Recent Consumer Reviews
(47 Total Reviews)
Just Buggin'
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
It is just such a cute car and it is so fun to drive. There is not a day that goes by that someone doesn't comment on my Beetle.
Favorite Features
The convertible top, heated seats, and how fun it is to drive.
Suggested Improvements
Move the drink holders out from under the dash.
0 out 1 people found this review helpful
Good Car
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
Review
My 2005 VW Beetle is a very good car. We have had it 1.5 years and have put 75,000 miles on it. It has had no problems and we get 45 MPG highway. It is one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned. We got 60,000 miles on the factory tires. The dealership was impressive also, they provide good customer service. I will buy one again.
Favorite Features
The TDI motor, roominess, reliability, heated sests, and how easy it is to park.
Suggested Improvements
The front seats are not as comfortable as the ones in the Camry that we had before this. The rear seats are small, but our kids are grown so they are not needed often.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Cute, but Little Power
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
My dream car is a Porsche 911, but circumstances require that I get something else in the meantime. The bug is very cute, and will eventually move fast, but the lower gears are slow off the line. Mine has the Tiptronic automatic transmission like the Porsche, which allows shifting manually. The gear throw isn't as satisfying, but I like having the ability. It looks slow even when cruising at 80 mph, but I suppose that isn't a bad thing if there is a patrolman nearby. It is surprisingly comfortable. I smile every time I open the garage door and see it there smiling back at me - it's just charming. There is a reason that so many cartoon cars look like Beetles.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
I wish that mine had the more powerful engine that is available on 2006 model. I bought mine used, so I didn't have the option.
Happy Car!
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I just love my Beetle Conv. This is my second New Beetle and I will probably buy a third. The color is great, it rides great and everywhere I go it makes people smile! It's been a great summer in MI for having the top down! (wind stop purchase recommended) this car even rides great in the snow, I love the ESP feature. The first little slip and sldie and it kickes in. The 6 speed Tiptronic transmission is gonna get me in trouble! It's not the old VW, no charge cards required to scrape the frost off the windshield, it has great heat and air conditioning (People who remember the old VW know what I'm talking about.). All these new features blow people away. Once again it's a happy car, It makes people smile!
Favorite Features
I think my favorite feature is the Tiptronic transmission. You can go from full automatic to clutchless shift just by the flick of the wrist and you are off! Watch out for the cops...it could get you a ticket! The vanity mirrors are not needed when the top is down!
Suggested Improvements
The wind stop should come with the car.....after all it's a convertible. They really need to do something about cup holders, they haven't done much with that in the past six years, they are too short and hidden under the dash. They will only hold a small coffee cup.
Great little car!
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
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!
Favorite Features
Great handling, compact design
Suggested Improvements
Slightly better fuel mileage would be wonderful.
Looking Good in My Lady Bug!
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I love my chick car. I look good in it. Taking the top down is awesome in the warm weather, and it drives well in the winter too. It has impressive head-room and I can almost stand up on the floor of the backseat. The trunk is tiny, but who cares? Put your groceries on the passenger seat. I've had it for about a year now and have had no mechanical issues at all, gas efficiency is pretty average, and it's overall pretty low maintenance.
Favorite Features
Taking the top down is simple and it's ease encourages you to do it anytime the temp reaches above 65 degrees. The built-in thermometer lets you know when you've hit the prefered temps!
Suggested Improvements
Put anything on the passenger seat and it will punish you by buzzing as a reminder to put your seatbelt on. Glad to know that my car has such great safety technology, but my laptop does not need to be buckled in. Also, I wish the console and armrest were a tad bigger. Purchasing the boot isn't necessary.
0 out 1 people found this review helpful
Still With Personality
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
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.
Favorite Features
The looks, ease of ingress/egress, quality of interior, 6-speed auto transmission, ergonomics, good brakes, and getting great tire mileage on Michelins.
Suggested Improvements
It is susceptible to sidewinds. The engine is an old fashioned design and rather industrial in character. Its fuel consumption is higher than its competition's. It needs more power and torque, this has been addressed with the 2006 model. The base GL model in my 2005 has no standard center armrest.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
2005 VW Beetle
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
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.
Favorite Features
I love the rims and wheels, awesome sound system, height adjustable seats (my husband is 6'2" and slides right in and out), sunroof, and flipdown back seat (my Boxer loves to go for rides).
Suggested Improvements
Give it easier cupholder access for front seats, a deeper glove compartment, allow the front seat to recline completely, and use a lever instead of the knob. Also, hooks and nets in the hatch for holding groceries and bags in place would be nice.
Paint Problems
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I love my Beetle. I have always driven Cherolets, but I love my VW Bug. It is amazingly fun to drive and looks great...BUT...it has major paint issues. I have the Harvest Moon (Cream) colored Beetle. My front bumper has been in the shop six times in under a year's time! It has been very disappointing.
Favorite Features
I love the convertible top and great style.
Suggested Improvements
Fix the terrible paint quality and terribe cup holders, espceially their location. Everything plastic has broken at least once also!
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
A Return to Basics
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
Review
After ten years in the world of trucks, I returned to VW, choosing the Beetle, 20+ years from my first such vehicle. This car is incredibly well built and solid considering its' compact size. Its Interior features are on the high end, making the modern day drive quite easy. The gas mileage on the TDI is over two-and-a-half times improved over my guzzling trucks of yore. It handles great in wintery conditions, accelerates like a charm, and is a real pleasure to drive, even for 6+ hour hauls. If you live in cold climates, I'd recommend the cold weather package as heated seats make a world of difference. Summertime begs for the sun/moon roof, a standard on my model.
Favorite Features
The height adjustable seats, moonroof, heated seats, TDI fuel economy and low emmisions levels (second only to hybrid engines), mini-plug input for MP3 or other audio source, and three easily accessed 12v inputs.
Suggested Improvements
Improve the cupholders (though I hear it's well improved on 06 models).
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
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