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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  Still With Personality - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By GREG TIBBETTS - December 21 - 9:30 am

  IMy initial attraction is the clean J.Mays / Freeman styling, but excellent interior materials and ergonomics make the Beetle better than similarly priced cars. This car has many detail improvements over the similar 2002 New Beetle. Its 6-speed auto transmission is a huge improvement over the old 4-speed design and even 5-speed manual that refused to accept a quick shift. It has excellent brakes and safety aids, both passive and active. Its handling is not particularly responsive, but safe and predictable. This car is able to cruise at high speeds with less wind noise than than in the past because of the 6-speed gearing. It turns approximately 3,000 RPM at 78 MPH. The leatherette looks like real leaather and is more luxurious than cloth. Plus car is style-proof.

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  My wife made me get it! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Impe - October 12 - 4:33 am

  It takes a real man to drive a car this car! I wanted a PT Cruiser Convertible but my wife insisted on the New Beetle Convertible; and it had to be Bback. We now have 5k miles on it and all is well. It is fun to drive and was comfortable on an 800 mile trip to FL. The top is easy to operate, the trunk is adequate for 2 people on 2/3 day trips, and the back seat is perfect for a 75lb Black Lab. The sound system is great, especially the MP3 capability which allows me to play as many as 200 songs per CD. The 28.5 MPG is less than I hoped for, (and both my wife and I drive gently); but the car sure is CUTE! We get lots of smiles and inquiries. All things considered, we are very happy with it.

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  A good value and fun! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ttocsffej - January 8 - 9:26 am

  My second bug and not as sprightly as my 01 Turbo coupe. Its a very heavy small car (3200 lbs.) and has a solid road feel. Even with the 1.8t and the 5 speed it craves another 30-40 hp. Fuel economy is not great. (EPA is 25 city-30 hwy.) My best mileage is only 24.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. You might get 30 mpg-if you still drive 55 mph on the freeway! With a lead foot in town you can expect about 21-22 mpg. The culprit is the gearing; its "short" in order to aid acceleration but the engine turns over a fuel-wasting 3700 rpm at 80 mph! An overdrive 6th gear would help mpg and noise! Otherwise it is a fun, solidly built convertible with a tight top. No troubles at 5K miles.

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  Fun but wont buy another! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By k8t - December 12 - 2:56 am

  Bought car used with only 6k miles at wholesale price, these are way too over priced brand new. PROS: fun to drive, ICE cold AC good mpg. No engine problems, replaced breaks at 45k miles. I totaled this car with only 50k miles, t-boned red light runner going about 45 mph and airbags went off even with airbag sensor on (recall), was uninjured and car kept me safe. CONS: cd player went out, gutless with AC on, a few electric issues, drivers side headlight and tail light had to be replaced 2x in 3 years and its a HUGE pain. Biggest problem was back window not rolling up or down, its a $800 fix since they have to remove back seat. Fun but wont be buying another when I get paid by insurance!

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  Bugs have "bugs" - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Brian - December 10 - 8:20 am

  All bugs have a problem with the radio, amp drains battery.All have seat belt light prblems.Convertibles have convertible top problems the top come apart around the window.The floor mat hold downs pop off. Vw and board walk have been contacted on these issue and they give me a different story everytime you talk to them. We have a grey convertible and a yellow hard top both 2004.

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  Fahrvergnugen - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By heme3 - April 11 - 2:40 am

  Good 2 go for a second "fun" car. Purchased used from a VW dealer, everything seems to be fine. Solid ride, little 2.0 engine runs on the cheap gas, convertible works very nicely. By far the coolest convertible you can pick up nowadays for $17K. If you want to go fast, buy something else. This car is for cruising. Almost bought the turbo version, used price is about the same, but the 1.8 turbo engine only runs on 93+ octane. Actually, the 2.0 engine seemed smoother than the 1.8 turbo with the automatic trans. 1.8 turbo with manual was best, tho. New 2.5 engine with automatic is perfect, but was out of my price range.

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  Yes, it is fun to drive but not comfy. - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By buggy tag - January 18 - 1:53 am

  I bought the car for the fuel economy and the looks. I have a large SUV and wanted something else to run around in to save gas when I am not hauling tons of kids. I get around 29 mpg both highway 60% and city 40%. I cant get the fuel economy that is stated. I am not a lead foot either. Check this before you buy one. This car is really meant for no more then two people in terms of comfort. I would hate to take a trip in this. The seats are not comfortable at all. They need to build them like domestic seats are built here. Teens hate the back seat. Up to 13 years is O.K. but isnt comfy. Also my dash and handles are peeling the top layer already, Im not hard on vehicles.

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  VW Beetle Convertible - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Jeffrey - December 4 - 4:36 pm

  Great car to drive! Lots of fun. Mechanical problems with the electric roof have been a bit frustrating. Overall a great car for the money.

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  Beetle - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By alicat715@aol.com - July 11 - 5:16 am

  I thought this would be a fun, cool car and I hate it!! I cant wait to get out of my lease. Its cute...and thats about it. Every perk about the car is cosmetic. It looks nice. Thats about the only thing I like about it. The cup holders are small...only can use one. The engine is small--NO power. I had an 8 yr old ask me, "Bugs are slow, huh?" b/c there is no power. I should have got the turbo engine...I might have been a little more satisfied.

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  VW Beetle ~ Still Alive & Kickn - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Azure - May 19 - 5:56 am

  Its simple. In the 60s and 70s I loved my various VW Bugs, so why not try an updated version? I really feel at home in this car, and I suppose at least in part, that has to do with the fact that my comparatively free-living past is elicited in the experience of driving the new convertible Beetle! (This is also my first VW convertible!) Great gas mileage and most of all the front wheel drive is a welcome change, which at first I feared would ruin it. Also, I strongly suggest spending a little extra for the *turbo.* I have had it with & without. Trust me ~ the extra cash spent is well worth it!