2009 Volkswagen New Beetle
- 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
- Used Volkswagen New Beetle
- Future
Based on analysis of 40 New Beetle reviews and test drives.
Volkswagen New Beetle - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle ranks 32 out of 36 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 40 published reviews and test drives of the Volkswagen New Beetle, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
If you like standing out in a crowd and have a soft spot for nostalgia, you'll appreciate the fun driving dynamics and playful appearance of the 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Among small cars and affordable convertibles, the VW Bug's yesteryear styling and fun driving dynamics stand out. But the New Beetle is a poor choice if you're looking for utility or passenger comfort. The 2009 Honda Fit is a great alternative for drivers who need more space and cargo options from a small car.
There are other small car options that might appeal to you if you're especially drawn to the Beetle's eye-catching design but turned off by the space. The Smart Fortwo and MINI Cooper might not seem like they offer much room, but reviewers are impressed with the amount of space inside both tiny cars. In addition, both the Fortwo and the MINI Cooper capitalize on the stand-out styling that people like about the Beetle.
The 2009 New Beetle comes in its trademark coupe styling, as well as a convertible trim. Since its re-birth in 1998, very few changes have been made. The 2010 VW New Beetle should be available soon, with a new, more modern design.
- "A cute alternative to more traditional compacts. But unless you're wedded to the Beetle's retro chic, you'll probably want to look elsewhere for a small coupe or convertible." -- Edmunds
- "There's nothing on the road quite like it, and it will always look distinctive because no automaker will ever copy its body shape." -- MSN
- "New Beetles are entertaining and reasonably practical funmobiles. Convertibles sacrifice some of the hatchback's passenger and cargo space but reward with a particularly expansive open-air feel." -- Consumer Guide
- "A fine blend of modern attributes and nostalgia, amplified by a palette of pastel color choices that bring forward one of the best parts of the old cars: their gentle, nonmetallic hues. As cheap convertibles go, this one makes a lot of sense." -- Automobile Magazine
- "Cute, fun and efficient...the New Beetle is well equipped and a good buy, in my book." -- The Auto Channel
- The Orlando Sentinel upholds "it's still fun to drive, inexpensive to buy, and easy on gas. ... it remains one of a kind." -- Orlando Sentinel
New Beetle Performance - 7.4 (Good)
The Volkswagen New Beetle's engine is peppy and its suspension is fine-tuned. The Auto Channel reports, "Performance was good. On hard acceleration it was not buzzy or busy." Still, several test drivers note the New Beetle doesn't have the same sporty appeal increasingly present in the affordable small car class. Read More
New Beetle Exterior - 7.9 (Good)
Car and Driver says that, "like the original, the shape retains its appeal," an opinion many auto writers share concerning the Beetle's throwback styling. However, a vocal minority calls the Beetle's look dated. Read More
New Beetle Interior - 6.5 (Mediocre)
The 2009 VW Bug's deeply sloping dashboard overshadows other cabin features like the top-notch build quality or supportive front seats. Reviewers do mention, however, that the New Beetle's tiny dimensions make for an inhospitable second row or trunk. Still, Edmunds writes, "All the basics are covered in its standard price, and you can easily upgrade the Beetle's content through trim packages and stand-alone options." Read More
New Beetle Safety - 7.8 (Good)
The 2009 New Beetle receives mixed scores in crash tests from the federal government and insurance industry, and some critics complain of poor visibility due to the coupe and convertible's sloped shape. Read More
New Beetle Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)
The 2009 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 2009 VW New Beetle's basic warranty is good for three-years or 36,000-miles, while powertrain coverage is offered for five-years or 60,000-miles. Read More
