1999 Volkswagen Beetle User Reviews

Sporty, But Not Maintenance-free — Bought this used six months ago with ~90K miles for our teenage daughter to drive, but dad has to drive it sometimes, too. Acceleration, braking, and handling are very sporty, more so than expected. When we brought it home, it already needed a headlamp replacement, and steps/photos on the web were really helpful, but people need to know the parts that slide do get stuck and getting the assembly back in can require numerous attempts before you get it right. Then a brake cylinder failed on one of the wheels. Check Engine light came on and VW dealer said it would be $110 just to hook it up to their computer to diagnose the code- that is something the owner should be able to do for free! He did disclose that most of the codes are for emissions-related reasons, so discovery that the daughter had left the gas cap behind at her last refueling stop meant we fixed the problem for $6. But you have to know that a missing gas cap will alter the vacuum pressure throughout the fuel system, the engine compression, and finally the emissions to realize that. And it takes 5-10 times of starting and running the vehicle before the light goes off. Now it's making an ominous rattle every time it starts, so we're back in diagnostic mode, hoping to figure it out before something else fails. In summary, it's a very fun car to drive, but not exactly reliable, built to last or simple to maintain yourself.

Owner for 0 years, 6 months

Great, Sporty Fun Little Car — Got this little bug used, but shes a great running little car. Nifty sports package, dual exhaust, rear spoiler, the works. Yummy bright green exterior, you can see her coming for miles

Owner for 0 years, 4 months

Miles Driven per Year:15,000

My Buggy — What can I say? I love my car! I think that I have surprised MANY drivers on the 401 when I zoom by them pushing 200km/h, great car, lots of power...just wish it wasn't automatic. And of course, my 1972 was cooler. I love my heated seats and mirrors, I have 276 000 km's and the only thing I have replaced is a tie rod and the battery and brakes.

Costly Very Costly — Sold it it had alot of repairs that cost a whole lot of money could not afford to run it ,it is very expencive to fix. i loved the car but it needs to be better built . Appearance was good Gas milage great ,fun to drive .

Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)

Off The Charts — Very fast for a 4 cylinder, excellent braking ability, handles like a porsche! no repairs except for ac module. Styling is great very aerodynamic interior is light gets dirty quick . gets like 40mpg.Also this car is super fun to drive with manual transmission it flies!!!

Primary Use: Commuting to work