1998 Volkswagen Beetle 2 litre from North America

Summary:

I love the car and would definitely buy another one

Faults:

The hatchback wouldn't close because the locking mechanism was broken.

The electric windows have twice frozen open in winter.

The "engine check" light goes on for no reason at all. The dealership informed me that it should right itself after a few days - they were right.

Repairs can be costly.

General Comments:

Other than a few minor problems (e.g., check light, frozen windows), the car has been great.

It handles well, is zippy and is easy to shift gears.

The car is great on gas.

ABS brakes are good in snow and ice.

There is a blind spot on the front driver's side pillar, especially when turning right.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th August, 2005

1998 Volkswagen Beetle 2.0 from North America

Summary:

Given the choice between driving my Beetle and death, I for one choose death

Faults:

Check engine light on every month.

Headlights malfunction

Windows fell into car b/c belt broke (2 times)

O2 sensors malfunctions.

Vacuum hoses leak.

Transmission problems.

Seat adjustment knobs broke.

General Comments:

I have spent copious amounts of money on this car, but problems occur in spite of it being in the shop every month.

Labor and Parts are extremely expensive and can only be taken to dealership.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th January, 2005

25th Jan 2005, 05:38

After you off yourself, can I have your Beetle?

15th Mar 2005, 22:34

New Beetles are junk!! Headlights don't work, won't go in gear, transmission slams into gears. I have a 2002 and would love to trade for a Honda. Have heard nothing but horror stories from others too. Mine has under 50K miles!

22nd Jan 2006, 16:39

I am so glad hearing other people having nothing, but problems with their beetles. I was told time and time again there was nothing wrong with my car, and the engine management light came on every month because I was using the wrong petrol. This was told to me by the VW dealer. Thankfully I now have gotten rid of it, but loved the actual car itself. So did my kids, even giving the car a name. I now own a Ford Puma which at the time was pushed into part exchanging my Beetle for. It is the best car I have ever driven. It lacks on space, but it's a Hell of a ride. I highly recommend get rid of the BUG.

22nd Jan 2006, 21:41

I don't think the VW beetles are too bad, but it seems that quality in VW is lacking. Oh and to the guy with no periods in his comment, use them. It makes reading a lot better man.

7th Mar 2006, 13:12

I am considering buying a used or new Beetle. I am of limited means and would be shelling out hard-earned cash that I saved because I can't afford payments. I had a 1965 Beetle in 1975 that I loved, but which unfortunatly was totaled in an accident.

The new ones look so nice, but if they have all these problems and I can't get to a dealer it seems I might have to relinquish my dream.

Does anybody know if the 2006 Beetles are any more reliable than the older ones? They do seem to be quite costly. Thanks.

12th Feb 2010, 12:27

He's right. This the worst car ever. Everything is always broken. Never ever ever will I own another VW.

1998 Volkswagen Beetle 1.9 from North America

Summary:

Not one of my better automotive decisions

Faults:

Both of my headlights, taillights, and fog lights have burned out including the receptacles.

The check engine light seems to have a life of it's own and just stays on although it has now been attributed to one of the three oxygen sensors.

The brake switch has gone out twice in one year so I cannot take my car out of park.

The air conditioning lost all of it's charge in one day.

The radio and CD changer lost all power.

The instrument cluster is fried. Part of the purple light has gone out and it doesn't register fuel, tachometer, odometer, or speedometer.

General Comments:

I chose this vehicle because of Volkswagen's reputation for safety, reliability, and "German engineering". It's still a very safe car, but between the service department at Volkswagen, the fact that my warranty makes me cover everything out of pocket before they decide what they will pay for, and the sheer number of problems that have gone wrong with my car, I have to think that maybe Volkswagen isn't the car company that they used to be.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th July, 2004