2005 Volkswagen Touareg Review
Fuel Economy
14 - 16 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
An enticing blend of the pavement-dwelling crossover and the rugged off-roader swathed in Volkswagen style.
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.
What's New for 2005
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 a full-size rear-mounted spare tire and new style 18-inch alloy wheels.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Awesome
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen Touareg V8 AWD 4dr SUV (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
Review
I love my Touareg! It had a few issues early on but were fixed as necessary. It is heavy and all wheel drive, so it's tough on tires. I ditched my factory tires at 11k miles for a set of Nokian WR G2's and haven't looked back. Really the best tire for the Touareg. I had an Expedition previously, so gas mileage wasn't an issue. The FSI V6 and V8 on the newer models are a significant improvement over 2004-2007 models.
Favorite Features
V8 is awesome! It tows my 6,000 pound boat far better than my '97 Expedition ever did. And off road ability - center and rear diff locks! I love the looks I get from Jeep drivers on the trails of N. GA and Tennessee!
Suggested Improvements
CD based NAV is a pain but works well. I wish mine had an MP3 jack and deeper cup holders, both of which were fixed in newer models.
great car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen Touareg V8 AWD 4dr SUV (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
Review
very heavy, smooth, safe car. Very solid german feel, almost all high end options on most other cars are standard on Touareg. Tires are expensive to change if you get the 19's like I have but are very reasonable as 17 or 18's. I have 2 sets of tires, great in the snow with the all seasons on 17's in 18" snow in Tahoe. NO problems. Mechanically very good, poor fuel economy but it's a V8 ! 14 in the city, 19 on the hwy. I get oil changes for $75 at a VW dealer. Had a headlight bulb blow, and an airbag under warranty replaced in over 2 yrs. Highly recommend.
Favorite Features
smooth ride on highway, quiet, comfortable. Beautiful interior like a corporate board room
Suggested Improvements
better fuel economy, but the V8 will give you whiplash if you mash the accelerator!
Won't buy another VW
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 4 | Fun-to-Drive: | 3 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 4 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen Touareg V6 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 6A)
Review
I was initially really excited about my Touareg, but became suspicious after a road trip that included lots of error messages. When I brought it to the VW dealership to have it checked out, they were not willing to take the time to find out what was going on and told me to come back if it happened again. After a short year and a half we had to put $3000 into it for new tires, breaks, rotors, etc. None of which were included in the warranty although it was leased, I should have known, but was disappointed anyway. The lights go out while driving periodically for no apparent reason. The lining on the door handles are also peeling. Fuel economy is poor, but we knew that. The CD player is poor.
Favorite Features
It is a nice looking car.
Suggested Improvements
Fuel economy, quality CD player and speakers, standard navigation, electric seats, knowledgeable and efficient people in dealership repair shop.
V8 touareg
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen Touareg V8 AWD 4dr SUV (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
Review
Owned this vehicle for less than a year. Initially we were very impressed with its road manners. The brakes had been done before delivery however we had to have them done again (no charge to us) I drive 12km return to my work. 4 months later, brakes require work. The battery is done. Most of the reviews on these express the same issues. Our other vehicle is a Tahoe and we have had zero problems. We are currently trading it in for another Yukon/Tahoe. Unfortunately this is not a car I would recommend.
Favorite Features
Solid and stable on the road. Great interior.
Suggested Improvements
Brakes!! Electrical!! Quick note on the gas mileage, it is what it is. People who have these types of vehicles should know that it is not a economy car.
Love My Touareg
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen Touareg V8 AWD 4dr SUV (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
Review
All of my oil changes were done by the dealer & only cost $108. This car just spared me and my husband from more series injuries following a near head on crash. Other driver crossed center line. My husband swerved to the right to try & avoid the other car, but the driver still hit us / almost a T-Bone then slide the entire length down our car. Drivers side airbags deployed and spared my 6'7" husband from serious injury to his head & face. He still suffered 3 broke ribs though.We love our car.
Favorite Features
Safety system (airbags) The way it handles and the sound system. Fun to drive!!!!
Suggested Improvements
Mfg should put better tires on car instead of ones rated for high speed because of the US speed limit laws. Car should come with built in XM radio and built in Navi System not requiring outdated CDs.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2010 Volkswagen Touareg
- 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
- 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
- 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
- 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
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