2009 Volkswagen New Beetle

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
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Exterior - What the Auto Press Says

Some call the New Beetle's style retro and cool, but others see the vehicle's recognizable and unchanging profile as a roadblock.

• "Despite its age ... Volkswagen New Beetle still has a few things going for it. Based on the old VW Golf platform and available as a coupe or convertible, It still elicits smiles from passers-by while delivering solid German engineering." -- Edmunds
• "Build quality is excellent. Gaps between doors, fenders and other body panels are tight. Fenders and bumpers are made from a special dent-resistant plastic. Outside door handles are easy to grab, feel good, and don't require inverting your hand to operate them." -- New Car Test Drive
• "Mimics what is probably the best-known automotive shape in the world, the original Beetle." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "The retro styling has its drawbacks." -- Consumer Guide
• "If retro cuteness works for the coupe, it works overtime for the droptop version of the not-really-so-New Beetle. The well-padded top is power operated and folds itself neatly behind the rear seats." -- Car and Driver