Volkswagen New Beetle

The Volkswagen New Beetle was the cute car that started the retro-futurist design craze, which is still going strong. It was a modernized version of the legendary VW Beetle and struck a chord with consumers who had grown tired of standard conservative car designs and had fond memories of the "Bugs" from their youth.

Now on sale in the North American market for more than a decade, the Volkswagen New Beetle hasn't really changed. It's still a good car, but it's not as functional as other offerings in its class. Buyers also have little reason to pick up a new New Beetle over a certified pre-owned model.

Current Volkswagen New Beetle

The Volkswagen New Beetle is available as a two-door hatchback or a two-door convertible. Although the front-wheel-drive compact is based on the previous-generation Golf platform, it has less interior space than the Rabbit (and most compacts in its class). The front seats are roomy, but the same can hardly be said of the back. Trunk space is tight and even more limiting on the convertible. The convertible comes with a manual-folding top (and a glass rear window) as standard. A power top is available as an option.