1998 Volkswagen Beetle Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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User reviews for 1998 Volkswagen Beetle
Write a reviewUser rating:
by WENDY D
Mar 25, 2021
The car doesn’t run! And I think the features of an update stereo system and a sun roof would be a better appeal to something outdated. Also, the front of the car maybe a rag top cover Mar 25, 2021
by Gabby G
Mar 24, 2015
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.Mar 24, 2015
by Anonymous
Oct 17, 2013
I'm pretty in love with my blue Bug. I got her with 156,000 miles on it with the check engine light on and it was driving rather oddly (turn was horrible, brakes needed work, etc.). But after putting $1,000 into fixing her up (radiator, ball joints, oil leak, etc) runs perfect. Not bad considering I bought it for $2,500. The funny thing is though everyone says that this car fits me, and I can't deny it. And i'm a freaking guy. But, it's just way to adorable not to love. I love the steering, the handling, how smooth it is and how it handles weather. It's extremely powerful for an older and smaller engine. I have an automatic, and it usually gets about 25-30 mpg all the time. And it still turns heads wherever I go. It's very relaible for me and hasn't had a problem except for the radiator (which was my fault....didn't have enough air in my tires, pulled into a parking space and hit the curb a little bit on the front end). I'm in love!
EDIT:
I need to update my review. I lost this car in a horrible accident a few months ago, and, let me tell you, this car is extremely sturdy and durable when it comes to side collisions. I was hit on my drivers side by someone going 20 over the speed limit and I made it out with no injuries. I am very thankful for having had this car as my first car and surprised at how well it took the damage and was still able to drive fine afterwards. A bug saved my life.Oct 17, 2013
User rating:
by WENDY D
Mar 25, 2021
The car doesn’t run! And I think the features of an update stereo system and a sun roof would be a better appeal to something outdated. Also, the front of the car maybe a rag top cover Mar 25, 2021
by Gabby G
Mar 24, 2015
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.Mar 24, 2015
by Anonymous
Oct 17, 2013
I'm pretty in love with my blue Bug. I got her with 156,000 miles on it with the check engine light on and it was driving rather oddly (turn was horrible, brakes needed work, etc.). But after putting $1,000 into fixing her up (radiator, ball joints, oil leak, etc) runs perfect. Not bad considering I bought it for $2,500. The funny thing is though everyone says that this car fits me, and I can't deny it. And i'm a freaking guy. But, it's just way to adorable not to love. I love the steering, the handling, how smooth it is and how it handles weather. It's extremely powerful for an older and smaller engine. I have an automatic, and it usually gets about 25-30 mpg all the time. And it still turns heads wherever I go. It's very relaible for me and hasn't had a problem except for the radiator (which was my fault....didn't have enough air in my tires, pulled into a parking space and hit the curb a little bit on the front end). I'm in love!
EDIT:
I need to update my review. I lost this car in a horrible accident a few months ago, and, let me tell you, this car is extremely sturdy and durable when it comes to side collisions. I was hit on my drivers side by someone going 20 over the speed limit and I made it out with no injuries. I am very thankful for having had this car as my first car and surprised at how well it took the damage and was still able to drive fine afterwards. A bug saved my life.Oct 17, 2013
by Anonymous
Aug 20, 2012
It was exactly what I wanted...when I was 18. As I got older, the "cutesy" look of the bug was no longer me. I definitely received ridicule from boyfriends, and car guys took advantage of me (based on the image of a cute girl with a red VW Beetle) by charging me for unnecessary repairs.Aug 20, 2012
by Sebastian G
Apr 06, 2012
It doesn't have the best brakes, a bit hard to move the steering wheel, didn't need
major repairs just a few details, the engine is in perfect shape, i spend 10 to 15
dolars of fuel per week, (pretty economic in my country for a gasoline car)Apr 06, 2012
by Scott S
Oct 17, 2010
Performance 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!Oct 17, 2010
by Annika M
Jan 04, 2010
this car is great, was just a little old, and expensive to take car of. acceleration is very good. Its fast and easy to drive. I even got through the deep snow without getting stuck. It has all you wanted, leather seats, heated seats, 6 CD changer - just great!!!Jan 04, 2010
by Anonymous
Sep 18, 2009
I purchased this car in 2003 when it was a young 1998
with only 5, 500 miles. Sigh. It now has 61, 000.
I never really wanted a beetle, we just got such a heck of a
deal I just couldn't pass it up. And it's been alright since
then- nothing too majorly wrong with it, mechanically. The
interior is another story. Every single little plastic piece has
come off. Eventually, I gave up and just started collecting
them in a crate in the back seat. I have more pieces in the
back-seat than I do on the car (seat flip up cover, both sides
seat lean back roll thing, window switch covers, rear cup
holder, door handle, fuse panel cover, the list is endless. . .
VW needs to learn to make better trim pieces [and
headlights, and brake light switches, and electrical systems. .
. ]
Overall though, I've had no major mechanical catastrophes
YET, so I consider myself lucky. She is a good car and is
reliable (she's only quite on me like four times lol) enough.
Don't misinterpret my long list of cons, because I love my
little car, when she isn't driving me insane. Sep 18, 2009
by Amy S
Jul 09, 2009
I 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 isJul 09, 2009
by Oscar G
Mar 22, 2009
Laser blue exterior with 17" custom rims, eibach lowering
kit,custom big brake,custom eroplate + custom state plate.
great handling on all corners & turns. High safety rating for
anti-rollover. Drove to waterfest13 and show off@
waterfest. But just because it had be lowered, it rides a litle
rough. Mar 22, 2009
by Andy B
Jan 23, 2009
Solid 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.Jan 23, 2009
by Heidi T
Nov 19, 2008
great 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--Nov 19, 2008
by Quimby W
Jul 04, 2008
10 years with my car and she's still going strong. Only in the last 2-3 years have I needed to start doing repairs. My car is over 100,000 miles so it's understandable.
I love driving the bug! It handles excellently and it sticks to the road, it's the safest car I've ever driven.Jul 04, 2008
by Juan Pablo A
Jun 09, 2008
2.0 115HP 100% original- 50 M KMJun 09, 2008
by Anonymous
May 19, 2008
Amazing drive, awesome handling, steering responsiveness, braking. Excellent looks. Not so reliable. Expensive to repair. May 19, 2008
by Douglas C
May 14, 2008
drove this beetle from Ontario to Florida full of luggage 2 golf bags and a cooler
space was a problem
excellent gas mileage wish i still had itMay 14, 2008
by Andres T
May 11, 2008
There aint much to say about it. Like the design on the outside but the interior is just weird. It makes you feel small which is really bad in a small car. The riding position will never be comfortable... can't balance distance to pedals and distance to steerin wheel at the same time. It really sucks.May 11, 2008
by Nicole W
May 03, 2008
Great car and even at the high cost of diesel I fill up about once a month and get an average of 47 MPGMay 03, 2008
by Noomi נעמי F
Apr 25, 2008
This 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!Apr 25, 2008
by Chanel G
Mar 29, 2008
I played mini speed racer in this car. It had a ton more room than I expected. It helped me build a lot of character and learn a lot about cars in general. I'd have to say that it had a Herbie complex in that it had a mind of it's own. I beat a mustang in it and it seemed to always know when I had extra money.Mar 29, 2008
by Terry W
Mar 24, 2008
it drives really well but i take a lot of crap for owning it.Mar 24, 2008
by Anonymous
Feb 24, 2008
This 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! Feb 24, 2008
by Francois G
Jan 03, 2008
The best car I ever owned! Fast, performant, nice interior, comfy, reliable and ... SAFE! The
next one will be turbo!Jan 03, 2008
by Anonymous
Oct 27, 2007
This beetle is just fine. No major problems. Oct 27, 2007
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1998 Volkswagen Beetle Pricing
Original MSRP
$15,700 to $16,975Price 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
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: vinyl
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent