Overview & Reviews

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.

• Cute yet classic styling, range of engine choices, long list of standard features, excellent crash test scores.

• Tight rear-seat accommodations, limited cargo room, Turbo S model priced much higher than comparable performance coupes.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 102.00

• 

  Still With Personality - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By GREG TIBBETTS - December 21 - 9:30 am

  IMy initial attraction is the clean J.Mays / Freeman styling, but excellent interior materials and ergonomics make the Beetle better than similarly priced cars. This car has many detail improvements over the similar 2002 New Beetle. Its 6-speed auto transmission is a huge improvement over the old 4-speed design and even 5-speed manual that refused to accept a quick shift. It has excellent brakes and safety aids, both passive and active. Its handling is not particularly responsive, but safe and predictable. This car is able to cruise at high speeds with less wind noise than than in the past because of the 6-speed gearing. It turns approximately 3,000 RPM at 78 MPH. The leatherette looks like real leaather and is more luxurious than cloth. Plus car is style-proof.

• 

  Great little car! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By NVServ - November 15 - 4:36 am

  I havent regretted for an instant buying this little guy. Other than some warranty work for an airbag issue, which was dealt with painlessly on my part (including a loaner car for the month we were without his services), he has handled beautifully and been trouble free!

• 

  New Beetle "Flint Edition" Convertible - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By steve645 - November 6 - 8:00 am

  This car is fun to drive. Its easy on the wallet when it comes to the gas pump. It is roomy enough for two adults or two adults and two kids under 5 feet tall (rear seat). I have only had it for three weeks, but it seems like a good choice for a sub-compact. If they wouldve had the turbo diesel, we wouldve gotten it.

• 

  My wife made me get it! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Impe - October 12 - 4:33 am

  It takes a real man to drive a car this car! I wanted a PT Cruiser Convertible but my wife insisted on the New Beetle Convertible; and it had to be Bback. We now have 5k miles on it and all is well. It is fun to drive and was comfortable on an 800 mile trip to FL. The top is easy to operate, the trunk is adequate for 2 people on 2/3 day trips, and the back seat is perfect for a 75lb Black Lab. The sound system is great, especially the MP3 capability which allows me to play as many as 200 songs per CD. The 28.5 MPG is less than I hoped for, (and both my wife and I drive gently); but the car sure is CUTE! We get lots of smiles and inquiries. All things considered, we are very happy with it.

• 

  Just Buggin - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By lisa surdyka - October 6 - 8:00 am

  It is just such a cute car and it is so fun to drive. There is not a day that goes by that someone doesnt comment on my Beetle.

• 

  My Baby - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Barbara Filby - June 28 - 4:03 am

  Im in my sixties and have had a lot of cars, but in the few days having the Bug, it gives me a younger feeling. This car has the pickup, great gas mileage, and is built better then my husbands new suv (another mfg). The dealership was great and they were very concerned that I knew everything about the car before driving off, this I understand is a policy of VW. Thanks VW for a great car.

• 

  Loving my 2005 New Beetle Convertible! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Bsktlover - June 7 - 3:13 am

  This is my second New Beetle, the first being a 1999 New Beetle, 5-speed manual, and not a turbo. The first time I drove my 2005 turbo on the highway, it felt so good - when I wanted to pass a big motor home or semi truck, no problem! Just step on the gas and I was there! The fuel economy on this vehicle is amazing, too - I have averaged of 29 miles per gallon so far, with a total mileage so far on the vehicle of about 8,000 miles. And fun to drive - nothing could beat it!

• 

  45 miles to the gallon - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Gilbug - March 20 - 4:30 am

  I love this car however the trunk lock does not work. The power windows go up and down as they please and the interior clock runs fast, about 5 minutes per month. Other than that a great gas car.

• 

  A good value and fun! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ttocsffej - January 8 - 9:26 am

  My second bug and not as sprightly as my 01 Turbo coupe. Its a very heavy small car (3200 lbs.) and has a solid road feel. Even with the 1.8t and the 5 speed it craves another 30-40 hp. Fuel economy is not great. (EPA is 25 city-30 hwy.) My best mileage is only 24.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. You might get 30 mpg-if you still drive 55 mph on the freeway! With a lead foot in town you can expect about 21-22 mpg. The culprit is the gearing; its "short" in order to aid acceleration but the engine turns over a fuel-wasting 3700 rpm at 80 mph! An overdrive 6th gear would help mpg and noise! Otherwise it is a fun, solidly built convertible with a tight top. No troubles at 5K miles.

• 

  Fun but wont buy another! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By k8t - December 12 - 2:56 am

  Bought car used with only 6k miles at wholesale price, these are way too over priced brand new. PROS: fun to drive, ICE cold AC good mpg. No engine problems, replaced breaks at 45k miles. I totaled this car with only 50k miles, t-boned red light runner going about 45 mph and airbags went off even with airbag sensor on (recall), was uninjured and car kept me safe. CONS: cd player went out, gutless with AC on, a few electric issues, drivers side headlight and tail light had to be replaced 2x in 3 years and its a HUGE pain. Biggest problem was back window not rolling up or down, its a $800 fix since they have to remove back seat. Fun but wont be buying another when I get paid by insurance!