2007 Volkswagen New Beetle Review
2007 Volkswagen New Beetle Review





+41
Used New Beetle for sale
Appraise This CarVolkswagen New Beetle model years
Volkswagen New Beetle types
- Hatchback
- Convertible
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Cute yet classic styling, long list of standard features.
Cons
- Aged design, tight rear-seat accommodations, limited cargo room.
What’s new
The New Beetle TDI has been discontinued because its diesel-fueled engine didn't meet new 2007 government emission standards. Otherwise, there are no other major changes to the VW Beetle.
Edmunds says
Though still undeniably cute and fun, the 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle isn't so new anymore. Other competing two-door hatchbacks and convertibles offer more features and more power, and are more fun to drive.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle 2.5 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$165/mo for New Beetle 2.5
New Beetle 2.5
vs
$168/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
It's hard to believe that 2007 will be the 10th year on sale for the Volkswagen New Beetle. It doesn't seem that long ago that the New Beetle was surrounded by bubbly hype and anticipation. America went bonkers over the car's retro-themed, original Beetle-influenced exterior and the flower bud vase on the dash (how cute!). For '07, the bud vase remains, but much of the hip and cool sheen has long since worn off.
Perhaps a little surprisingly, the 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is still a pretty decent car, especially considering that it's never received a full redesign. It's based on the old VW Golf platform and is available as a two-door coupe or convertible. It's fairly quick thanks to a 2.5-liter, inline five-cylinder engine, has comfortable road manners and is quite roomy for front-seat passengers. Basic amenities all come standard, and you can easily upgrade via a couple of options packages.
But compared to other competing models, all of which are newer in design, the New Beetle has no real advantage other than its nostalgic halo. Other two-door coupes or hatchbacks, such as the Honda Civic or even VW's new Rabbit, provide better utility, driving dynamics and features. For a cute convertible, we prefer the more entertaining-to-drive Mini Cooper. Overall, we'd probably pass on a "new" New Beetle, though getting a certified-used model -- same car, less money -- might be an interesting alternative.
Performance & mpg
The New Beetle 2.5 hatch and convertible come with a 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine that produces 150 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. Power is put to the front wheels through a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic.
Safety
Standard on all VW Beetles are four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability control, side airbags for front occupants, full-length head curtain airbags and active front head restraints. Convertibles have a rollover protection system. In NHTSA crash testing, the 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle earned four out of five stars in both frontal-impact categories. Side-impact tests resulted in a five-star rating for front passengers and three stars for rear passengers. The IIHS rates the vehicle with a top score of "Good" for frontal-offset crash protection but issues a "Poor" rating for side-impact protection.
Driving
Like other VWs, the 2007 New Beetle is both fun to drive and comfortable for long trips. The suspension tuning is soft, but it's just about right for most drivers who want a little sport from their Bug. The 2.5-liter engine is smooth and powerful at any rpm.
Interior
Though smaller inside than the Rabbit, the four-passenger VW Beetle compensates with style. It has a table-like dashboard, huge circular speedometer and round air vents. The convertible's top is easy to fold and well insulated from wind and road noise. With its top down, the Bug convertible has a classic but polished appearance. Outward visibility is poor, however, and both models suffer from tight rear seating and a lack of cargo space.
2007 Volkswagen New Beetle models
The 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is available in a two-door hatchback or convertible body style. All models come with 16-inch wheels, air-conditioning, heated outside mirrors, power windows and locks, cruise control, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, keyless entry and an MP3/CD stereo with an auxiliary input jack. Convertibles have a manually folding top with a glass rear window. As for upgrades, VW offers two main packages. Package #1 includes a sunroof for the hatchback, a power-operated top for the convertible, heated front seats and a premium sound system. Package #2 has the first package's contents plus 17-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers, leather seating and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Stand-alone options include a trunk-mounted CD changer and satellite radio.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle.
5 star(71%)
4 star(17%)
3 star(12%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
42 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
New Ride
Nocoverage, 10/28/2006
2007 Volkswagen New Beetle 2.5 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
I just recently traded an underpowered 2.0 5-speed manual Beetle for a 2.5 6-speed automatic Beetle. It's even the same color. The new vehicle has significantly more power, better ride, and better build quality. The engine purrs at a quiet 2,200 rpm's at highway speed, making travel much more enjoyable. It has the same great features as my '01 model. This is a good car.
4.75 out of 5 stars
An Excellent CAR
Dwest21, 11/21/2006
2007 Volkswagen New Beetle 2.5 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
I love this car. It's awesome. I feel safe in the b\Beetle. It's quiet, it comes with an enormous amount of standard features, and for about $20,000, you can get a really decent vehicle. This is my first VW, and I've heard horrible rants about their warranty department, so hopefully everything will go smoothly, and nothing major will go wrong. I've only had the car almost a month, and as … of right now, I couldn't be happier! It has a great sound system, great air conditioner, great interior, is extremely comfortable, has beautiful new head-lights, the list goes on.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Quality Review
carlo frazzano, 07/07/2010
2007 Volkswagen New Beetle 2.5 PZEV 2dr Convertible (2.5L 5cyl 6A)
We bought the car new in 2007 and are generally satisfied. Mechanically the car has been good but build quality needs improvement except for the paint job which is the best I have ever seen. Problems we have had are: 1. Three headlight bulbs replaced. 2. Entire locking mechanism for power convertible top had to be replaced. 3. Coolant temperature switch replaced. 4. Four trunk pistons … failed with the fifth now broken. 5. Seat belt retainer bezel broken off and replaced. Fuel mileage is average that is 25 around town - less if air running and about 30 mpg at 65 mph if air not running. Trunk space is inadequate and simple repair under the hood is difficult and expensive.
3.13 out of 5 stars
My second New Beetle not as good as the first
eliteboi, 09/04/2013
2007 Volkswagen New Beetle 2.5 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl 5M)
I previously owned a 2000 New Beetle 1.8T. That car was GREAT. It gave me very few problems, and it never left me stranded.
One of the worse mistakes I have made. I've had lots of stupid problems come up. I bought the car with 68k miles, and all service records. I had no warning and the water pump went out, at 68.5k. Replaced two wheel bearings, the tie rods, the door speaker. I could … go on. I have had this car a little over a year. The best part was when the inner axle snapped getting off the highway. I think my car must be a lemon. It is getting harder and harder to justify keeping it.
My car looks great, but it doesn't perform half as well as my 2000 did, which had twice the miles.
2007 New Beetle Highlights
Hatchback
2.5
Base MSRP | $17,180 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $165/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalPoor
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintAcceptable
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