Used 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle Hatchback Consumer Reviews
Used New Beetle for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
CUTE! But a Dream down the hole...
skuzziboi1, 12/03/2012
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle Bi-Color Edition 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
42 of 43 people found this review helpful
Okay so I have been a Beetle fan for as long as I can remember, I bought myself a 2005 VW BEETLE BI COLOR ED! I was so stoked, it was black and maroon, most def an eye turned. It was very fun to drive and had all the bells and whistles except for a turbo. Anywho, after hitting 90k the Tranny started to give me problems, I was determined to keep my car but sadly had to trade it in to obtain the most for its value while it still had value. It became so scary to drive, I would stall at stop signs or traffic lights, some days I would forget I had issues all together because some days it would be perfectly fine and other days it would act up. And yes this is the tranny..... Please dont buy
Beetle
alicat715@aol.com, 12/11/2004
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
I thought this would be a fun, cool car and I hate it!! I can't wait to get out of my lease. It's cute...and that's about it. Every perk about the car is cosmetic. It looks nice. That's about the only thing I like about it. The cup holders are small...only can use one. The engine is small--NO power. I had an 8 yr old ask me, "Bugs are slow, huh?" b/c there is no power. I should have got the turbo engine...I might have been a little more satisfied.
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle for sale near you
Showing 3 of 23 listings
- GLS ConvertibleMSRP: $4,700178 mi away
- GLS 1.8T ConvertibleMSRP: $7,995246 mi away
- GLS 1.8T ConvertibleMSRP: $12,995253 mi away
See all 23 listings
Fun to drive, but never again.
Casey S, 11/03/2015
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
31 of 35 people found this review helpful
This was my first car, and I regret not doing enough researchow on it. Since I bought late 2014, I've had many, many problems. It's almost not worth keeping, considering the repairs have cost almost as much as I paid for it. I beg you, don't fall for the cute style and fun drive like I did. You will regret it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Cute retro looking car.
lovebug05, 07/11/2011
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
13 of 14 people found this review helpful
Ive had my 05 Beetle for about 2 years now. I got it with 116k miles and 17k miles on it with no major issues. Although Ive had to replace my battery twice within a year and & half. Major pain to take out and re install. The h1 bulbs for the headlights & fog lights burn out often. Major MAJOR pain in the a** to take the headlights out to put the new bulbs in. The interior dash scratches very easy and the car always smells like crayons in warmer weather. I had to put 1k in replacing the timing belt, water pump, belt tension er, serpentine belt, new tires, brakes just for preventive maintenance.
Volkswagen is a poor Quality Car
girlie*girl, 02/15/2010
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
11 of 13 people found this review helpful
let me just say that I only thought I wanted a bug :0( it was one of the worst things I have ever done in buying that car. it has noises in the cabin that is so irritating! and the cup holders are NOT convenient.. and The Transmission is a major problem !! and almost everyone that has one has problems with the transmission, volkswagen needs to fix this now!! and recall them because of the transmissions!!!!!
The cutest!!!
Tracy Wilson, 03/25/2016
updated 03/26/2018
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Love this cute car!!! It's perfect for me with the sunroof leather interior etc. I feel like I'm driving my Audi A4 convertible
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Not your old Beetle
James Adams, 01/08/2005
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my third new Beetle. In fact there are two in the family now. I love this car. It is so fun to drive! The quality of construction is second to none. It has excellent German technology and drives great. Don't be fooled by the size of the car. A 6'6" man can easily be comfortable inside. I love the way it performs. It is also very comfortable for those long trips. All those nice little touches and electronic gadets make it easy and fun to operate. It has a lot of convenience features. Like I said we have two in the family and won't hesitate to buy again. Two items that Volkswagen needs to add are: 1. A digital compass. 2. A coin holder. These are only minor inconveniences though.
Something you feel great to pay
happy buyer, 07/21/2005
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bougt this car as a gift to my wife. Before that we consider Toyota Echo, Collora, Scion, etc. Beetle costs several thousands more than comparison but it really worths the money. My wife is so delighted with her new car. Everything is perfect. Style is great, the function is responsive, plus a build-in mp3 player. Do not know of anything else to add to it.
Great little car!
NVServ, 05/23/2006
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I haven't 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!
2005 VW Beetle
Becky Hunter, 01/28/2006
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My first car was a 1957 Beetle and when fuel prices began to rise, I sold my Honda Passport and purchased my 2005 Beetle. I love it, we live in a mountainous region and with four adults in the car, all I have to do is switch my Tiptronic transmission from auto to manual, shift into 5th and I scoot right up the mountains without skipping a beat. It hugs the road and is so much fun to drive, I feel like a teenager again! My 74 year old Father loves to drive it as well and is looking at getting one for my Mom! We are considering another one for my husband, so I can keep him out of mine :) He was surprised at the pep when he drove it for the first time.
The cutest car ever made
Andrea, 05/29/2005
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is like the kind of car only a fun person can drive. it's very simple inside..not like those tacky expensive cars...thats why i love it! its original and soo the cutest car ever made
2005 Beetle GL 5sd manual
aloisio, 11/23/2004
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Extremely solid vehicle, very responsive to driver command. Good not great acceleration, excellent drivetrain, with smooth shifting and ultra sensitive clutch manipulation. Steering articulates well with little to no tire slippage under severe cornering. Wonderful interior ergonomics and ease of operation. Easy to read clear gauge panel with good back light. Very comfortable seating and adjustability. Overall just a GREAT car!
The best car ever
Shari, 01/22/2005
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best car ever. All my friends love it. It is easy to drive, and a smooth ride. The interior is spacious, and you don't feel cramped at all. It was the best buy I made. When my Beetle is done with, I am definitely going to buy another one.
Everyone should own a beetle
Animalia26, 03/04/2005
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The VW Beetle is a great little car. It combines fuel economy with performance & legendary VW handling. The crash test data speaks for itself. (One of the safest small cars I could find) All you need to do is go test drive one and you will be hooked. I drove mine and I fell in love. Good things come in small packages :)
My dream car!
Florida Nancy, 04/26/2005
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've wanted a Bug since they came out in 1998, but was scared away by the bad repair records. I finally couldn't stand my '03 Camry anymore (what a lousy car!) and traded it for my little silver Beetle. It's terrific and has exceeded my expectations. Don't be afraid of those earlier years' bad reviews. The 2005 is perfect. And many extras are standard on this car.
Di's dream bug
Dianlyn, 05/07/2005
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for a year now and I love that I put roughly 140 miles a week on it and only have to go to the gas station every 3 weeks.
Best Convertible on the Market.
Jane, 05/10/2005
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a fun car. I've had convertibles my entire life but there is just something about a convertible New Beetle that is more fun than any of the rest. It has a lot of power and something about the angle and shape of the windshield gives you the illusion of being in a much larger car. Front seat is wonderfully spacious and roomy. Backseat, as I've stated below, is the major drawback. I'm also not delighted with the gas mileage. I'm averaging less than 25 mpg .... I was hoping for a little more but even so I'd buy the car again in a heartbeat.
Still With Personality
GREG TIBBETTS, 05/15/2006
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.