2005 Volkswagen Touareg Review
Editors Rating
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
2005 Touareg V8 Review
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen Touareg V8 AWD 4dr SUV (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
Review
I absolutely love this car and can't wait for the V6 diesel to reach the states. I have driven the Touareg V6 diesel (overseas) and all I can say is wow. 30+ mpg and lots of torque. I compare my Touareg to my brothers 2 X5's (both diesel, 2006 & 2008). The interior layout of the Touareg is far beyond the BMW. Even my brother agrees. The newer larger X5 is a disappointment compared to the older body style. The Touaregs styling is better than both X5's. The Touareg coming in as a overweight still handles very well. The suspension does a very good job of keeping the car at it's optimum performance level. The sound of the V8 is quit p;easing. I have gotten 20 MPG on the hwy at 72 MPH.
Favorite Features
The air suspension is a real nice feature. Control layout is as good as it gets. Setting the suspension to comfort makes an interstate ride very comfortable. Offroad capability is second to none. This is the SUV nobody will test. In Europe they are compared to the Land Rover.
Suggested Improvements
The navigation has a lot to be desired. Mine is the 10 CD version. Fuel economy is not bad for it's weight and towing capacity but a little better would be nice. I found driving the Touareg conservatively uses more gas. You got to push it a bit to get the best MPG (at low speeds, city).
Very Satisfied
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen Touareg V8 AWD 4dr SUV (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
Review
Have owned many different makes and models including several sports cars, The VW Touareg ranks right at the top for fun, comfortable, capable transportation. It has proven to be perfect mechanically requiring nothing other than routine maintenance and 3 :( sets of high performance 19" tires. This is a heavy, powerful vehicle that is a little rough on the sticky OEM tires. Highly recommend - you will not be disappointed. 17.8 MPG
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Pretty with Flaws
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 1 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen Touareg V6 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 6A)
Review
I really shopped around before purchasing my Touareg. My black exterior really gets people's attention, and my passengers LOVE the interior. BUT, my tires wore out quickly, gas mileage sucks, get-up-and- go doesn't exist without putting it in S, or manual. Radio ate my CD, can't get it back. Passenger mirror doesn't always tilt when backing up. Rubber on inside driver's side door is peeling. Seat belt dinger... can anyone say ANNOYING? Automatic windshield wipers can scare the crap out of you on a sunny day... they'll scape across the window without notice.
Favorite Features
Looks great, comfortable front heated seats.
Suggested Improvements
Better quality stereo (give me my CD back!). Fix tire and break wear problem. Improve gas mileage.
It's a Keeper
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen Touareg V6 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 6A)
Review
It's been almost 3 years with my Touareg... it's a keeper. Granted, you cannot be a person on a tight budget for an SUV like this, but it's worth every penny in price, maintenance, and fuel. I truly feel like I can go wherever my heart desires with the Touareg. Yeah, brakes and tires require changing more frequently than expected, but it's a worthwhile trade-off for the performance and amenities on this SUV. Highly recommended. The key is to make sure you can afford to maintain it. If you cannot afford to maintain it, don't buy it. If you can, you will love it.
Favorite Features
Parking sensors, motorized fold-in mirrors, seat and mirror setting memory, auto-darkening rear view mrror, AWD, adjustable/removable roof rack, great sound system, auto-sensing windshield wipers, and so much more!
Suggested Improvements
Navigation system, brake life, acceleration from stop, CD changer up front (vs in the back).
Great Vehichle
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Volkswagen Touareg V6 AWD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 6A)
Review
THis is our 2nd touareg. The 1st one was a buyback because of electrical problems that were never ending. However, we still loved the car and agreed to take a replacement Touareg. The 05 Touareg has met all our expectations is probaly the nicest SUV we saw while we were looking to make our purchase. We compared it to the BMX X5 and X3, Lexus, etc. However kept coming back to it. Even after our initial lemon Touareg, this is still our favourite vehicle and am glad we stuck with it. The 05' has been problem free since we have had it.
Favorite Features
Bi-xenon lights, MP3 player. STABILITY! We have gone through some close calls and cannot believe how well it handles. Awesome in snow and off road. Better than any other SUV we test drove.
Suggested Improvements
Gas mileage. Eats gas like I drink water. It's painful with todays gas prices. It wasn't this bad when we purchased it, but the new higher gas prices are hurting the wallet.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
- 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
- 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
- 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
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