5 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 31 through 40 of 102.00
  • A Little Fun! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    We find the New Beetle Convertible to be one of most exciting vehicles to drive that weve ever had. The turbo is definately the way to go to increase performance and fun. The vehicle has a solid feel and it cruises down the highway like an expensive sports car. I would recommend the New Beetle to anyone that is looking for a fun, safe and reliable sporty car.

  • 2005 VW Beetle - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    My first car was a 1957 Beetle and when fuel prices began to rise, I sold my Honda Passport and purchased my 2005 Beetle. I love it, we live in a mountainous region and with four adults in the car, all I have to do is switch my Tiptronic transmission from auto to manual, shift into 5th and I scoot right up the mountains without skipping a beat. It hugs the road and is so much fun to drive, I feel like a teenager again! My 74 year old Father loves to drive it as well and is looking at getting one for my Mom! We are considering another one for my husband, so I can keep him out of mine :) He was surprised at the pep when he drove it for the first time.

  • Best Convertible on the Market. - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    This is a fun car. Ive had convertibles my entire life but there is just something about a convertible New Beetle that is more fun than any of the rest. It has a lot of power and something about the angle and shape of the windshield gives you the illusion of being in a much larger car. Front seat is wonderfully spacious and roomy. Backseat, as Ive stated below, is the major drawback. Im also not delighted with the gas mileage. Im averaging less than 25 mpg .... I was hoping for a little more but even so Id buy the car again in a heartbeat.

  • Love it!!!!! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    I just finished a 5000 mile trip with my wife and couldnt be happier. Were not small people either. The vehicle is as advertised and a real attention getter.

  • My VW Beetle Convertible - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    This is my third Volkswagen Beetle but my first convertible. The convertible does compromise the trunk space, but you have to pick your battles. My other 2 were 5 speed and this one is automatic. I am torn between the two, but this one does have the 6 speed tiptronic standard without a clutch. I am 48 and thought I should get an automatic this time. I am 59" tall and there is plenty of room for me and my passengers. I love my car! Everyone who knows me knows I love it also! I will never drive anything else. I am a VW Beetle woman all the way! I recommend them highly.......everyone in a beetle driving down the highway waves at each other!

  • Love it! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    I was really nervous plunking down $22,000 cash for this car, but so far Im thrilled with it. Its so comfortable -- tons of room inside. The engine has lots of power and its getting more than 40MPG. I debated between a hybrid and this, and Im so glad I got this -- its so much more fun to drive compared to the relatively blah hybrids. The back seat is really, really tight -- not a problem for me since I have no kids, but if you need to use the back seat for anything more than storing stuff, you probably shoudl think twice. But I really have no complaints at all.

  • I love it! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    Lots of pick up, great for parking, not as fuel efficient as billed, more trunk space than you would think, tight quarters in back seat - really for two people, much more fun to run errands and grocery shop, easy top to operate, good sound system, terrific heating and defrost system, seat warmers work almost too well. When you put in cd rack - no room for any storage.

  • Get a manual - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    After reading some of these reviews, Im not surprised that people had a lot of problems with the automatic transmission. My second VW was an automatic and I had to replace the transmission at 60K miles. Instead of letting the lease run its course, I got a great deal on my Bug Convertible. Its a manual transmission and have experienced NONE of the problems that my last VW had. The car is fun and sporty. Not too fast, but I drive like an old lady anyway. I also dont commute for work so my mileage is way low. I would recommend this car to anyone thats willing to buy manual, makes it even more fun.

  • Good Car - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    My 2005 VW Beetle is a very good car. We have had it 1.5 years and have put 75,000 miles on it. It has had no problems and we get 45 MPG highway. It is one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned. We got 60,000 miles on the factory tires. The dealership was impressive also, they provide good customer service. I will buy one again.

  • Poor mans porsche - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    I love this car the power top is simple to operate. I t handles great 6 speed transmission automatic is great!!! It does have blind spots when top is up.I think for the money is a wonderful car!!

Volkswagen New Beetle Reviews By Year:
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