2001 Volkswagen Beetle Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The Volkswagen Beetle received a few minor upgrades for the 2001 model year. High-intensity headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and an premium audio system were available as options, and all versions received redesigned cupholders.
Other than that, standard features included power brakes, power heated mirrors, front and side airbags, a five-speed manual transmission (a four-speed automatic was optional), four-wheel anti-lock brakes, keyless entry, air conditioning, and an anti-theft alarm system. Power was provided by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that generated 115 hp or a 1.9-liter 90-hp turbodiesel . A 1.8-liter, 150-hp turbocharged engine was also available on certain trim packages.
Overall, reviews for the 2001 Beetle were good, and drivers expressed great enthusiasm for the car. Among the positive points they cited were the Beetle's handling, gas mileage, sportiness, and even its "cuteness." Among the negatives were comfort on long trips and the limited amount of storage space in the trunk.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2001 Volkswagen Beetle
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by Marwah A
May 15, 2023
Good to drive; I have used drive it to school.May 15, 2023
by Sherika L
Mar 28, 2021
I believe that the car is overpriced. There are newer comparable models for a couple thousand more. Mar 28, 2021
by Rodney E
Mar 09, 2020
Great little car to run around town in....also has lots of power for a beetle! It is a sport after all.. lolMar 09, 2020
User rating:
by Marwah A
May 15, 2023
Good to drive; I have used drive it to school.May 15, 2023
by Sherika L
Mar 28, 2021
I believe that the car is overpriced. There are newer comparable models for a couple thousand more. Mar 28, 2021
by Rodney E
Mar 09, 2020
Great little car to run around town in....also has lots of power for a beetle! It is a sport after all.. lolMar 09, 2020
by Anonymous
Mar 12, 2015
I think the car is typical of a German performance oriented car. This is the New Beetle Sport from 2001; it has Recaro-style sport seats, high performance wheels and tires, a turbo engine. Runs and drives great. The car is beautiful and I still get compliments. Some annoying interior trim issues continue but I'm okay with it. Biggest issue was the engine needing to be repaired twice. Evidently there's an issue with the oil gasket in the head that can fail causing the an expensive repair. First repair was under warranty; second one was not. Really disappointed with the VW service because they opted not to cover the second time it failed and tried to tell me it was because I could not PROVE that I always used the proper oil type. Nonsense. I love German cars because they are excellent driver's cars. However my wife is now soured on the experience and we will not buy a VW again.Mar 12, 2015
by Lester M
Dec 05, 2014
The car was a VW Jetta under the skin. The 2.0 liter four was kinda thrashy, but not too bad. The mileage was pretty good, but not great. You sit way back in the body, so it took a little getting used to driving it. Comfortable over long distances.Dec 05, 2014
by Natalie A
Oct 26, 2014
I love this car because it is a 5-speed and tons of fun to drive! Only downside is the limited space in the back seats. Other than that, a VW bug is a wonderful car that I would recommend to anyone!Oct 26, 2014
by Anonymous
Apr 29, 2013
I am a fan of VW's... however, my 2001 VW Beetle was a money pit. No one ever wanted to work on it. The only people who would work on it was at VW dealerships and I paid dearly for the parts and labor. It handled well in the snow and sleet. It was great in fact. The design was beautiful and as I stated before, no one beats a VW's interior design or attention to detail. If only they had done the same with the fuel economy or reliability, I would still be in a VW now instead of another car. Everyone always thinks your gas mileage is great, and it really wasn't that great. Not on the turbo anyway. Turbo had many sets of problems also. Maintenance costs are excessive, so please keep that in mind before purchasing a VW.Apr 29, 2013
by Logan F
Mar 03, 2013
Nice little eco box with german influence. great ride and handing. could sue more power. decent manual trans. LOVE the VW interior lIght combo. Great gas mileage, performace lacking a little for this model but they cant take away from the GTI ya know!!! Mar 03, 2013
by Wayne J
Jul 16, 2012
A/C has gone out and very expensive to have it fixed. I guess I could spend the money and restore it back to original condition. It has 133k miles and still runs well enough to keep for a while longer.Jul 16, 2012
by Anonymous
May 28, 2012
This car has been a gem for the ten years I have owned it. We drove it to Canada one year and the way it holds the road is superior to our Chrysler T & C. The air bags make this a very safe car to drive.
THIS CAR HAS SOLD!May 28, 2012
by Ed C
Feb 12, 2012
I purchased this as a daily commute car and have driven it around the country and 100+ miles a day since 2003. It is the ideal car for this type of commute/long haul with the TDI Diesel engine and is VERY comfortable. Unfortunately I purchased it without understanding that the GLS body type had unusually low ground clearance and very short tires (45 aspect ratio) both of which are the only complications when on the open road. Lastly, repairs are very expensive ($1,500 for an alternator!) but offset by the 52+ MPG I routinely get...Feb 12, 2012
by Anonymous
Dec 01, 2011
I like the fact that it's small and cute and stylish. Gets good gas mileage. However, the interior is poorly made in 2001's and many things have fallen apart inside. Also, it is very small and i can't fit everything in it.Dec 01, 2011
by Anonymous
Oct 11, 2011
This is probably the best car I have ever owned. It is wonderful for any young person. I haven't had any problems with it and the tires are brand new; got them changed last summer. A very efficient and reliable vehicle. Oct 11, 2011
by Anonymous
Jun 28, 2011
AWESOME, PERFECT for the first few years, fell apart way too quickly. Great gas mileage. I'm sad to get rid of her but she is in the shop too often, and very few mechanics know how to work on volkswagens. Jun 28, 2011
by Leah P
Jan 18, 2010
not very fast...but the gas milage is good...its like driving a bubble and there isn't much foot room in the backseat if someone tall is in the front...not fun to make out in..very compact... but its cute!Jan 18, 2010
by Jasmine B
Oct 22, 2009
Performance: it was fun to drive and fairly fast
Build Quality: it needed a LOT of repairs after
100,000 miles. engine broke, etc
Appearance: it was cute for a highschool to early
college girl
Cost of ownership: maintenance was fairly
expensive, but it got around 25-30 mpg
fun factor: I enjoyed using the car for a whileOct 22, 2009
by Will R
Jul 23, 2009
The car was great with acceleration and braking. It
didn't need much work, just a chip in the engine and
some work to the fuel injection. I had a ton of fun it
but was a little too into racing and ended up crashing
it.Jul 23, 2009
by Kim Z
Jul 15, 2009
I love this car because its super cute, plus its a great car for first time drivers since its not super expensive. I dont have to pay for anything so I dont know about pricing etc. but I think everyone should have a beetle! :DJul 15, 2009
by Tanner T
May 14, 2009
Surprisingly quick. But I still think it's a crappy VW. Too many problems, too expensive, why pay? It's a chick car. The dashboard went on for miles. And why do all vws it smell like crayons? weird huh? I think it could be a lot better, go old school!May 14, 2009
by April C
Oct 14, 2008
I love how I can pull in and out of small spaces since the Beetle is so small. There are just a few minor things that I want to get fixed...I need a new lense for the driver's side fog light in the grill. I also need to touch up the interior...I took it to get a car wash and they stretched the leather on both door panels.
I have been debating selling this car, but every time I want to I can't bring myself to doing it...I just love it too much : )Oct 14, 2008
by Glenn A
Sep 17, 2008
Performance – acceleration, braking, handling
Build Quality – the best you can get
Appearance – both interior and exterior styling all done by myself
Cost of Ownership – gas mileage, maintenance did abouty 15mpg just because of the mods i did
Fun Factor – is this car fun to drive?
Would you recommend this car to a friend? If not Sep 17, 2008
by Alyssa D
Aug 31, 2008
My car has amazing "get-up-and-go" for a little thing! It has a turbo engine and great handling. It has needed a few repairs. I got this car with 68 k miles on it and after about 5k miles later the front axle broke. The exterior is a limited edition color called "vortex" and the interior is black leather. It gets about 28 mpg highway and 26 mpg city. Aug 31, 2008
by Patrick K
Aug 17, 2008
1,984 cc 2 liters 4 in-line engine with 82.6 mm bore, 92.7 mm stroke, 10 compression ratio, overhead cam and two valves per cylinder, fuel cost is ok, great car to drive, is amazing for performance testing, and it is an amazing car for stylish viewing, the car is perfect for anyone that wants to drive itAug 17, 2008
by Anthony D
Aug 13, 2008
Clutches in this car hate me but otherwise i think its a pretty good car its quick and i love beating mustangs with it in texas it gets good gas mileage and the turbo gives it alot of boost just wish they came out with the wolfsberg edition with the turboAug 13, 2008
by Cheryl H
Aug 03, 2008
This is my current car - i love it - it is quite quick as mine is a 2.3 v5 so its not too bad. It is not bad on fuel and it is a good quality car. It is really fun to drive. It is dark blue with alloys and the interior is black leather. The only things I have had problems with is the drainage holes getting blocked so it kept getting water in the footwells. Hopefully this is now sorted though. Apart from that it is great.
Aug 03, 2008
by Katie S
Jul 29, 2008
It's 100% pure German engineering. It's a quick little 2-door hatchback with TURBO. It's an automatic, which is the only downfall, but it's got a moonroof, perfect for putting a surfboard up through it. Brand new CD player/MP3 player, and power locks and windows with keyless entry. Amazing MPG, and it's a turbo that actually uses unleaded gas. Leather interior. It's cute, and it's definitely the car for me.Jul 29, 2008
by Laura-Beth P
Jun 24, 2008
I love driving it, vdubs are amazing, except for when they have problems or something's wrong with itJun 24, 2008
by Col R
May 20, 2008
1.8T VW engine is one of the best in the world. In a car like the beetle, it changes it entirely!May 20, 2008
by Anonymous
Apr 14, 2008
Brought the car for my daughter to take to college. Very impressed thus far.Apr 14, 2008
by Kenneth P
Apr 02, 2008
None at the momentApr 02, 2008
by Anonymous
Mar 30, 2008
Turbo + Active Spoiler! = ;)Mar 30, 2008
by Joe K
Mar 20, 2008
I loved this car for the first year. Fun to drive.Mar 20, 2008
by Lauren S
Mar 04, 2008
When the first one was wrecked I loved it so much I bought another one!Mar 04, 2008
by Anonymous
Feb 10, 2008
Sleek, stylish, roomy. Has issue with check engine light coming on...for no apparent reason. Excellent gas mileage. The radio however will not work after changing out the battery on the car. It turns on & off, will not play a cassette(like I used that anyways) will not play my fm tuner for ipod, and the radio will not change off of 88.3 default station, volume controls not working either!Feb 10, 2008
by Joanne M
Feb 05, 2008
Love every single bit of it. Apart from the fuel consumption...Feb 05, 2008
by Andy T
Jan 14, 2008
Loved this car....not enough room for the pramJan 14, 2008
by Brian F
Dec 26, 2007
this is definitely a chick car !!!!!Dec 26, 2007
What users have asked
What else can I check on a Parasitic draw
I have an 01 Beetle that has a parasitic draw, when you shut off the engine you can hear a hissing on the left side of the engine, so if I dont unhook the battery when I park it it kills the battery, only 1 code 1473.
26 views
At 100K what's likely to need repair?
I'm considering the purchase of a 2001 Beetle 2.0 turbo. The owner is a friend and the car has been taken care of beautifully. It has 100K miles and what I don't know is what is the average life expectancy might be if taken care of well. Also, at 100K miles what kind of repairs should I anticipate over the next 50K or so? Lastly, what would be a fair price range? I think it was fully loaded as it has seat warmers, leather interior, sliding sunroof, security system... (not sure about the wheels). It has no dents and has been garaged for a once a year use when his daughter returns. What should be my concerns? What's a fair price? What kind of mileage can I expect? Thanks
6152 views
need a flex pipe,so can I replace it with a straight pipe
have a 2001 New Beetle the flex pipe leaks can It replaces with a straight pipe
85 views
Towing a 2001 VW Beetle
I am buying a 2001 VW beetle automatic, can this car be towed on a two wheel dolly?
61 views
Top Comparisons
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2001 Volkswagen Beetle Pricing
Original MSRP
$16,450 to $21,725Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: vinyl
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent