Car Reviews 1998 Volkswagen Beetle

The 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle is known as a “comeback car” for German automaker VW, as a similar-yet-not-the-same successor for the icon Beetle.Volkswagen stopped production of the original Beetle in 1978 for the United States (it was produced in foreign countries until 2003). It ended a production run that dated back to the end of World War II, and earlier if you count production history during the Hitler years in Germany. Twenty years after Americans last saw a new Beetle model, the 1998 version was unveiled. The New Beetle is a small family car based in design and construction on the Volkswagen Golf Mk4, a compact car with a rigid chassis.A huge difference for the New Beetle in 1998 was an engine in the front, and a rear-end trunk. Thousands of Americans became familiar with the rear-end engine and rather strange front-end trunk of old classic Beetles.In fact, automotive industry experts have noted that the New Beetle is connected with the old Beetle in name only. Two decades’ worth of technological advances can do that to a vehicle. A major change was a modern engine based on the Volkswagen Group A4 platform, same as the Golf Mk4 and a far cry from the old air-cooled four-cylinder horizontal old Beetle engines.Yet much of the visual impact of the New Beetle resembled the old, including its tall rounded roofline that serves as a selling point because of the extra headroom for drivers of all sizes. The round tail lights, sloping headlamps and running board below side doors also returned.New advances also offered VW the opportunity to offer more styles and choices than with the old “Bug.” The New Beetle of 1998 came in either 2-door regular or convertible layout, or a three-door hatchback style.Whereas the predecessor was known to be a crash-safety hazard, the 1998 New Beetle ranked among the best in its class in terms of safety, according to the U.S. Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.The brand is so well known, no one buys a Beetle for chic style. If you want sexy lines and trim, see Porsche or BMW. The New Beetle featured above-average gas mileage (23 to 38 miles per gallon), which is huge considering the recent gas-price surge. Add to that a nice selection of eye-impacting colors (Tornado Red is the name of one, to offer a glimpse), modern handling, and fenders made of dent-resistant plastic, enough attributes exist to dent the American car-buying marketplace.The 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle is also larger than it may appear. It actually is wider than a MINI Cooper, and its highest point remains tall.The base trunk has been criticized as too small at 12 cubic feet, though owners have raved about the capacity if you fold down rear seats for more space.Ultimately, most owners have cited how fun it is to drive a 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle. Its small size makes you feel like you can corner any curve, and its handling and brakes have been commended. While its 2.0-liter engine can only kick out about 115 horsepower, driving is responsive and tight.Owners of 1998 Volkswagen Beetles also have praised its six-disc compact disk player, cruise control system, and overall handling. Category:Home › Home • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 2 • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 1 • Should the crew of the Sea Shepherd board whaling ships? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 13 • Grandparents: Can blogging chronicle your genealogy? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 12 • Are teachers unions the cause of public school problems today? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 11