Overview & Reviews

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.

• Upscale interior, polished road manners, true off-road capability, solid construction, lengthy standard equipment list.

• 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

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  Repairs - Often and Expensive - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By 1st_andlast_vw - October 22 - 5:10 am

  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

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  Worst SUV ever - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Bill - June 30 - 10:56 am

  I have had nothing but problems with my Volkswagen Touareg and no support from VW customer care. They hang up the phone on people and their "policy" is you can not speak to a manager ever. The transmission went on mine at 1,900 miles! The dealers ship said VW would only allow them to clear the codes! It is not the dealers fault VW NA runs them with the warranty and will not let them fix it. I had to start a lemon law, lawsuit to get them to speak with me! They ended up settling just so I would go away. Do yourself a favor read the reviews first, or it will cost you big bucks!

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  Electronic nightmare - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Dissatisfied Owner - February 16 - 6:30 pm

  Not one of VWs best efforts. Has been in the shop for warranty work seven times in less than one year - all related to the vehicles electronic warning systems. Confusing and overly complicated instrumentation/cabin controls. Abysmal gas mileage, very limited tire life - 12-15000 miles, odd size tires that very few dealers stock. Cant wait to get rid of it but none of the local dealers will touch it on a trade- in. Was offered $10,000 trade in value on a new Accord.

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  Terrible Never Buy Again!!! - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Amy - January 17 - 11:56 am

  This is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. I would never buy a VW again. The electrical issues are overwhelming. With 3,218 miles I traded it on a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I lost a lot of money on the deal because of all the issues with the VW Touareg.

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  Front-end Alignment - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Tim - November 20 - 12:56 am

  Purchased 11/04 & have 3500 miles. It has been back to the dealer 4 times and they said they cannot fix the problem of it pulling to the right. Volkswagen will not back it up & says it is "fixed to their specifications". This is the absolutely the worst buying experience I have ever had. I would not recommend the vehicle or any Volkswagen.

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  Too Many Problems - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Chester M Schofield - July 14 - 12:23 am

  Too many recalls. Electrical problems with tailgate and interior lighting, drive shaft and transmissions problems. Wood panel trim has cracked 2 times. Not enough power when you need it quickly. My vehicle has been in the shop for unscheduled maintenance 18 times and it only has 39,000 miles on it. VW Customer Service has been extremely uncooperative. It is simply the single worst vehicle I have ever owned and I have owned many. I never write to review vehicles but people need to be aware of what they are getting into when they purchased this vehicle. VW has a lot of work to do if they are going to stay in the midsize SUV market.

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  Do Not Buy - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By JLCJR - July 21 - 3:03 pm

  I was very satisfied with the dealer and the vehicle until today. I have 15k miles on my vehicle and the tires have already worn completely out. They are Dunlop 8000s. They dealer has said that they have had major issues with these...Some people are only gettin 12k miles. I called VW about it and they said that they would give me ONE tire. What a slap in the face. They will not stand behind their product. Do yourself a favor and buy a Porsche, BMW, Lexus, or Merecedes. They are known as luxury vehicles for a reason. They stand behind their cars and they give great customer service. I will say that the dealership has really stood up for me, but I will never buy another VW.

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  Unhappy with my Touareg - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By julesvw - July 2 - 10:00 am

  I have less than 1000 miles on this, and have had numerous problems. Its already had a CD player replaced, different warning lights come on, and stay on. Its had to be towed to the dealership because it wouldnt start. Overall I would NOT recommend this vehicle to anyone. I have always driven a Volkswagen, and this is my first unhappy experience. I am also very unhappy about my "default" settings in the computer of this vehicle. It keeps locking my doors at inappropraite times. The brakes are squishy, and the drive is erratic. Its also a bit sluggish even though its a V8.

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  My nightmare with the touareg - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By stephanie mahairas - December 10 - 4:23 pm

  My touareg had constant problems. Volkswagon of America did nothing to help us with this brand new automobile. We were stranded for weeks without our new vehicle. We requested a new one but that was in vain since VW of America never returned one of our calls. We thought we would love this car but had nothing but problems. Loud internally and externally!! The 18,000 rental was an easier ride.