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Volkswagen Beetle

All Volkswagen Vehicles

Model Generations

2012-2019

2012 Model Redesign Year

The 2012 redesigned Beetle has fewer compromises and a roomier cabin. It drives decently but suffers from cost-cutting measures. While the ride is compliant, it's a bit unsettled. Handling is responsive but not sporty, and it becomes sloppy in demanding conditions. The standard five-cylinder engine is punchy but sounds gruff and unrefined. We got a less-than-stellar 26 mpg overall with the five-speed manual transmission.

Turbocharged gas and diesel 2.0-liter engines are also available. Rear visibility is limited and the long clutch pedal travel and wide center console compromise the driving position. For 2018, a 2.0-liter turbo became standard, and the manual transmission was dropped. Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert became standard on all trim lines for the 2019 model year--the Beetle’s final production run.

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2019 Volkswagen Beetle

$13,500 - $20,475

Reliability Verdict

/ 100

Owner Satisfaction

/ 100

2018 Volkswagen Beetle

$12,125 - $17,675

Reliability Verdict

/ 100

Owner Satisfaction

/ 100

2017 Volkswagen Beetle

$9,375 - $16,400

Reliability Verdict

/ 100

Owner Satisfaction

NA

2016 Volkswagen Beetle

$8,400 - $17,175

Reliability Verdict

/ 100

Owner Satisfaction

/ 100

2015 Volkswagen Beetle

$6,825 - $12,550

Reliability Verdict

/ 100

Owner Satisfaction

NA

2014 Volkswagen Beetle

$6,475 - $10,175

Reliability Verdict

/ 100

Owner Satisfaction

/ 100

2013 Volkswagen Beetle

$6,700 - $9,050

Reliability Verdict

/ 100

Owner Satisfaction

/ 100

2012 Volkswagen Beetle

$4,450 - $6,125

Reliability Verdict

/ 100

Owner Satisfaction

NA

1998-2011

The New Beetle is a modern hatchback that bears a nostalgic family resemblance to the VW "Bug." In our tests, we found the car's ride to be good and its handling nimble. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder accelerates adequately but was noisy. A more economical diesel is also offered. The front seats are firm and supportive. The rear is cramped, though the seats fold for increased cargo space. The New Beetle has performed notably well in front crash tests but poorly in side tests.

A quicker turbocharged model was added for 1999 and a convertible joined the line for 2003. A five-cylinder engine replaced the four-cylinder for 2006, and the turbocharged engine was dropped in 2007.

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2010 Volkswagen Beetle

Reliability Verdict

NA

Owner Satisfaction

NA

2009 Volkswagen Beetle

Reliability Verdict

NA

Owner Satisfaction

NA

2008 Volkswagen Beetle

Reliability Verdict

NA

Owner Satisfaction

NA

2007 Volkswagen Beetle

Reliability Verdict

NA

Owner Satisfaction

NA

2006 Volkswagen Beetle

Reliability Verdict

NA

Owner Satisfaction

NA

2005 Volkswagen Beetle

Reliability Verdict

NA

Owner Satisfaction

NA

2004 Volkswagen Beetle

Reliability Verdict

NA

Owner Satisfaction

NA

2003 Volkswagen Beetle

Reliability Verdict

NA

Owner Satisfaction

NA

2002 Volkswagen Beetle

Reliability Verdict

NA

Owner Satisfaction

NA

2001 Volkswagen Beetle

Reliability Verdict

NA

Owner Satisfaction

NA

2000 Volkswagen Beetle

Reliability Verdict

NA

Owner Satisfaction

NA

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