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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  6 failures change tires @ 15k mi - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Jack - December 8 - 12:00 am

  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.

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  Dont Buy it! - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Unsatisfied - September 6 - 3:03 pm

  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!

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  Touareg V6 - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Luigi - June 20 - 4:56 am

  I have enjoyed the handling and comfortable feel of this truck, especially on bumpy roads. It is firm and solidly built. The driveshaft gave up at 17,056 miles of smooth highway driving though.

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  Do Not Buy! - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Annoyed consumer - April 12 - 9:50 am

  I have owned my Touareg for just over one year. At 15,000 the brakes went down to the rotors. It cost $1,000 to fix. This truck is very poorly made inside cant handle kids at all. Ive had too many problems to list. I will be trading it in very soon! Also, it gets very bad gas mileage. It has lots of squeaks and rattles inside. The wood is cracking and the rubber is peeling on drivers door. This is a very sad vehicle.

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  Piece of CRAP car - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By lesbeck - January 7 - 5:27 am

  I would not recommend this car to anyone who is not a millionaire with money to burn and likes to have their car in the shop at least once a month. We bought this car brand new, zero miles on it and had to bring it into the shop within the first month. It was all downhill from there. Every mechanical piece on the car was replaced under warranty (which we extended to five years immediately) except for the motor, which I am sure would run forever while all the other peices of the car fall off all over the road. Sadly, I had to buy a back-up car so I had something reliable to go to work in and had to carry a battery for the key in my purse, because you never knew when the car would not unlock.

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  Troublesome Touareg Tiresome - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Chunnel - August 27 - 12:16 am

  Pros: When it works right, AmaZING. Cons: VW is arrogant and insists that too many problems are within normal vehicle operating parameters. Driving experience: Drives nicely when aligned properly, which is rarely. Ooops, just hit a curb, need to bring it in again, now the truck is going to act squirrely again. This may have all the bells and whistles to go off road but there is a price to pay. If you off road on anything substantial, I can almost guarantee that you will damage one of the tires with a gash of some sort. And because this is an AWD vehicle, you will now need to replace ALL the tires in order to retain the proper handling dynamics and dont forget to re-align it. So On

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  Please Save Yourself from VW - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By jeff - June 26 - 2:30 am

  Everything started out fine with my Touareg. I have owened 4 VWs so I was excited to own a Touareg. I had read the reviews just like you and thought, OK there are a few bad apples but no problem VW will fix it. Nope they will not fix it, if you have the throttle or transmission issue they will tell you to sue. Check the web and read up, there is a class action lawsuit forming on the Touareg and VW couldnt care less. They would not repair mine after 9 times and refused to replace it or allow it as a trade in. This truck really gets only 8-16 miles per gallon. Please do your homework on this vehicle first. Check the web and see what is going on. If you have a good one be greatful... I thought my T-rex was good too. I finally sold it at 25,000 miles

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  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By jj - May 30 - 6:30 pm

  The Touareg on paper looks like the ultimate SUV: excellent perfomance on pavement and unbelievable off road ablility. The problem: it will be in the shop so often you will not be able to experience this theoretical performance very often. Over the first year of owning this car I have had multiple problems: stepper motor malfunction, poor remote range, door handle fell off, bizarre deafening fan noise that I was told is "normal", persistent wind noise from side mirrors, and others. And going to a VW dealer for repairs is no joy. They have no clue about customer service. The attitude of the service dept. is accusatory at best- like i caused all of the quality control problems. STAY AWAY TOUAREG.

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  Just traded mine in for a Turbo Outback - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Syracuse - April 9 - 11:56 am

  After many recalls, and many problems, I finally gave in and traded mine in. Took a big hit, but it was well worth it. My new car has 12,000 on it, and hasnt been to the dealer yet. VW made a great looking SUV that test drives well, but is terrible to live with. Their service department isnt up to the standards set by other manufacturers in this price range. I owned a Saab previously, and although it spent too much time in the shop, the service dept was knowledgeable and always had a loaner. Bottom line, getting rid of my Touareg was worth it (simply so I wouldnt be reminded of my poor buying decision every day).

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  Sad owner - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Tony K - April 9 - 3:53 am

  I had no idea it would eat tires every year! Gas mileage was known, but gas wasnt $4.50 at the time. Its been in the shop so much, my wife wants me to sell it now! Service sucks, they cant order the correct parts half the time so we have to go back multiple times for stupid stuff. I will NEVER buy another VW again. I tried, and it was a failure. They say the car is heavy and thats why it eats tires. B.S. My dad has a huge van loaded with his contractor stuff (much heavier than the Touareg) and he gets 30k miles no problem. I think its the 4WD system chewing up the tires. Im actively looking at a replacement even though it will cost me $. I like to keep cars 12+ years but not this time