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 21 through 30 of 107.00-
So sad about my bug - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By nomorebug! - June 4 - 10:00 amI should have done a little more research about this car before I bought one... I fell in love with this car the moment I saw/drove it. It was beautiful, roomy, and a very comfortable drive. I loved the seat warmers too! But Ive had nothing but problems since I bought it. The window control broke off, the gas door doesnt open all the time, the hatch doesnt open al the time, the turbo was having problems, etc. Im so glad I bought the extended warranty. The gas mileage is also very bad, 14-18 mph and it needs premium gas. I might as well own an SUV. I finally got rid of it last week.
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Not too shabby car - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Retoo - May 18 - 7:26 pmI am a travel therapist and use my car to commute. It is pretty good on gas and I love the moon roof. It also came with a sporty racing stripe design on the doors... cute! Even though she is 7 years old, I still receive compliments on her. My husband likes the gas mileage but says that he feels like the guy on the Simpsons when he drives it (hes 62). Its also a great car for wives who have problems keeping their husbands from driving their cars. :0)
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Love my used bug - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By cy - March 11 - 9:40 pmWell this is my first VW I swore I would never buy or drive a bug, but I love my bug. I got real lucky I found her in the newspaper one owner a folder of her records oil was always changed on time, new timing belt, brakes, water pump new sensors all leather int stick turbo heated seats mirrors, only thing is high miles all highway 20,000, but with all the new parts and its in mint I jumped on it for $2,300 cash I replaced the cat did the work my self ordered one on line and the clutch, so I have like a new car, I love her shes good to me to, to everyone that had problems sorry maybe your car was made on a fri or mon, they say those are bad days so dont buy a car that was made on that day, thanx
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Almost worth the Trouble - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By youareslow - March 2 - 2:00 amI leased my 01 Beetle and it has been in the shop about 4 times in the first 2 years for various things. They are all minor things, but still issues. The window regulators, the speedometer, center console, and gas cap have all failed since it was new. These are not huge issues but should be noted. The window regulator has a recall so if you have this problem go get it fixed. Otherwise the car has been everything I hoped it would be. The Turbo motor is quiet, smooth, and very powerful. The heated seats are great in the winter and car is very quiet at highway speeds. Overall I would call the car "Not so trouble- free fun."
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Cute, but flaky - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Katherine - February 6 - 11:36 pmIve had the car over five years, after buying it used in 2003. Within 18 months, the alternator went out and had to be replaced, the clutch went out at 16,000 miles and had to be replaced (believe me, I do not ride the clutch THAT hard), the hoses had to be replaced twice, and the power windows both had to be replaced. Later, the blinkers and cruise control failed and had to be replaced (though it was always fun to flip the blinker switch and see what would happen. It would blink in some pretty spectacular random patterns, until it was fixed). It handles surprisingly well in the snow, but due to the myriad electrical and mechanical issues - I will not be buying a VW ever again.
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Fast easy riding and driving Fun Bug - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By zcarid - January 30 - 11:36 amEach year the GLX has pleased us with the performance on long trips averaging 2500 miles. Cruises easily at highway speeds between 80 and 100 mph. Will go a lot faster but so will the police. Quick responsive steering and at end of long days feel like we have been treated to an easy ride. Visibility is great all around. Acceleration with the Turbo is a real safety feature in itself. Have had a few problems all easily fixed by family mechanic. Not a fan of dealer maintenance who seem to be way too expensive and eager to replace assemblies when an adjustment or a minor part is all that is needed.
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Disappointed!!! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By BaaadJenny - January 19 - 2:00 amI thought I was buying a good, reliable car and ended up instead with a lemon. Its a 1.8 GLS turbo and has 21,500 miles on it. I like the look and the way it drives, but problems? Lets see...Gas door will sometimes open/close, sometimes not, trunk usually does not open with the remote or the inside switch, the screws fall out of the window levers, the drivers side window got stuck and the regulator inside the door broke, the passenger side door lock malfunctioned and had to be replaced. Shall I go on? Oh yeah, and the service from the dealer sucks!
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Fun to drive when its not in the shop - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By EmHeCo - December 27 - 3:06 amI got this car about a year ago as a graduation gift. With in the first two months the entire instrument panel went kaput. $700+ to replace. Found out, windshield whipper motor was burned out. Air conditioning went out. Then the gas door broke off, struts went, oil pan failed. Now...exactly a year later, its in the shop again. Head gasket, started and something else needing to be replaced after car overheated and broke down. I am not hard on her, I take good care of her, always oiled. But I have now put almost $4000 in to her. I admit it is really fun to drive, turns on a dime, parks like a dream and has some kick. When she isnt up on the lift.
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So fun its crazy... - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By BugBot - December 15 - 7:16 pmThis car is so fun to drive. The turbo rocks - people expect you to putter along because youre in a bug and you leave them in the dust every time. Its incredible in bad weather. Right after I bought it, I was driving in a downpour that was so bad that people were pulling over and I didnt even need the wipers! The windshield is like an airplane and all the water just blows off, and the wide wheel base is really stable. It corners like a BMW. I love it!
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Highway hazard - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By raediem - December 8 - 2:00 amHeadlights 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!!!
