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 1 through 10 of 102.00

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  Why I wont buy another VW - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By DrRix - September 23 - 12:40 am

  I have been leasing the 05 VW New Beetle Convertible, a special edition in dark flint with a red top, red wheel trim, red leather seats. Ive never gotten more compliments, and never driven anything that completely feel apart on me before, even when I had an old Toyota truck with no power steering and a leaking oil tank. Parts just fall right off this car - seat headrests, the glove compartment handle, the sideview mirror adjustment knob, random plastic parts that I dont even know where they came from. German cars used to be good, but these arent made in Germany anymore, and they are CRAP. Dont buy!!

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  Convertible Bug - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By sherri - July 12 - 5:33 pm

  The GLS automatic tiptronic 4 cylinder convertible Bug rocks No comparison to the reg beetle, its much more of a car in the way it rides as well as being loaded with the heated seats and outdoor mirrors, air, stereo, etc. It beats the hard top. Im hoping it will last. I love the top and I wish the seats were a bit better, like real leather and with heavy rubber footing throughout instead of carpet. Other than that, its cool. No problem yet with light on dash coming on like the past Beetle I owned, hopefully never will. VW is known for engine sensor light on a lot so the mechanics tell me, and through my own experience as well. Its great in the snow!

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  Just a cute car, not worth it! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By shannon - March 27 - 1:33 am

  For once in my life I wanted a cute car. I got it. Used 2005 GLS lt Blue with a gray top. Yes, I got thumbs up and smiles from perfect strangers. It fit my personality to a T. I made it through the 1st yr, then the back side window broke. right after the warranty ran out! $600 to repair! The other window broke late 2008. Ive just dealt with it. The top has now messed up and as I was was hand washing it I saw the top material has pulled away from the back window, water leaking in! Grant it I have 94,000 miles on it. They just dont make them like they used to. I decided its time for a GOOD car and bought a 2010 Kia Forte Coupe. Yep still FUN, but worth it!

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  Much Improvement Needed! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bucnasty - March 7 - 11:30 am

  This is my parents car, but i drive it mostly, and have to deal with the dealership on the ongoing problem with the check engine light coming on. It comes on all the time and they keep telling us its a computer code that has to be updated, and they are waiting for it. Theyve been telling us that for a year now. Furthermore, the cup holders are awful you cant even fit a "pony" in them. They are poorly designed. Also, how can a car as tiny as a bug get only around 27 mpg? My grandmother had a huge Mercury Grand Marquee with a V8 and it got around 28 mpg. The engine needs to be revamped, there are so many larger cars out today that get a lot better mileage than the Beetle.

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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.

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  Nothing But Headaches!!!! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By kelboom01 - April 23 - 11:38 pm

  Bought my car used with 25,000 miles on it and within first year was met with of course the rear window not working issue that looks as though is a "normal" problem with this type of car. So needless to say $1,000 to fix and then front headlights blew out twice within a few months??? Now dealing with transmission "bucking" issues and passenger window not working and convertible roof not working!!!! help!!!!! NEVER AGAIN BUYING A VW...

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  Its a Lime! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By stowbound - May 4 - 4:36 am

  If it were yellow, it would be a lemon...instead I bought my wife a lime (green) for her 40th birthday. I believed that German engineering would provide us a good quality car that we could keep for 10+ years. Instead, I have had to sue under the lemon law for our horrible experience. The transmission still not fixed, the sound system rattles, marker lights fall out and dangle from the cords, gaskets come loose and the plastic parts break with ease. It is fun to drive with the top down, but is uncomfortable, gets poor mileage (24 mph, not 30 as advertised) is noisy and just feels cheap. There is also no storage anywhere in the car. This is not a car that will last. What a disappointment!