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 81 through 90 of 102.00
  • Fun in the sun, but stormy reliability. - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    Traded in my Volvo s60 for this cute top down car. Thought German car would be better than Swedish. Have had the car in for speaker, gas lid, windows, wipers, etc. Everything seems to be falling apart. Had the driver side window fixed about 5 times, they cant seem to get it right. One day on low gas my gas tank lid wouldnt click open, good thing I was close to a dealer and they opened it for me, but couldnt fix it at the moment had to wait 2 weeks for that. Gas mileage is ok, could be better. Trunk space you cant even fit in a beach chair. AND if you are thinking of taking friends with you for a fun ride hope the ones sitting in the back are kids, small kids.

  • A Return to Basics - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    After ten years in the world of trucks, I returned to VW, choosing the Beetle, 20+ years from my first such vehicle. This car is incredibly well built and solid considering its compact size. Its Interior features are on the high end, making the modern day drive quite easy. The gas mileage on the TDI is over two-and-a-half times improved over my guzzling trucks of yore. It handles great in wintery conditions, accelerates like a charm, and is a real pleasure to drive, even for 6+ hour hauls. If you live in cold climates, Id recommend the cold weather package as heated seats make a world of difference. Summertime begs for the sun/moon roof, a standard on my model.

  • Yellow Bugster - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    I love my bug! It has plenty of power, is easy to drive, and handles well. I get plenty of postive comments from others when we stop. The cup holder will not allow a 12oz drink can to fit without flipping it out toward the passenger seat though.

  • buy it - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    Awesome car! Fuel economy is a plus, although the potential to have fun and drive this car aggressively doesnt help fuel economy. I dont miss my Audi A6 quattro one bit. In the first month I drove from Durham NC to Florida for the hoidays and felt safe sailing along I95 with big rigs, SUVs and countless bad drivers. I got waves, smiles and only stopped for diesel once on the way down - about 500 miles into the trip. I wouldnt want to sit in the back seat for too long, but I had plenty of room for all my xmas presents on the way home!! Go for it, you know you want one!

  • Run... dont walk and find another car!! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    I bought my turbo conv. beetle used in 08 with 39000 miles on it. I starting having problems with the drivers side window not going down within the first year and it just escalated from there. I have since replaced 3 of the 4 windows to the tune of $800 a PIECE! I have just now reached 70k miles and my transmission is shot. It appears this is a very common problem and VW refueses to deal with it or make good on it. I now have over 5k in repairs into this vehicle that is not worth much and my mechanic is saying another 5800k to get it going again. I have loved the look of my car and how fun it is to drive.....BUT, I will Never ever by another VW. what a money pit!!

  • Something you feel great to pay - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    I bougt this car as a gift to my wife. Before that we consider Toyota Echo, Collora, Scion, etc. Beetle costs several thousands more than comparison but it really worths the money. My wife is so delighted with her new car. Everything is perfect. Style is great, the function is responsive, plus a build-in mp3 player. Do not know of anything else to add to it.

  • New Bug - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    It is a fun drive, and I fit at 6 2", the TDI smoked a little at first, but after it was broken in, and using Biodiesel it now does great. Going from a Land Rover to a VW TDI is very nice on the pocket. Only thing that bugs me a little is the outside mirrors defrost is in the center position of the mirror adjustment switch, this is taking some getting use to, hope I dont burn them out before I figure it out, a light would be nice.

  • "Beauty is the beginning of terror!" - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    I bought the most beautiful 2005 New Beetle convertible ever built. Midnight blue with beige interior. And thats the best thing I can say about the car. Nearly four years and 30,000 miles later and I can only tell you to avoid this product at all costs. If you must, lease it. Engine compartment fire, windows on the passenger side disentgrating on thir own, water pump, brakes, front struts, burned out headlights, check engine lights come on whenever they please, poor gas mileage on 93, convertible roof is moody, plastic and rubber parts fall off in the night to be found on the floor in the morning, interior peels on hot days, locks wont work on cold days, new radio, I can go on,

  • Surprise! I love this car! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    I bought this car a year ago when it was 2 years old-- never thought of buying a VW but was looking for a diesel & this was the only one available. Its so much bigger and more comfortable than it looks like it would be-- my sister says its nicer to ride in than my BMW 3 convertible was! And I got 47 MPG on my Christmas trip to Florida this year!!! Im buying 10 gallons of gas every 10-15 days and commuting 50 miles a day, averaging between 38 and 42 mpg (lower when the AC is on). I know the VWs have some maintenance issues, but Ive had no problems so far. Its a really enjoyable car to drive.

  • fun - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    A fun and responsive ride. Handles well at all speeds. Very quiet with top up and down.

Volkswagen New Beetle Reviews By Year:
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