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 91 through 100 of 107.00

• 

  *Sigh* - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By peqy - September 17 - 5:56 pm

  I am a 17.5 year old male, who has been driving this car since I turned 16. I started driving it and really liked the ride. It was very smooth. The insides of the doors were peeling when I got it and continued to peel as I owned it for the next year and a half. I didnt like the looks that I got while driving it, most likely because I am a man. The cupholders are ridiculously placed, and the rubber things come out so the cups dont stay, when they actually fit under the clearance. I had to replace the brake light switch twice because it failed and wouldnt let me take it out of park. I was late to work twice. Also, a belt wore out towards the end. Overall this is a decent first car, but I am never buying another Beetle and probably not a VW either.

• 

  Peppy car with lots of repairs - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By twincitiesvwdriver - July 21 - 2:06 am

  I bought this car in 2002 used and at first the car was fun to drive. It has a lot of pep, gets a lot of looks, exterior styling is good. I have put on 50,000 miles since I got it and have had nothing but problems since about the first 6 months. This car has had electrical problem after electrical problem. Left me stranded on the side of the road and without a car time after time. The check engine light has not been off in 2 years even after countless very expensive trips to the dealer repair shop. Unfortunately, I think this car is so fun but I have been so burned by it I would not recommend even buying a VW to anyone.

• 

  Good mileage...defective interior parts. - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Thebtls - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Interior is covered in a plastic like material that peals off. If if wasnt for the 43 MPG I would turn it loose. The mileage is the only redeaming feature. Arm Rest latch has broken 3 times, cost $58 to fix at dealer cost...so that remains unfixed. Factory car mats are garbage. Cup holders can not be used at all. If you do use the one in the console, it cracks...all four are cracked now. If you spill coke or coffee, it eats away the finish on the cups...

• 

  Never buy volkswagen again - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Tina - April 11 - 4:06 am

  I had so many problems with my car this year alone. Anything that could have gone wrong with it it did. I had to change the whole transmission in early january, then in the summer i had to change alternator alternator belt speed sensors and connector and battery. I will never buy a used vw or any vw ever again. All my expenses were more that $3000

• 

  My Best VW Yet! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By David Pearson - March 23 - 1:56 pm

  I bought a 2001 Turbo New Beetle in October 2000 as soon as 2001 model came out and paid top dollar as there were no discounts. I have had the car almost 5 years and it has been the best new VW I have had - only 2 very minor problems with the electric locks & a dash light. Both problems were fixed right away without agrument. I have moved a few times so I have gone to 6 different dealers with a minimum of problems. The car is great, fun to drive, great looking and still gets a lot of stares. I would agree that the cup holders arent good for tall drinks but I do not use them much. The car is great in the snow as I ski and take it to Canada, the only improvement - All Wheel Drive!

• 

  Great car for your daughter in HS - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Suvacrew - February 13 - 9:56 am

  Im an Audi guy, had one of the first TTs and they had some issues, now drive an A8. But got my daughter the Beetle Sport 5 spd, red and loaded. Have had NO ISSUES apart from the door handles chipping. Its very similar to the TT in drive quality, if not giving up 30+ HP on the engine and feels much lighter on the road. The Sports lo-pro wheels give it a nice handling sensation and the brakes are much more manageable than in the Audis. Perfect car for a new driver in HS. Relatively cheap to insure, the wheel panels are plastic and cheap to replace (luckily have had no need to) and its a total chick car. I feel its a safe car to be in.

• 

  Good, Solid Fun - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By xbeetle driver - January 26 - 9:43 am

  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, but not worth it - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By James - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, but cheaply made. Interior isnt thought out well, and is almost funny in its badness. Interior peels off, switches and knobs break very easy, and forget about getting a drink and planning to fit it in the cupholder.

• 

  VW is great to me! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By I LUV VW! - December 3 - 11:43 pm

  I bought it used but the previous owner only had a slight problem with the moonroof. Ive put tons of miles on it and very few problems. Something got in catalytic converter, and a radiator support thing snapped when I hit a 35 degree angle at 40 and bottomed out suspension. Great reliable car! Never fails to start (if you dont run down battery), very fun to drive, doesnt burn oil, sturdy trans! Great car!

• 

  Think before you buy this car - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By thinkagain - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 01 Beetle GLS Turbo for the past three years, and found it unreliable car. Not to mention there have been numerous recalls which my local dealer can not fix properly, there have been many breakdowns such as 1. driver-side door hinge cracked within 2yr, 2. headlamp lightbulbs out 3. a portion of dashboard lights out 4. can not roll down passenger-side window due to major defect in window kit 5. rear breakpads wornout before 15K (I am not an aggresive driver). I strongly advise potential buyers to think before buying this car. Remember beauty is only skin-deep (some may disagree this is a beautiful car) !!