2007 Volkswagen New Beetle Review

What reviews like:
Although some reviewers say the Volkswagen Beetle is starting to look dated, no other car looks quite like it, and it continues to have a strong design appeal. The convertible version is especially cute, but cargo space is reduced considerably. Reviews say the Beetle is fun to drive, and that comfort for front-seat occupants is excellent. There are few available options, but the long list of standard features includes power locks/windows, AC, CD player with MP3 player input, four airbags, cruise control and more.

What reviews don't like:

The 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle doesn't compete well with other subcompact cars when it comes to functionality. All reviews say the rear seat is only comfortable for kids, Cargo space is lacking, particularly on the Beetle convertible. The car is fun to drive, but not sporty. Reliability has only been average, and fuel economy is low compared to other subcompacts like the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris.

EPA fuel economy estimate: 22 to 23 mpg/city, 30 to 32 mpg/highway, depending on engine

2007 Volkswagen New Beetle review highlights

The VW New Beetle made a big splash when it was introduced ten years ago. Reviews say it is still a peppy, cute car, but it's beginning to look a little dated. Some of the newer subcompact hatchbacks, including the Honda Fit (*est. $13,850 to $15,170), are getting better reviews for rear-seat comfort and cargo space (problem areas for the Beetle), and reliability for the Beetle has been only average. Still, reviews say front-seat comfort is exceptional, and the ride quality is smooth. Above all, no car looks quite like the VW Beetle, which also comes as a convertible. Resale value has historically been high.

The Volkswagen New Beetle is still in its first generation, despite small annual changes. The 2007 New Beetle isn't included in any comparison tests this year, probably because the newest subcompact hatchbacks are grabbing more headlines. Edmunds.com has the most balanced review for the 2007 VW Beetle, and Cars.com also road-tests the '07 model. Consumer Guide's report is more statistical and less narrative. Consumer Reports and CarCritic.com both report on the 2007 Volkswagen Beetle, but you have to pay to read these reports.

Also see full report: Economy Cars

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Edmunds.com
2007 Volkswagen New Beetle review
Staff of Edmunds.com

Editors at Edmunds.com don't directly compare the Volkswagen New Beetle to other subcompact cars, but they do give it a road test and evaluation. Editors say the Beetle is cute and fun to drive, but add that newer subcompact cars have better cargo space and more rear-seat room. The Beetle's rear-seat is cramped for anyone but kids. The VW New Beetle handles well, but it isn’t sporty. Standard features are generous. A convertible Beetle is also available.

2. Cars.com
2007 Volkswagen New Beetle review
Editors of Cars.com
July 2006

Editors at Cars.com echo other reviews. While the VW Beetle is still a cute car with a lot of appeal, it's now looking a bit dated. Front seats are comfortable, but rear seats are very cramped. Cargo space in the convertible is very limited. Steering and ride quality are highlights, and historically, the Volkswagen New Beetle has a high resale value. Overall, editors say "Other than its tight backseat, the New Beetle coupe is a wholly appealing automobile that still draws smiles."

3. Consumer Guide.com
2007 Volkswagen New Beetle Road Test
Editors of ConsumerGuide.com

Consumer Guide evaluates cars, including the 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle, according to established criteria, and each car gets numerical ratings in about twelve areas. Readers can then use those scores to compare cars to one another. Consumer Guide chooses several cars each year as “Best Buy” or “Recommended” picks, but this year, the Beetle doesn't make the cut. While ride quality and driver comfort are excellent, cargo space (especially in the convertible) and a very cramped rear seat bring down its total score.

4. Consumer Reports
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2007 Volkswagen New Beetle review
Editors of Consumer Reports

Editors at Consumer Reports test most new cars. The Volkswagen New Beetle was last road tested for the 2005 model year. Editors note reliability and customer satisfaction survey results. There isn't yet a road test for the 2007 model. You must be a subscriber to view reports at this site.

5. CarCritic.com
2007 Volkswagen New Beetle review
Don Vorderman

This brief evaluation compliments the Volkswagen New Beetle on its roomy interior (presumably for front-seat passengers), along with a peppy 150-hp engine. Editor Don Vorderman says that poor reliability is a problem, but he doesn't elaborate on particular trouble spots.

6. IntelliChoice.com
2007 Volkswagen Beetle 2.5
Staff of IntelliChoice.com
Undated

Intellichoice.com doesn't road test cars (or at least they don't really report on road testing), but there's a lot of good information here on long-term cost of ownership and repair estimates -- helpful once you've got your choice narrowed down a bit. The 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is rated better than average overall.

Also see full report: Economy Cars