Volkswagen Beetle

Overview: Is the Volkswagen Beetle a Good Car?

For decades, the Volkswagen Beetle has captured the hearts of automotive enthusiasts and casual drivers alike. The Beetle's roots in the U.S. can be traced to 1949, but this quirky VW took over a decade to gain traction in America. The Herbie the Love Bug character from films helped further popularize the Beetle, but nothing lasts forever. Volkswagen dropped the old Volkswagen Beetle from the U.S. after 1979 in favor of the more conventional Golf (called the Rabbit in America).

The automaker brought the Beetle back after a two-decade absence. Ferdinand Porsche's original design, with an air cooled engine, was replaced by something more contemporary but still embraced the classic "bug" shape. These modern iterations are the focus of this overview:

• Volkswagen New Beetle: 1998-2010
• Volkswagen Beetle (A5): 2011-2019

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Volkswagen Beetle cars for sale.

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Related: Here Are The VW Beetle Years To Avoid

Key Features

The Volkswagen Beetle offers:

• Iconic, retro-inspired exterior design with modern elements
• Compact hatchback coupe or convertible body style
• Numerous four-cylinder engine options, including turbocharged and diesel powerplants (varying by trim and year)
• Front-wheel drive
• Automatic or manual transmission (varying by trim and year)

Trims

Volkswagen Beetle trim levels have varied across generations, but the A5 generation was typically available in variants such as base models, S, SE, and SEL. Special editions, like the Dune and Final Edition, have also been offered, featuring unique styling elements and additional features.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The Volkswagen Beetle's interior is a charming blend of retro-inspired design and modern amenities. The front seats are well-cushioned and provide ample headroom, while the rear seats offer adequate space for shorter trips. The Beetle's infotainment system, available with a touchscreen display in later models, offers intuitive controls and smartphone integration. The New Beetle and later versions have essential safety features such as airbags, electronic stability control, and anti-lock brakes. More recent models also offer advanced driver assistance features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Despite its compact dimensions, the Beetle provides decent cargo space, with up to 29.9 cubic feet available when the rear seats are folded down.

How It Drives

The Volkswagen Beetle delivers a fun and engaging driving experience thanks to its responsive handling and peppy engine options. The available turbocharged engines, such as the 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the A5 generation, provide ample power for merging and passing. Despite the infamous “Dieselgate” scandal, diesel-powered Beetles are on the market with corrected emissions software.

Meanwhile, the Beetle's suspension is tuned to balance comfort and agility, offering a smooth ride while maintaining a sense of connection to the road. The Beetle's compact size and tight turning radius make it a breeze to maneuver in city traffic and tight parking spaces.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Volkswagen Beetle good grades. Each generation has earned a four- or five-star (good to great) rating for individual tests or overall safety performance.

Reviews

According to Kelley Blue Book, Volkswagen Beetle reviews are mixed. New Beetle editions score an average rating of 3.7 out of five due to concerns about reliability and quality. The subsequent A5 generation does much better, with a 4.3 rating. Owners of these later Beetles have positive feedback about the car’s reliability, quality, and value, not to mention comfort and styling.

Learn More: Volkswagen Beetle Pros and Cons: What To Know When Weighing Your Decision

Volkswagen Beetle FAQs

Why is the Volkswagen Beetle discontinued?

Volkswagen discontinued the Beetle after the 2019 model year due to declining sales and a shift in consumer preferences towards SUVs and crossovers. The company chose to focus its resources on developing electric vehicles and expanding its SUV lineup to meet changing market demands.

What is the difference between the Volkswagen Beetle S and the Volkswagen Beetle SE?

The main differences between the Volkswagen Beetle's S and SE trims lie in the level of standard features and available options. The SE trim typically includes additional amenities such as leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, a larger touchscreen infotainment system, and advanced driver assistance features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Is there a Volkswagen Beetle Convertible?

Yes, both the New Beetle and A5 Beetle generations were sold as ragtops. It’s still quite possible to find a Volkswagen Beetle convertible for sale.

Did the Volkswagen Beetle come in automatic?

Yes, the Volkswagen Beetle has been available with an automatic transmission throughout its modern generations. While a manual transmission was standard on some trims, an automatic transmission was always available for those who preferred the convenience of a self-shifting gearbox.

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