2005 Volkswagen Touareg Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.19/5 Average
194 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The Touareg's standard V6 engine goes from 220 hp to 240 hp. The optional navigation system will change from CD-based to DVD-based later in the model year. The formerly standard tire-pressure monitoring system is now optional, and satellite radio is available across the board. A self-dimming rearview mirror debuts this year, along with newly styled 18-inch alloy wheels.

Pros:
  • Upscale interior, polished road manners, true off-road capability, solid construction, lengthy standard equipment list.
Cons:
  • Lousy fuel economy, not a lot of room in the backseat, no in-dash CD changer.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 194.00
  • 6 failures change tires @ 15k mi - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
    By -

    Dash lights failed. Entire assembly needed to be replaced. Tires worn out at 15K. Dealer recommends alignment when tires changed. At slow speed turns it feels like the U joints are catching and releasing. Told it is caused by the tires that need to be replaced. Warning lights appear and need to be "recalibrated." Accelerator pauses occasionally. Told it was the brakes that dont allow the accelerator to function - not true. Very expensive car for this to happen in 6 months.

  • Love & Hate - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
    By -

    Weve had our V8 for about a year and have found it incredibly unreliable. We love the engine performance, ride and design. However, we hate the numerous electrical problems weve had. In the year weve had the vehicle, its been to the shop at least 5 times. This does not include the recalls! The battery would just die and the dealer service department couldnt figure out whats wrong. The range on the remote is poor. The back seat is small, the storage/trunk area is nonexistent. Anything more than groceries and you have to fold the backseats down, which is no easy feat. Again, we love the look, design and performance, but for 43K and up, its not worth the hassle.

  • Lovely to drive, Costly to repair - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
    By -

    I bought this SUV used and love it so far. Its true what everyone says about the brakes, tires, fuel efficiency and service. My tires were $800 for all 4 and the shop rotates my tires for free anytime i want to. Same shop tells me the brakes arent cheap either $600 for ceramic pads up front. However, this truck is solid and safe you will bulldoze through snow and probably wont every hydroplane in the rain. You will love this truck until you get to the shop(try to stay away from the dealership, their labor is super expensive)

  • Repairs - Often and Expensive - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
    By -

    Like previous posts I would not recommed this car to anyone unless they like paying for rental cars and expensive repairs. Just had my drive shaft replaced at 76,000 miles for $1,300. (Tip: search the web for shops that sell re-manufactured shafts for $450 to $350). At 52,000 miles the internal speaker in the instrument cluster went out, the VW repair is to replace the instrument cluster, the part alone is $1,000. It does handle nice in the snow but its a gas guzzler and tires (expensive ones) seem to last only about 30,000...were due for our 3rd set at 76,000 miles. Also need a slew of special tools to repair if your a do it yourself person. Very noisy, due to wind, with the window open

  • Fun to drive, if and when if ever works! - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
    By -

    I love this car...hate VW, hate the dealer..Nothing but bugs, problems, cracking wood trim, every week this car has another problem. VW failed on this, but to think the sorry dealership network they have can actually take care of a customer with a $50,000 car is the joke of the century. Run away from this vehicle, VW or America, and the dealerships as fast as you can.

  • So far so good - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
    By -

    What can I say..yea the fuel economy..however as far as SUVs are concerned it should be a less important issue. Quality I had a simple recall to fix a rubber piece of somekind took about 45 mins to complete. Waiting for the snow to come to really put it through its paces. Great emergency handleing in wet weather. The V6 has to work to carry the weight but does the job well enough. the S (sport) mode I feel makes a difference. I only wish that they would allow the United States market to receive manual transmissions. It was hard for me to choose between the BMW X5 and this VW. But I had a VW Jetta GLI 6 speed and loved it in the summer, not so happy with it in the winter..but this year....

  • Dont Buy it! - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
    By -

    Ive had many SUVs over the years, but this one is the worst. It has been in the shop 50 days in the last year and a half. They have just about totally replaced every part but the engine! Numerous, numerous electrical problems. I like the design but until VW works out all the bugs - buy something else. VWs Customer Servive line is also a joke. I cant remember the last time I had to call the Manufacturer to get a problem addressed - I thought that was what the dealership was for!

  • My VW - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
    By -

    My Touareg is two years old now and it still looks brand new. It has a very nice ride. I love the heated seats in the winter.

  • Never Again - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
    By -

    I have never bought a new vehicle with so many problems. When I first got my Touareg the steering wheel shook and I needed to get an alignment. I have already gotten new brakes. The speakers have constantly been rattling. Also, the radio blew out in my car and made all of the electrical components go out. VW kept my car for 29 days claiming that the part for the radio was on back order. Finally the 17 inch Pirelli tires have blown due to a MFG defect. This is my fist and last VW. Please do not buy a Touareg!

  • Truly Enjoy This Vehicle - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
    By -

    Have had the Volkswagen Touareg V6 for six months, and have had absolutely no problems. The vehicle is quiet, comfortable, and handsome. I do have a problem with the chimes indicating that the seat belt is not being used, or that the door is open, etc. I find it downright maddening. When I leave the car running and my wife is waiting as the passenger, she has to buckle my seatbelt to stop the chimes. VW needs to overhaul the system and cut down on the decibles.

Volkswagen Touareg Reviews By Year:
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