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 61 through 70 of 102.00

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  My VW Beetle Convertible - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Carol Brown - April 4 - 12:36 pm

  This is my third Volkswagen Beetle but my first convertible. The convertible does compromise the trunk space, but you have to pick your battles. My other 2 were 5 speed and this one is automatic. I am torn between the two, but this one does have the 6 speed tiptronic standard without a clutch. I am 48 and thought I should get an automatic this time. I am 59" tall and there is plenty of room for me and my passengers. I love my car! Everyone who knows me knows I love it also! I will never drive anything else. I am a VW Beetle woman all the way! I recommend them highly.......everyone in a beetle driving down the highway waves at each other!

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  Love it! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Beth A - March 7 - 8:06 am

  I was really nervous plunking down $22,000 cash for this car, but so far Im thrilled with it. Its so comfortable -- tons of room inside. The engine has lots of power and its getting more than 40MPG. I debated between a hybrid and this, and Im so glad I got this -- its so much more fun to drive compared to the relatively blah hybrids. The back seat is really, really tight -- not a problem for me since I have no kids, but if you need to use the back seat for anything more than storing stuff, you probably shoudl think twice. But I really have no complaints at all.

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  I love it! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By annie - December 6 - 1:40 am

  Lots of pick up, great for parking, not as fuel efficient as billed, more trunk space than you would think, tight quarters in back seat - really for two people, much more fun to run errands and grocery shop, easy top to operate, good sound system, terrific heating and defrost system, seat warmers work almost too well. When you put in cd rack - no room for any storage.

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  Get a manual - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Sarah - December 2 - 12:26 pm

  After reading some of these reviews, Im not surprised that people had a lot of problems with the automatic transmission. My second VW was an automatic and I had to replace the transmission at 60K miles. Instead of letting the lease run its course, I got a great deal on my Bug Convertible. Its a manual transmission and have experienced NONE of the problems that my last VW had. The car is fun and sporty. Not too fast, but I drive like an old lady anyway. I also dont commute for work so my mileage is way low. I would recommend this car to anyone thats willing to buy manual, makes it even more fun.

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  Good Car - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Aaron - November 21 - 7:50 pm

  My 2005 VW Beetle is a very good car. We have had it 1.5 years and have put 75,000 miles on it. It has had no problems and we get 45 MPG highway. It is one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned. We got 60,000 miles on the factory tires. The dealership was impressive also, they provide good customer service. I will buy one again.

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  Poor mans porsche - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By fun in the sun - November 9 - 6:00 pm

  I love this car the power top is simple to operate. I t handles great 6 speed transmission automatic is great!!! It does have blind spots when top is up.I think for the money is a wonderful car!!

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  Fun, Fun, Fun! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Teresa - September 29 - 7:43 pm

  I traded in a Lincoln Aviator on this car and I dont miss it a bit! The 2005 Volkswagen Beetle is sooo much fun to drive and turns heads daily. I love it, love it, love it!!!!

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  volks - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By richard coughlin - August 10 - 9:13 pm

  so far I like the car. The car handles well and is fun to drive. It is good in the snow. The fuel mileage is not impressive. I got around 26 mpg in mixed driving. There are a lot of rattles when driving over potholes. I bought the car for the fun factor. Im waiting for the spring so I can put the top down. Also I plan on wintering in the sun-belt starting next year so I bought the convertible. I hope gas prices do not rise a lot more. To early for a fair reliability assesment

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  Cute, but Little Power - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By amattke - April 27 - 12:53 am

  My dream car is a Porsche 911, but circumstances require that I get something else in the meantime. The bug is very cute, and will eventually move fast, but the lower gears are slow off the line. Mine has the Tiptronic automatic transmission like the Porsche, which allows shifting manually. The gear throw isnt as satisfying, but I like having the ability. It looks slow even when cruising at 80 mph, but I suppose that isnt a bad thing if there is a patrolman nearby. It is surprisingly comfortable. I smile every time I open the garage door and see it there smiling back at me - its just charming. There is a reason that so many cartoon cars look like Beetles.

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  happy to drive! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Laurie Deadrick - February 5 - 10:50 am

  So far, so good. This car is fun to drive (turbo gives extra power) and is great on gas.