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 11 through 20 of 102.00

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  Bitten By My Bug - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By M. Young - March 23 - 5:43 pm

  I love driving my bug (even put German tags on the front) - I get compliments from total strangers on it all the time...they say it suits me (I guess I look like the artist/musician I am). All was great until 9 days after my purchase (4200 mi) my check engine light came on. Repeated 13-14 times in the next two years, plus speakers rattled, seat frame on drivers side broke more than once (try driving in a bobbling seat). Rubber coating on inside door handles peeling, interior fabric liner on convertible came loose and draped over window. Thank goodness all repairs so far have been under warranty! Looking for more reliable transport now, but will miss my bugs "cute as a bug" smile. :-(

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  Hippie car - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By richard - July 16 - 3:03 am

  Bought the car new in march of 2005. A fun car to drive, gas mileage is 24 around town and 29 on the highway. We have taken this car on three long distance trips with no problems at all. We use the back seat for luggage as the trunk is not of any use for suitcases.

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  fun driving car but parts dont last long - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By jbdonkey - June 20 - 11:56 am

  I owned two beetle tdi (2003 and 2005 model). I always bought them used and over 100000 miles on meters. They drive smoothly but the interiors are horrible. The door panels are never good. I have look at least twenty beetles from craigslist posts and the plastic or leather parts are bad. Their sale price is way lower compared to Japanese. Since I drive 200 mile every day in commuting and i really care about the gas millage. so I can live with that. If VW try to earn the market, they should know how to improve this. By the way, the parts are not cheap in this car.

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  Fun to drive. - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Louise Wilson-Erb - February 13 - 12:20 am

  The VW convertible is fun to drive, fast, and easty to operate. However, the drivers seat does is not comfortable and provide lumbar support for the older nostalgic drivers.

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  Sooooo Much Fun! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dsax - December 12 - 12:56 am

  More people come up to me and say how much they like my car. It really has personality and is displayed through its design. This is a second car for me as I do need a larger car for family trips. But I use this one for work and play - and nothing makes you feel better than a cool breeze blowing in your face after a long day at work. This car is very easy to maneuver, rides great, is relatively quiet, has a great stereo and all the amenties one really needs. Small trunk space but surprisingly holds more than you would think, and the backseat is small but fine for kids. These are things I knew prior to buying the vehicle, though. Would recommend to everyone!!

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  Cute retro looking car. - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By lovebug05 - October 16 - 7:55 am

  Ive had my 05 Beetle for about 2 years now. I got it with 116k miles and 17k miles on it with no major issues. Although Ive had to replace my battery twice within a year and & half. Major pain to take out and re install. The h1 bulbs for the headlights & fog lights burn out often. Major MAJOR pain in the a** to take the headlights out to put the new bulbs in. The interior dash scratches very easy and the car always smells like crayons in warmer weather. I had to put 1k in replacing the timing belt, water pump, belt tension er, serpentine belt, new tires, brakes just for preventive maintenance.

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  Worst car I have ever owned - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Scott - May 31 - 7:43 am

  Bought the car new. With only 22,000 miles we have already spent nearly $2,000 on repairs. As the other reviews stated; stuff just FALLS APART. Several sensors have gone bad - that was expensive enough, now the top is busted. More $$ down the drain. I will never buy another VW product.

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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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  Paint Problems - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Sean - November 18 - 12:30 am

  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.