I am not going to write the history of VW Beetle here. I will just write a review and also what Beetle means to me, my family and for many Beetle drivers around the world. It is more than a car, it is a lifestyle. It is not like other cars that you buy and sell after four or five years, it is a love story that is between the Beetle and its owner. I love Volkswagens and there is one reason behind that: my grandfather’s 1974 Volkswagen Beetle 1303. The Beetle is one of the safest cars independent of the crash tests that some private companies do. This German built car makes you feel like you are in the control of a Panzer. There are no passive safety features like airbags or roll bars but Beetle is a robust car. The strong built fenders protect the passengers well from the side impacts. The steel bumpers are stronger than any of the plastic bumpers today. Rust is not a huge problem but of course, considering the age of the car, some rust may be seen. The interior is very well designed for a car that was produced in 1974. The material that is used inside is high quality just like the body and the chassis. The only problem that you might have is if you leave the car under the sun for many hours, the plastic material of the dashboard might crack. The seats are very comfortable even they don’t have headrests. The AC does a very good job at heating the car inside but do not expect the same kind of performance at cooling. The speedometer has the gas gauge, gas and oil indicators placed inside. The gears change without a problem but it might take time to get used it. You need to apply a lot of power when you are releasing the hand brake. The rear seat space is sufficient enough for two passengers. Three will fit but they will be smashed a little bit during the trip. The gas tank and the spare tire are placed in the trunk so there is a little space left for your cargo. There is also a small cargo space between the rear seats and the engine. The Beetle handles the road very well. You can drive this car safely in the snow, rain or mud. Stiff suspensions make the driving a little bit uncomfortable but it is really not a big concern. Beetle has one of the best suspensions when you compare it to the cars of that time. The brakes are made by Bosch and they perform well. Since the car does not have ABS, it needs a little bit skill to stop the car at high speeds. The 1974 built Beetles come with a 1300 cc or a 1600 cc engine. Both engines are strong enough to carry 4 people in the car even you are climbing a mountain. The engine is air cooled so it is better not to take long trips without small breaks. Always take small breaks after 4-5 hours of driving. It is not necessary but it is a precaution not to overheat the engine. The price depends on the condition and the origin of the Beetle. Wolfsburg built ones are usually more reliable and a little bit more expensive than the ones that are built in Mexico. You can even buy a Beetle for $500 but of course you might need to spend some money to restore it. If you are going to restore a Beetle, it is not very hard to find the parts. Plus you can get a lot of help from the Beetle enthusiasts and fan clubs. Beetle does not offer too many features or much comfort but it is a car that you can drive for many miles and years without a problem. Category:Home › Other • Pomegranates: A newly discovered superfood • Where did the joke why did the chicken cross the road come from and why is it funny? • Can mothers diagnosed with bipolar disorder make good parents? • Spiritual evolution of human consciousness • Tips for getting a college basketball scholarship • Living with Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) • Caring for the caregiver • Technologys impact on society