1998 Volkswagen Beetle
| MSRP: | Not Listed |
| Invoice: | Not Listed |
| Total: | 18 reviews |
| Overall: |
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| Performance: | |
| Appearance: | |
| Build Quality: | |
| Excellent | 10 reviews | |
| Very Good | 3 reviews | |
| Average | 3 reviews | |
| Poor | 1 reviews | |
| Terrible | 1 reviews |
(up to $19000)
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Volkswagen Beetle
 17 reviews
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CarGurus' Review
After generating huge buzz as a concept car displayed at auto shows throughout the mid-'90s, the Volkswagen Beetle made a triumphant return to North American showrooms in 1998, after having been discontinued (in the U.S., at least) in the late 1970s. Freshened up with a look that mixed contemporary styling with a retro attitude, it was still distinctively a Beetle, and American drivers loved it (European drivers less so).
There were some major differences between the New Beetle and earlier models, though, starting with the engine, which was now located in the front instead of the back. The New Beetle was also longer, more powerful, and safer than the original. In fact, it received high marks from the U.S. Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.
Power was provided by a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, 115-hp gas engine or a 1.9-liter, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine (called a TDI, or Turbo Direct Injection) that generated 90 hp and got an impressive 48 mpg on the highway. Available transmissions were either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.
The New Beetle was built on the VW Golf platform, and a lot of its features were lifted from that model. Power steering, power brakes, power heated mirrors, front and side airbags, air conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry, and an anti-theft alarm system were among the standard features.
The most common comment heard from drivers was that the new Beetle was "fun." The automaker played up that entertainment angle by making the car available in bright colors like red, blue, and lime green. Drivers found the car comfortable and easy to drive. . . but not on long trips. And while they thought it was reliable, economical to drive, and relatively inexpensive to maintain, they also found it "quirky" . . . and in that respect, it was remarkably similar to the original Bug.
Reviews you can trust
| Excellent | 10 reviews | |
| Very Good | 3 reviews | |
| Average | 3 reviews | |
| Poor | 1 reviews | |
| Terrible | 1 reviews |
“Its Just A Love/hate Relationship. ”
I purchased this car in 2003 when it was a young 1998 with only 5, 500 miles. Sigh. It now has 61, 000. I never really wanted a beetle, we just got such a heck of a deal I just couldn't pass ... More
“I Like This Car When It Is Running Great”
I like this car when it runs good, but when it breaks it really breaks. It also is very expensive to fix it never knew that until I owned one. Besides that it gets great gas mileage. Get one if you li... More
“1st Love Bug”
Laser blue exterior with 17" custom rims, eibach lowering kit,custom big brake,custom eroplate + custom state plate. great handling on all corners & turns. High safety rating for anti-rollover. Dro... More
“1998 New Beetle”
Solid car, very fun to drive, still looks good, handles very welll for it's age, reasonable to maintain, parts are not very expensive, has had very few problems considering age & mileage, interior has... More
“Good And Bad Of The New Beetle--”
great turning ratios,handles great,good gas mileage. High maitenance,lots of plastic pieces and fiberglass.defrost isnt that great.back seat has bad ventialtion and heater dosnt reach back seat. Cup h... More
“Vw Beetle”
10 years with my car and she's still going strong. Only in the last 2-3 years have I needed to start doing repairs. My car is over 100,000 miles so it's understandable. I love driving the bug! It hand... More
“Beetle”
2.0 115HP 100% original- 50 M KM More
“Cute Cute Cute”
Amazing drive, awesome handling, steering responsiveness, braking. Excellent looks. Not so reliable. Expensive to repair. More
“Great Gas Mileage”
drove this beetle from Ontario to Florida full of luggage 2 golf bags and a cooler space was a problem excellent gas mileage wish i still had it More
“It's A Good Car For The Ladies. No Surprises.”
There aint much to say about it. Like the design on the outside but the interior is just weird. It makes you feel small which is really bad in a small car. The riding position will never be comfortabl... More
1998 Volkswagen Beetle Trims
| MSRP: | Not Listed |
| Invoice: | Not Listed |
| MSRP: | Not Listed |
| Invoice: | Not Listed |
1998 Volkswagen Beetle Articles from Around the Web
- carsurvey.org — This car makes me smile every morning:)... More
- www.edmunds.com — JD Powers quality ratings for the 1998 Volkswagen Beetle... More
- www.edmunds.com — Edmunds Editorial Ratings for the 1998 Volkswagen Beetle... More
- www.edmunds.com — I love the look of the Beetle, it looks like a smiling face. (63 more reviews available)... More
- www.edmunds.com — Volkswagen revives a legend using retro styling touches wrapped around Golf underpinnings. More
- www.epinions.com — Beetling about in Michigan, for roadiem... (21 more reviews at Epinions). More
- autos.yahoo.com — http://autos.yahoo.com/usedcars/reviews/article/?id=2321 More
- autos.msn.com — Awsome Car (200 more reviews on MSN Autos). More
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