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2012 Volkswagen Beetle review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Volkswagen Beetle highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Mileage (EPA estimate)

21 city, 29 highway, 24 combined

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.7 out of 5

20 customer reviews
The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle impresses with sporty styling, good handling, and fuel economy but has mixed reviews on cabin noise, visibility, and maintenance costs. Comfort and technology features generally please drivers, though some criticize reliability issues with tech and brakes. Overall, a mostly enjoyable and stylish compact car.

RepairPal reliability rating

4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Volkswagen Beetle an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Volkswagen Beetle 19th out of 46 among Compact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Volkswagen Beetle

Volkswagen Beetle features and specs

Curious how Volkswagen Beetle trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base 2D Hatchback 2WD

Standard Features

  • Overhead Airbags
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Manual Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • CD Audio

Optional Features

  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Satellite Radio Ready

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.5L

Horsepower

170

Torque (ft-lbs)

177

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

14.5

Wheelbase

99.9"

Overall length

168.4"

Width

71.2"

Height

58.5"

Leg room

F 41.3"/R 31.4"

Head room

F 39.4"/R 37.1"

Front tires

215/55R17

Rear tires

215/55R17

Seating capacity

4

Transmission

Manual 5

2012 Volkswagen Beetle FAQ

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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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