Overview & Reviews

Changes for 2005 include a new optional six-speed automatic transmission with the 2.0 and 1.8T engines, a standard MP3 connector for the radio and a satellite radio (either XM or Sirius) option. The 1.8T engine gets squeaky-clean with a ULEV emissions rating. Color changes (always an important factor in any New Beetle purchase) are as follows: Shadow Blue replaces Galactic Blue, Tornado Red replaces Uni Red, and Blue Lagoon is no longer available.

• Cute yet classic styling, range of engine choices, long list of standard features, excellent crash test scores.

• Tight rear-seat accommodations, limited cargo room, Turbo S model priced much higher than comparable performance coupes.

User Reviews:

Showing 41 through 50 of 102.00

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  I love the bug! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Laura - May 3 - 3:16 am

  I have had my VW Bug convertable for almost a year and a half and I totally love it! It drives smoothly, it looks hot, and you can get it in fun colors! I wouldnt be happier with any other car. Its fun and you will be more than happy to dirve it. Ive never had any problems with it either, never! Enjoy the car, I know you will!

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  Volkswagen is a poor Quality Car - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By girlie*girl - March 30 - 10:36 pm

  let me just say that I only thought I wanted a bug :0( it was one of the worst things I have ever done in buying that car. it has noises in the cabin that is so irritating! and the cup holders are NOT convenient.. and The Transmission is a major problem !! and almost everyone that has one has problems with the transmission, volkswagen needs to fix this now!! and recall them because of the transmissions!!!!!

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  Bitten By My Bug - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By M. Young - March 23 - 5:43 pm

  I love driving my bug (even put German tags on the front) - I get compliments from total strangers on it all the time...they say it suits me (I guess I look like the artist/musician I am). All was great until 9 days after my purchase (4200 mi) my check engine light came on. Repeated 13-14 times in the next two years, plus speakers rattled, seat frame on drivers side broke more than once (try driving in a bobbling seat). Rubber coating on inside door handles peeling, interior fabric liner on convertible came loose and draped over window. Thank goodness all repairs so far have been under warranty! Looking for more reliable transport now, but will miss my bugs "cute as a bug" smile. :-(

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  Owing a bio bug - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By David in Colorado - November 27 - 3:40 am

  I purchased this car used for the diesel engine as I was commuting 720 mile per week in my job. The car handled very well in all kinds of weather like snow and ice. Mileage was right at 40 mpg on the highway. I started mixing my own bio fuel 50/50 oil and diesel and was surprised at how well the car ran. about 10-15% loss in power but for the fuel savings I gained it was well worth it. The TDI engine coupled with the Automatic 6- speed gearbox is like new at 116000 miles. I have owned many newe cars in my lifetime and was a Honda owner before this but Volkswagon TDI performance along with durability and realibality really impressed me.

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  2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bigdaddy - November 4 - 4:13 pm

  Id seen the first Concept One in 1994. After exhaustive research and MANY test drives, I purshased a 2005 New Beetle TDI on 1/12/2005 (or VW NB GLS TDI with ESP and XM(radio). The fuel mileage is GREAT - over 400 miles on a fill up with 99% city driving- I look forward to a very long relationship.

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  VW stands behind their work :) - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Chris - August 30 - 12:23 pm

  I bought an 04 2.0 litre convertable that was a piece of junk but VW stood behind their work and replaced it with an 05 turbo for a very very small contribution from myself and I could not be happier this car is awesome and so far has been trouble free :) for anyone buying one they are very low profile and I would suggest the 17 inch rims, they give you a bit more ground clearance, the 04 had 16s and drug her butt everywhere the 05 has 17s and never bottoms out. I would also recommend the turbo over the 2.0 litre it performs much beter and doest use any more gas than the slow 2.0 litre.

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  Hippie car - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By richard - July 16 - 3:03 am

  Bought the car new in march of 2005. A fun car to drive, gas mileage is 24 around town and 29 on the highway. We have taken this car on three long distance trips with no problems at all. We use the back seat for luggage as the trunk is not of any use for suitcases.

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  fun driving car but parts dont last long - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By jbdonkey - June 20 - 11:56 am

  I owned two beetle tdi (2003 and 2005 model). I always bought them used and over 100000 miles on meters. They drive smoothly but the interiors are horrible. The door panels are never good. I have look at least twenty beetles from craigslist posts and the plastic or leather parts are bad. Their sale price is way lower compared to Japanese. Since I drive 200 mile every day in commuting and i really care about the gas millage. so I can live with that. If VW try to earn the market, they should know how to improve this. By the way, the parts are not cheap in this car.

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  This car is amazing - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Karrie - May 11 - 4:20 pm

  This car is amazing! When I drove it I was sold. Actually I drove a manual turbo frist, then I drove my top of the line tiptronic transmission convertable. Now I am a proud owner. Great on gas. Fun fun fun. I drive it everywhere. It can tackle any hill, mountain or weather. Dont forget it can handle California freeways.

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  Bad car - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dale mayhall - May 4 - 11:16 pm

  When the temperature is less than 30 degrees this car is horrible. The A/T doesnt shift into overdrive until after 15 minutes of driving, the mileage is 15 mpg, the windows dont go up properly,etc. It will be sold shortly. What a piece.