2001 Volkswagen Beetle GLS review from North America

Fuel hatch stopped functioning, just required an adjustment to the cable, although dealer tried to make a big deal of it.

Intermittent starting problem at about 30000 miles and about 3 yrs old. Sometimes wouldn't even crank. Changed the battery and this solved the problem, although was difficult to diagnose.

Both door handles peeling. Headliner came down and needed replacement at 43000 miles. Side door panel fabric coming loose. Car is not parked in full sun so is rather due to poor quality. The dash board will show a permanent scratch if you so much as sneeze on, very poor material.

I have the turbo, and the turbo spoiler never seems to go up, (I can't hear or see it, do not get the indicator light that it is deployed) even at 90miles per hour. The indicator light does work if I put the spoiler up manually while parked. Dealer gave me some bull story that the light won't indicate when driving and that it shows for manual function only. End of story: I don't think this works properly, but couldn't make headway.

I heard from another driver that there was a recall concerning the headlights. I need to find out more and take to the dealer for this replacement under the recall. You all should too.

Gas mileage: about 26 mpg avg.

Fun to drive, especially with the turbo. I always use the synthetic oil, and change every 5000 miles.

The cup holders broke immediately, also very cheap plastic and poor material.

Now some of the a/c vents are beginnnig to break. Whats with this? What wear and tear do these get?

I wanted to keep this car for 10 years, since I put low mileage on it, but I am reconsidering.

Good design, VERY poor quality and materials. High cute factor, but very low quality. Overall, the dealers are crooks and try to turn everything in to a multi-hundred dollar issue. I have been to several. Find yourself a good private mechanic for maintenance and talk to other owners, many minor issues can be dealt with cheaply yourself.

I wouldn't buy another.

MPG about 26.

Very hot in the florida sun, due to the large front windshield.

Powerful a/c though.

I like that the rear seat goes down, I can get my bicycle in if I take off the front wheel.

The turbo makes it fun to drive.