECAUSE OF AN EXTREME FINE MESH FUEL FILTER RESTRICTING THE FUEL FLOW.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: FUEL SUPPLY TO ENGINE WOULD BE PARTIALLY INTERRUPTED,RESULTING IN STALLING.

Remedy: INSTALL A MODIFIED FUEL PUMP AND FILTER.

Campaign #84V144000·1984-11-01

advisory

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

THE CLIP LOCATED ABOVE THE EXHAUST PIPE WHERE IT ENTERS THE PRE-MUFFLER MAY MELT FROM EXCESSIVE HEAT CAUSED BY ENGINE IDLING.

Consequence & Remedy

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

59.9 metric tons CO₂

Equivalent To:

🌳 74 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs

✈️ 5.0 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.