2005 Volkswagen New Beetle Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.37/5 Average
102 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

Pros:
  • Cute yet classic styling, range of engine choices, long list of standard features, excellent crash test scores.
Cons:
  • Tight rear-seat accommodations, limited cargo room, Turbo S model priced much higher than comparable performance coupes.

User Reviews:

Showing 71 through 80 of 102.00
  • Love it so much, I bought 2! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
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    I bought the New Beetle convertible the moment it came out. I had owned a New Beetle hatchback for 2 1/2 years and loved it so much I wanted another one. The convertible has much smaller trunk/storage space than the hatchback. If I have to transport anything that is too big to fit in the trunk, I just put the top down! Seriously, these cars handle great. I often drive mountain roads and the car is so stable. It provides a smooth ride and I get about 35 mpg on the highway. I have had zero trouble with it.

  • Paint Problems - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
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    I love my Beetle. I have always driven Cherolets, but I love my VW Bug. It is amazingly fun to drive and looks great...BUT...it has major paint issues. I have the Harvest Moon (Cream) colored Beetle. My front bumper has been in the shop six times in under a years time! It has been very disappointing.

  • CUTE! But a Dream down the hole... - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
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    Okay so I have been a Beetle fan for as long as I can remember, I bought myself a 2005 VW BEETLE BI COLOR ED! I was so stoked, it was black and maroon, most def an eye turned. It was very fun to drive and had all the bells and whistles except for a turbo. Anywho, after hitting 90k the Tranny started to give me problems, I was determined to keep my car but sadly had to trade it in to obtain the most for its value while it still had value. It became so scary to drive, I would stall at stop signs or traffic lights, some days I would forget I had issues all together because some days it would be perfectly fine and other days it would act up. And yes this is the tranny..... Please dont buy

  • Happy Car! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
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    I just love my Beetle Conv. This is my second New Beetle and I will probably buy a third. The color is great, it rides great and everywhere I go it makes people smile! Its been a great summer in MI for having the top down! (wind stop purchase recommended) this car even rides great in the snow, I love the ESP feature. The first little slip and sldie and it kickes in. The 6 speed Tiptronic transmission is gonna get me in trouble! Its not the old VW, no charge cards required to scrape the frost off the windshield, it has great heat and air conditioning (People who remember the old VW know what Im talking about.). All these new features blow people away. Once again its a happy car, It makes people smile!

  • Volkswagen Beetle Convertible - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
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    I purchased a Aquarius Blue Beetle Convertible. It is the best car in the world. Im in High school and this car is perfect for running around and doing errands. Youll look super hott cruising around town in one of these. All my friends think my car is the cutest car ever. When i first got the car i was very worried that the backseat wouldnt be big enough for anything but i found out that is bigger than i thought. I love all the safety features this car has. If i were to somehow flip, the backseats headrests are actually titanium bars that deploy and keep the car steady so it wouldnt squish anyone and wouldnt have an ugly rollover bar over the top. This car is the cutest and greatest car!

  • Good clean Bug fun - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
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    Great style with ample performance gives the Convertable Turbo Bug from Volkswagen a summer experience that is to be enjoyed. It seems that the rigidity of the frame in all convertibles suffer with the removal of the top, and this car is no different. Volkswagen has done an adequate job in reducing body shake vibration and bounce over rough roads without the "handbasket hoop" on other chop top models, but it would be nice if they could go the added yard to bring it up into the M.B. & BMW levels. I still feel that its style is still fresh from its most recient retro makeover and like the fit and finish of the interior and exterior. I find the car a pleasure to own.

  • New Bug - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    A really fun vehicle to drive. Front seats are very comfortable with plenty of leg room-rear seats are not meant for adults.

  • Fun in the sun : ) - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    Purchased this car from a dealer as a 2 year lease turn in. From the minute I saw it, I was in love. Its a real head turner. This is my 4th VW, bought a new 74 Beetle for college and 2 Rabbits after that. Pure fun to drive every where I go, people comment on what a cute car it is. have had check engine light issues but I have my BIL reset until it goes off again. I like the Turbo when it kicks in on the interstate. I can keep up with just about everyone. Minor things can be annoying but I dont care. I bought the car for fun and it delivers every time I drive it :))

  • Not your old Beetle - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
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    This is my third new Beetle. In fact there are two in the family now. I love this car. It is so fun to drive! The quality of construction is second to none. It has excellent German technology and drives great. Dont be fooled by the size of the car. A 66" man can easily be comfortable inside. I love the way it performs. It is also very comfortable for those long trips. All those nice little touches and electronic gadets make it easy and fun to operate. It has a lot of convenience features. Like I said we have two in the family and wont hesitate to buy again. Two items that Volkswagen needs to add are: 1. A digital compass. 2. A coin holder. These are only minor inconveniences though.

  • WOW - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    This is our third Volkswagen, and our second new Beetle. We decided to go with the TDI on this sunflower yellow purchase. Overall the interior and exterior are pretty much the same as our 2002 turbo GLX Beetle, with the exception of the diesel engine. So far the Beetle has lived up to everything that Volkswagen has promised from it. The fit and finish are excellent. For a diesel it is amazingly quiet and is responsive to acceleration. It has surpassed our expectations on mile to the gallon. My fun meter is always pegged whenever I drive either Beetle. I cant say enough good things about the new beetle. Suspension, handling, economy, acceleration, features, fun, it is peerless in its class.

Volkswagen New Beetle Reviews By Year:
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