Used 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle Consumer Reviews
Disappointment
Int. door lining peeling off, sunroof side strips both broke off no apparent reason, self air filter change extremely difficult, passenger side head light out before 30K miles, dealer stated 2-3 sets brake pads replaced on rear before replacing front ones, replacement remote key overly expensive, underside of front driver side head rest separated (why?), disconnect battery & to many things to reprogram, expensive windshield replacement, fog lens cracked & entire light unit replacement vs lens only, gas mileage should be higher for such a small car, & front arm rest latch broke early on & 24K warranty was a joke.
Great Car!
Tremendous value. I put in an InMotion stage 2 kit with chip remapping and injectors .216. I had to put in a VR6 clutch because of all the extra power. I had a few electronic problems (instrument cluster replacement, a few recalls). Best car I've ever had!
- GLS 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $3,50086 mi away
- GLS 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $3,995562 mi away
- GLS 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $4,888632 mi away
Buy Used!
I bought this car used and I think that makes a huge difference. I have (hopefully) avoided the pitfalls that the new owners did and my car is intact and in beautiful shape, inside and out. I bought some tires and got an alignment and some wipers, but everything else is going smoothly. I love the way it drives, besides how tight the clutch is. Everyone thinks it is the cutest thing ever and it is the first car I am proud to drive. I loved my 97 Golf, but I love this car even more.
I'm sold on the Beetle
The Beetle has been an unbeatable vehicle for me. As a college student, I needed something reliable and relatively inexpensive. The Beetle requires little maintenance and is fuel efficient. It even has enough space to move ALL my belongings between dorms/apartments, even running well hauling a UHaul across the country to move me to my first job after graduation. My Beetle now takes me around the city during the week and into the mountains with my bike on the weekends. I can't imagine driving any other vehicle.
Good, Solid Fun
My 2001 New Beetle has proven to be reliable, stylish, and economical. I get a steady 26 mpg in my dail commute. It cruises easily above legal limits showing it was designed to run German autobahns. Great seats - no bun or back aches after a day of driving. Excellent German engineering at a rock bottom price.
Fun Yet Pragmatic
Handles extremely well. It's not a sports car, but you're never lacking for power. Great gas mileage makes this a terrific commuter car for me. Even though it's a diesel, it isn't noisy. It has extra headroom (important for tall guys like me). Extras, such as the alloy wheels, carbon trim, side airbags, rear disk brakes, electic windows/locks are all standard features. Hey, it really is fun to drive!
Great fun, excellent performance
We recently purchased our Volkswagen Beetle GLX having previously driven a GLS for only a few months. What a world of difference! The interior is much nicer (leather, etc) and car just feels tighter. The seats are very comfortable and come with individual heaters (not that we need them much in Florida). The controls are easy to use and there is plenty of headroom and legroom (I have to scoot the seat forward and I am 62). The GLS had some trim problems (door latch, light bulbs, etc) but the GLX has none of that. Last but not least is the performance with the turbo. The car flat gets out of the hole when you want it to. Add to all that the fluorescent green color and you have one fun car.
Fun, Functional, but Not Perfect
I was thrilled when the New Beetle came out. I finally purchased a loaded used, 2001. I love driving it! The fuel economy is good, comfort is great, styling is nearly perfect, and the stereo is fabulous. Some small complaints that I have are the poor design of the cup holders and the peeling door handles. I have not had any mechanical issues, except the ongoing mystery of the temperature and oil gauges coming on randomly. They chalk it up to a "VW quirk" (this is my 4th VW and all have had some kind of quirk).
Bug is fun, but not practical
My husband bought me a 2001 turbo Beetle for Mother's Day. Although it's been great fun, having to get out of the car and pull up the seat every day, several times a day, to let our daughter out of the back seat quickly becomes a drag -- as does the five- speed manual stick. The performance has been good, although we had repeated problems with the ignition. The car would just turn over, and then die. This happened fairly frequently, but of course, not at the dealership. They didn't repair it. I'm trading it in for a VW Passat wagon.
Awesome Car!!
I love this car!! I have wanted one since they came back with it. It is very reliable for me and never have a problem with it. Everything works and my kids fight over who sits in thr front seat!