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 11 through 20 of 107.00

• 

  Eh... - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Jon - October 10 - 3:16 am

  A really fun car for the first few years; peppy engine, tight suspension, solid feel. however, since then Ive had recurring problems with the ignition coils, O2 sensor and coolant system. maybe its a poor service department at the dealer where Ive been taking the car, but Ive noticed a drastic decline in performance (acceleration) and fuel economy. plus, dont let the size fool you, these cars are freakin expensive to fix!

• 

  Not for me - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By lynnurd - April 22 - 8:13 pm

  When I first bought my Beetle, it was great. Then all sorts of things started going wrong. My check engine light came on (which cost more for the diagnostic check then for the parts and labor) - 2 weeks later, it came on again... my dealer cant find anything wrong with it though. My headlight went out and I had to pay $45 for the dealership to fix it. Any time I have a problem, I have to take it to the dealer because no one else can fix it. Forget saving money on gas, youll only spend it on oil changes because it uses synthetic only. I am NEVER buying an import car again. Im going back to Chevy. I never had a problem with any of their cars! The only positive is it can cut in and out of traffic well.

• 

  Sarahs Bug - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By freeman525 - June 6 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive but totally unreliable--Check Engine light stays on even after repeated trips to the selling dealer-- Interior: a niggtmare- plastic casings at seatbelt housing, temp gauge... have roken repeatedly after normal use

• 

  Bursting the bubble - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By kestrel - December 19 - 2:00 am

  The Beetle is fun to drive and for the money delivers enjoyable performance. My complaints with the car lie in the maintenance problems that I seem to always have with it. Under warranty I had to replace a headlight, the emergency break lever, and the center console dash light. The last was not covered by warranty. After 30000 miles I have had to replace the cables that pop open the gas cover, the emergency break cables and one new tire, all of this in addition to routine maintenance. The aluminum spokes of the steering wheel show wear. Some of the rubberized plastic is pealing. The exterior paint started to chip and spider around the door pulls.

• 

  Beetle Madness - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By wlplumb - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Wifey loves it! Clutch went at 8K mi. Dealer wanted to blame me. Roadside service provided damaged car but would not repair. Second clutch OK at 52K. Pieces fall off all the time. Cosmetic engine cover snapped in two in cold weather. Headlights fail frequently and cost $55 to replace due to stupid design of light housing. Front grille fall off all the time due to stupid design of fasteners. Interior: no illumination on half the dash so you cant operate the HVAC at night. Dash protrudes so your hand collides with it when shifting (its a 5-spd.)

• 

  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.

• 

  Not so good this time either !! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By 01YellowSlugBug - August 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd New Beetle. I owned a 98 and a 99 - both which had quality issues. I have been less than impressed with the 2001 as well. It seems that VWs quality hasnt improved much and its customer service needs improvement. I will not be purchasing a 4th Beetle or VW at all.