1998 Volkswagen Beetle Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
After generating huge buzz as a concept car displayed at auto shows throughout the mid-'90s, the Volkswagen Beetle made a triumphant return...
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.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 1998 Volkswagen Beetle love its fun driving experience, reliability, and unique style, making it a great choice for a first car. Many drivers appreciate its excellent fuel economy and handling. However, some are frustrated with the maintenance costs and several design quirks, particularly concerning the interior quality and space."
I really love my bug. I love the style and color and general uniqueness. Great for a first car. It's really fuel efficient. Contrary to popular belief, this car handles great in the snow. I am from near buffalo and have never gotten stuck, even without snow tires.
March 24, 2015Great car and even at the high cost of diesel I fill up about once a month and get an average of 47 MPG
May 3, 2008Solid 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 held up well with all the abuse it gets.
January 23, 2009What owners say
I really love my bug. I love the style and color and general uniqueness. Great for a first car. It's really fuel efficient. Contrary to popular belief, this car handles great in the snow. I am from near buffalo and have never gotten stuck, even without snow tires.
March 24, 2015Great car and even at the high cost of diesel I fill up about once a month and get an average of 47 MPG
May 3, 2008Solid 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 held up well with all the abuse it gets.
January 23, 2009This is such a fun car to drive -- zippy as can be. As with most VWs, the plasticky interior is a bit cheap and shoddy - the dash is stupidly put- together (top dash panel clips broke during an AC/fan repair and are tough to replace) and the fabric on the ceiling is falling off. Even all the plastic molding and covers in the engine compartment are, in my opinion, unnecessary. Mechanically, the car is fabulous. I love it!
February 24, 2008The best car I ever owned! Fast, performant, nice interior, comfy, reliable and ... SAFE! The next one will be turbo!
January 3, 2008This was my first car and for sure a perfect match for me. I've had so much fun with this lil' red one and miss it BIG TIME. It's now cruising Malibu Canyon, Pacific Coast Highway and Sunset Blvd. with the new happy owner :o) Miss you bud!
April 25, 2008Performance was adequate for a city environment...good brakes and handling. Rudimentary traction control took a little getting used to. The build quality was decent but a few frustrating things broke...gas filler cable, back hatch latch, hood latch, to name a few. It was decent on gas...fun to drive...easy to park. The fact that I could drive it (6'4", 275lbs) as easily as the wife (5' nuthin') made it a good fit for our family. Rear seating wasn't great but enough for short runs. It did well in the snow, too. Being the first year model for the New Beetle, it did have it's quirks and bad habits, but all-in-all it was a decent car. Heck, we ended up buying a 2005 and 2007 Beetle...and we might buy yet another!
October 17, 2010great 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 holders are too small under radio and none for back seat.Hard for people to get in and out of back seat. --Fun to drive,easy to drive,super cute car,my 98 still looks like a brand new one.I love the flower vase and driving it daily.--Not a country car,best on only paved roads,does badly on snowy icey roads--
November 19, 2008I 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 like being safe cause it is
July 9, 2009Amazing drive, awesome handling, steering responsiveness, braking. Excellent looks. Not so reliable. Expensive to repair.
May 19, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $15,700 | Seating 4 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $16,975 | Seating 4 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
