Introduction
Are you a fan of the famous Iconic Volkswagen Beetle? Choosing the right Volkswagen Beetle year is important whether you are a collector, a fan, or someone who wants to buy a Beetle as your next car. The Beetle has a history that goes back many decades. During that time, its performance, reliability, and looks have gone up and down. In this article, we’ll look at the 8 best and worst years of the Volkswagen Beetle, along with known facts, to help you make an informed choice and find the right Beetle for you.
Here’s The Short Answer to What the Worst and Best Years for the Volkswagen Beetle Are:
The best Volkswagen Beetle model years are 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016. The worst model years of the Beetle are 2013, 2012, 2014, and 2015. This is based on NHTSA statistics, auto industry reviews, reported problems, and consumer feedback.
Brief History of the Volkswagen Beetle
The Volkswagen Beetle has had a long and interesting past since it was first made in 1938. Ferdinand Porsche made the Beetle, which quickly became a famous car because of its unique look, low price, and longevity. It started out as a “people’s car” in Germany but went on to become a symbol of freedom and personality around the world. Over the years, the Beetle has gone through many changes, adjusting to new styles and technologies while keeping its own unique charm.
Importance of Choosing the Right Beetle Year
Even though the Volkswagen Beetle has a classic look, not all years are the same. Every year brought its own improvements, new ideas, and sometimes problems. If you choose the right year of Beetle, you can make sure it’s more fun to drive, more reliable, and maybe even a good investment. Knowing the pros and cons of different years of the Volkswagen Beetle will help you find a model that fits your needs, income, and goals.
Purpose of this Article
In this detailed guide, we’ll talk about the best and worst years of the Volkswagen Beetle, focusing on things like performance, design, reliability, and customer happiness. We’ll give you helpful information and ideas, along with pictures, to help you make an informed choice. This article will be helpful whether you’re a Beetle fan or just want to learn more about the car’s history.
Best Years for the Volkswagen Beetle
2019 Volkswagen Beetle
The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle is the last one ever made. This was an end of an era for this popular car. This model looks like a classic Beetle, which makes you feel nostalgic. It has rounded edges, a unique roofline, and round headlights that are instantly recognizable. The 2019 Beetle has a comfy and stylish interior with modern features. This makes it a great choice/option for people who want a car that looks old but is also comfortable and convenient.
The 2019 Beetle has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes it quick to accelerate and gives out power smoothly. It’s easy to drive, whether you’re in the city or on the highway. The handling is calm, and the ride is comfortable, so it strikes a good mix between being quick and being comfortable.
The 2019 Beetle has a well-designed and easy-to-use layout inside the car. The seats are supportive and give the driver and guests plenty of comforts. Modern features like touchscreen navigation, smartphone integration, and advanced safety systems make driving easier and give you more peace of mind.
2019 Volkswagen Beetle
2018 Volkswagen Beetle
The 2018 Beetle has the same charm and personality as previous models, but it also has new technology and safety features. It still has the classic Beetle shape on the outside, but it has been updated in small ways to make it look more elegant. Inside, the interior is comfortable and easy to use, with features that are easy to reach and high-quality materials.
The 2018 Beetle comes with an option of engines, including a turbocharged four-cylinder that gets up to speed quickly and gets good gas mileage. The Beetle is a fun car to drive because it is easy to turn and guide. Its small size makes it especially good for driving in cities.
The 2018 Beetle’s interior is stylish and comfy, with supportive seats and plenty of headroom and legroom for those sitting in the front. The layout of the panel is clean and easy to understand, and it has modern infotainment systems that offer ways to connect and advanced features.
2017 Volkswagen Beetle
The 2017 Beetle is proud of its history, but it also has new features and better speed. Its design on the outside is a tribute to the original Beetle and captures the timeless charm of that car. Inside, the 2017 model is well-made and has technology that is easy to use and comfy seats.
There are several engine choices for the 2017 Beetle, including a turbocharged four-cylinder and a powerful turbocharged four-cylinder in the sporty R-Line model. These engines have enough power for normal driving and can speed up quickly when needed. The Beetle is easy to drive and rides smoothly and steadily.
The 2017 Beetle’s interior has a retro-modern feel, with high-quality materials and careful attention to detail. The seats are comfy and give good support, so driving will be a pleasure. The infotainment system of the car is easy to use and quick to respond to. It has features like Bluetooth connectivity, a touchscreen display, and navigation, which can be used if you want to.
2016 Volkswagen Beetle
The 2016 Beetle is the right mix of good looks and good performance. It has a bold and modern style on the outside, but it still looks like a Beetle. The inside has a lot of room, comfortable seats, and a well-made panel. The 2016 Beetle’s engines are quick, its steering is accurate, and it handles well. The 2016 Beetle is a fun car to drive, whether you choose the basic model or the R-Line, which is built for speed.
The engines offered for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle are a good mix of power and gas mileage. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine has strong acceleration and smooth power delivery. The turbodiesel engine, which is available as an option, gets great gas mileage. The suspension tuning of the Volkswagen Beetle strikes a good balance between comfort and sportiness. This makes it a flexible car that can be driven in a variety of situations.
Inside, the 2016 Beetle is designed with the driver in mind, with features that are easy to use and high-quality materials. Even on long drives, the seats offer great support and comfort. Features like touchscreen navigation, smartphone integration, and advanced safety systems make the use of technology easier and safer.
2016 Volkswagen Beetle
Reasons why these years are the best
These years stand out because they combine style elements from the past with new features and better performance. Volkswagen paid attention to the little things to make sure that these Beetle versions were appealing to both longtime fans and new fans. The engines are a good mix of power and gas mileage, and the interiors are comfortable and easy to use. Also, owners have said good things about these models, giving them high marks for reliability and overall happiness.
Consumer Scores for Best Volkswagen Beetle Years
When thinking about the best years of the Volkswagen Beetle, it’s important to take consumer satisfaction into account. Various online reviews and polls show that the 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016 Beetle models get high marks for reliability, overall performance, and customer experience. Beetle owners like how these years have a good mix of style, comfort, and driving qualities. This good feedback makes these particular years even more appealing.
Consumer Scores For Best Volkswagen Beetle Years
Model Year | Edmunds Consumer Rating |
Kelley Blue Book Consumer Rating |
JD Power Consumer Rating |
2019 Volkswagen Beetle | 4.6 / 5.0 | 4.3 / 5.0 | 77 / 100 |
2018 Volkswagen Beetle | 4.4 / 5.0 | 4.3 / 5.0 | 80 / 100 |
2017 Volkswagen Beetle | 4.4 / 5.0 | 4.3 / 5.0 | 80 / 100 |
2016 Volkswagen Beetle | 4.6 / 5.0 | 4.3 / 5.0 | 80 / 100 |
Worst Years for the Volkswagen Beetle
2013 Volkswagen Beetle
The 2013 Beetle had some problems with quality control, like problems with the engine and power system. Even though it still had the iconic look of the Beetle, it was one of the least reliable years. Some owners said that there were problems with the clutch, the engine, and the electrical system. These problems can lead to expensive fixes and a worse feeling about owning the car.
2013 Volkswagen Beetle
2012 Volkswagen Beetle
The 2012 Beetle was redesigned in a big way to make it look more powerful and sporty. But it had a lot of technical and electrical problems that made it less reliable and made it less fun to own overall. Problems like broken transmissions, broken engines, and broken electrical systems were mentioned by owners. These problems can lead to a lot of trips to the repair shop and a lack of trust in how the car runs.
2014 Volkswagen Beetle
Like the 2013 model, the 2014 Beetle had dependability problems, such as problems with the transmission and engine. Owners said that their cars had problems like hard shifts, engines that wouldn’t start, and oil leaks. These problems can be annoying and expensive to fix, which makes owning the car a bad experience altogether.
2015 Volkswagen Beetle
The engine in the 2015 Beetle had problems, like leaking oil and breaking down early. Some owners said that while moving, the engine would misfire or lose power. These problems can be big and dangerous, leading to expensive repairs and a lack of trust in how reliable the car is.
2015 Volkswagen Beetle
Reasons why these years are the worst
During the years that Volkswagen was making these beetles, there were a lot of problems with mechanical parts, electrical systems, and general dependability. Even though the Beetle’s design is still well-known, these cars didn’t meet long-term owner expectations. The reported problems point to possible safety issues, frequent trips to the repair shop, and the possibility of expensive repairs, all of which can make having a Volkswagen Beetle less fun and less valuable.
What Years Have the Most Complaints?
Consumer reports and web forums show that more people had problems with the 2013, 2012, 2014, and 2015 Beetles in terms of mechanical failures, electrical problems, and general reliability. When looking at a used Volkswagen Beetle from these years, it’s important to keep these things in mind. To reduce possible risks, it is suggested to do thorough research, get a vehicle history report, and get a pre-purchase inspection.
What Years Have The Most Complaints?
Model Year | Complaints (CarComplaints.com) |
Problems (CarProblemZoo.com) |
2019 Volkswagen Beetle | 0 | 11 |
2018 Volkswagen Beetle | 0 | 10 |
2017 Volkswagen Beetle | 1 | 6 |
2016 Volkswagen Beetle | 0 | 21 |
2015 Volkswagen Beetle | 8 | 58 |
2014 Volkswagen Beetle | 8 | 59 |
2013 Volkswagen Beetle | 15 | 107 |
2012 Volkswagen Beetle | 16 | 81 |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Beetle Year
When choosing a Volkswagen Beetle year, it’s important to think about a few things:
- Budget: Figure out and put up how much you can spend and weigh it against the features and conditions you want in a Beetle. Cars with less miles and newer models usually cost more, so it’s important to have realistic standards.
- Costs of repairs and maintenance: Find out how much it might cost to repair and keep certain models. Some years may cost more to fix because of known problems or a lack of parts.
- Fuel efficiency: Look at the Beetle’s gas mileage and think about how you drive and what you think about the environment. Most of the time, newer cars use less gas and put out less pollution.
- Safety Features: Pay attention to the safety features, like airbags, stability control, and advanced driver assistance systems, that are offered. When picking a car, safety should be the most important thing.
- Intended Use: Think about whether you’ll use the Beetle for daily travel, long trips, or a weekend cruiser. This will help you figure out which features and how well they work are most important to you.
What Are the Best Alternatives to the Volkswagen Beetle?
If you like the style and charm of the Volkswagen Beetle but want to see what else is out there, here are some choices to think about:
- MINI Cooper: The MINI Cooper is fun and fast to drive because it is small, has a stylish look, and drives quickly. It has retro-styled parts and features that can be changed, making it appealing to drivers who want a unique and fun ride.
- Fiat 500: With its small size, bright colors, and retro-style design, the Fiat 500 is a great example of a European city car. It is easy to drive, has engines that use little gas, and is comfy inside. The Fiat 500 is a famous choice for city cars because of its unique look and low price.
- Mazda MX-5 Miata: The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a great choice or option for people who want to have fun with the top down and drive in an exciting way. This classic roadster is a pure driving experience thanks to its lightweight, quick handling, and fun manual gear. It’s an alternative that puts the attention on the driver and brings out the joy of driving.
- Volkswagen Golf: The Volkswagen Golf is a good choice if you want a practical and flexible solution. The Golf is known for being well-built, having a comfortable interior, and being fun to drive. It strikes a good mix between practicality and performance. It comes in different versions, like the fast GTI and the high-performance Golf R.
Conclusion
When picking a Volkswagen Beetle, it’s important to know what year it was made. By knowing the Beetle’s best and worst years, you can make an educated choice and find a model that fits your needs and wants. Whether you choose the classic look of the 2019 Beetle or the more current features of the 2016 model, each year has its own charm. So, go ahead and start your Beetle adventure, knowing that you can pick the best year for your famous ride. To make the best choice, you should think about things like reliability, performance, design, and customer comments. Have fun catching beetles!