2007 Volkswagen New Beetle [ 2008 ]
Volkswagen New Beetle
Overall Score - 7.3 (Good)
The New Beetle still satisfies cravings for nostalgia and a whimsically fun drive. Unless you're stuck on Beetle styling and short on time to shop around, take a look at other solid competitors in this class. If you're in the market for a zippy compact car, you should also consider the highly rated Honda Fit.
The 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle offers a fusion of distinctive looks, zippy performance, a charming convertible trim level option and plenty of playful appeal. U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman calls the Beetle "hot" and Edmunds sees "a high level of content and plenty of style for those who care to enjoy it." But the nine-year-old New Beetle has seen sales slump in recent years, as competing cute cars, including the MINI Cooper and VW's own restyled Rabbit, offer more power and gain market share. The Washington Post claims the New Beetle has "grown old" for most people, unless, of course, you're a "Beetle person."
The 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle hatchback was ranked as "Better than Average" in value by IntelliChoice, based on its estimated five-year cost of ownership compared to others in its class. Kelley Blue Book reports that "considering the price, the New Beetle is remarkably detailed and offers excellent crash-test results and projected accident-repair costs." The Orlando Sentinel concludes that the 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is "still fun to drive, inexpensive to buy, and easy on gas."
New-Beetle Performance - 6.9 (Mediocre)
The New Beetle has become more peppy and spirited since its introduction in 1998, but many find the performance merely "adequate" when compared to sportier alternatives such as the Rabbit and Mazda3. continue
New-Beetle Exterior - 7.8 (Good)
The 2007 New Beetle houses the same recognizable shape of previous classic models. Although critics find it both charming and retro-contemporary, some believe the aging (nine year old) New Beetle design is partly to blame for its slumping sales. continue
New-Beetle Interior - 6.3 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle interior is hailed by auto writers as pleasantly designed and comfortable up front. But the Beetle is notoriously short on rear seat space and cargo room. continue
New-Beetle Safety - 8.1 (Very Good)
Despite its small package, the Beetle's class-competitive standard safety features and solid crash test ratings should instill confidence in prospective owners. continue
New-Beetle Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2008 Beetle is backed with a basic limited warranty which covers four years or 50,000 miles. continue
