Overview & Reviews

Optional 17-inch alloy wheels can be ordered on GLS 1.8T and GLX models. Exterior mirrors are larger, high-intensity discharge headlights and a Monsoon sound system are available, and all New Beetles benefit from redesigned cupholders and a trunk entrapment release button. Rain-sensing wipers and a self-dimming rearview mirror now come on GLX models.

• Cute yet classic styling, excellent crash-test scores, affordably priced, turbo model is fun to drive.

• Compromised rear seat/cargo capacity compared to Golf, could use a stiffer suspension.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 107.00

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  Constantly breaks down - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By chvie06 - June 26 - 7:54 am

  After owning this car for about 2 years, it started giving me problems. I spent over 2,000 dollars within 2 months on repairs before finally getting rid of it. I had to get 2 new batteries (the first one only lasted a year), new alternator, new valves and hoses, turbo cut off valve, battery fuse panel, alternator harness, ball joints, shocks, and new brakes and tires (brakes and tires were understandable, though). Right before I got rid of it, it wouldnt accelerate and wouldnt exceed 5 mph. The sealed system was also frustrating because you couldnt do simple tasks like refill the brake fluid by yourself. You have to take it in to a VW shop and pay for everything.

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  2001 Volkswagon Beetle - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Jen - December 6 - 11:00 pm

  Ive only been driving this vehicle for a couple of weeks. I bought it because of rising fuel costs and I thought I could save some money with this car. I cant complain about. What used to cost me $400 a month in gas is now costing me not even $200! Unfortunately what you save in gas will cost you at the mechanic. This car is EXPENSIVE to work on. As far as interior? Forget it! Chipping door handles, broken sideview mirror knob, broken, good for nothing cup holders, broken arm rest, cheap material easily stained seats, I could go on and on. In fact, just this morning, I went to start my car and the key broke off in the ignition! 2 weeks of driving this car and Im ready to sell it!

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  Burned by the BUG - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Booger Bug - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Presently filing a lemon law suit. The car has been to the dealer more than 18 times: multiple areas of dash, etc. peeling, electric window would not roll up, would not go into reverse, rear brakes replaced at 24,000 - dealer said this was normal. Anyone else told this tale? Popping noise in front, radio replaced, rear latch replaced, glove compartment door cracked, heated seats burn your rear on 5 setting and settings 1-4 are hardly noticeable,and the list goes on. Dealer uncooperative; service department incompetent and unfriendly. Dont get bitten by the bug...run, run away.

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  Mexican - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Keith Henson - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Before buying, please consider: Abnormal headlight failure, 3rd brakelight never worked, VW emblems fall off optional $600 wheels, rear brakes fail at 24,000 miles, each key costs $200 - about the size of an egg, plastic falls off all the time, plastic under car - $300; parking light lens $107. Cant reach filter to drain water as required; car too low to use ramps, difficult to get in reverse, has timing belt on diesel???? Buy Japanese for half cost and get 4 times the life.

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  Dont use the word "engineered" - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Keith Henson - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Have been very disappointed in basics on the car. Headlights constantly burn out. Center brake light intermettent. Fuel lid operator failure. Dealer is great until after you buy the car, then arrogant, not willing to assist at all. Routine service items like lightbulbs are ridiculous. Can barely see fuel filter that requires regular draining, but cant reach it. Have to dissable the car to access items. Should never be able to use word "engineered" in referring to it. Just mechanical stuff slapped into a bug shape! Stick with Japanese.

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  Highway hazard - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By raediem - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Headlights burn out very quickly. Brakes replaced at 30K. Alternator replaced at 24500-of course out of warranty. Less than 500 miles later the battery died. At 37K the alternator needs to be replaced again. Door to gas tank is now manual. While driving car will jerk, electrical system dies at any speed then resumes. This is very traumatic on the highway!!!

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  VW Not Such an Honorable Manufacturer - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Jon - May 6 - 1:23 pm

  It seems like shop mechanics are a thing of the past. Nowadays they plug the car into a computer for $200. Its a great car, but the temp light has started to flash on and off. Well we took it in to get looked at and were told in a bright tone that wed need to get the engine replaced for $8000. When asked why. Because youre loosing oil pressure? Oh whats causing that? Hmm.. Dont know.. Can you find out? Yes but then wed have to get dirty and open the engine up. Thatll cost you $4000. So you think the engine is stuffed? It might be, or it might last 10 years, cant tell. I dont know whose to blame! VW, VW dealers or the car. I think Ill buy a horse. I will never buy a VW again!

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  Volkswagen: KING OF UNRELIABILITY - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By netchic1 - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought into the hype and really regret it. My 2001 NB Turbo is cute, but its in the shop about 1 time every 2 months minimum. Headlights go out within 2 months of buying the car, radiator hose broke w/in 1 month of being new, battery just went dead b/c alternator was faulty, check engine light has gone on twice, door lock on driver handle pops out - been broken 2x, the center console latch broke, and this is all under 24,000 MILES!!!! VW service at dealerships are not all that great, I had an awful run in with the Boardwalk Auto Volkswagen in Redwood City, CA. Most VW Service Dealers are backed up with all the VWs that have problems.

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  Cheaply made - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By unhappy smith - April 21 - 10:26 pm

  A joy to scoot about in and to park. It has had one thing after another break off in the car. It seems that they did not have the correct recipe for plastic. To replace costs $40.00 for each broken item. The trunk brake light has been replaced twice at $129.00 and this one has cracked apart. I am the only one driving the car. The cloth front seats are grossly stained, the explanation being that they got wet once.

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  Never ever again will I buy a VW (any) - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By davemoon22 - April 13 - 5:05 pm

  1st Beelte had a bunch of issues (a/c, batteries would never last over a few months, oil leaking - had to do a major repair, then sold it). Second, a 2001 with 70k, has had more issues than I can possibly recall. I must have spent over 7k withing a 9 month period. Ridiculous. The major problem I have is with the dealerships. Theyll diagnose something is wrong, you get that done, the car still has the same issue and then they will tell you "Oh, well, then, it must be something else" Replace drivers seatbelt buckle, both windows regulators, cam shaft adjuster, turn signal relay, inner tie rods, valve cover gasket, pcv hose, door latch and list goes on: all major $$$ repairs.