4 Star Reviews for 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle

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 21 through 30 of 102.00
  • CUTE! But a Dream down the hole... - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    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

  • 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 :))

  • "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.

  • Looking Good in My Lady Bug! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    I love my chick car. I look good in it. Taking the top down is awesome in the warm weather, and it drives well in the winter too. It has impressive head-room and I can almost stand up on the floor of the backseat. The trunk is tiny, but who cares? Put your groceries on the passenger seat. Ive had it for about a year now and have had no mechanical issues at all, gas efficiency is pretty average, and its overall pretty low maintenance.

  • Exploding Windows - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    We have enjoyed driving our New Beetle, we have been VW owners since the late 50s and our daughter still has her first car, 1971 Beetle Convertible. We will be forced to get rid of our car because the window on the drivers door has exploded twice. Our car is almost out of warantee and VW has told us that if the window explodes again, it will be our expense. We feel this is a danger but there has been no recall or service notes on it. VW of Americas answer to us is, "we are very sorry." We feel we will have to get rid of the car before one of us loses an eye. Our dealership has admitted to having several cars with similar problems, sometimes it is the passenger door.

Volkswagen New Beetle Reviews By Year:
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