VW Beetles through the ages

Bowing to popular demand, VW introduced the New Beetle, based on a crowd-pleasing retro-themed concept car that was unveiled at the 1994 Detroit Auto Show. Base price was $15,200. The high arched roofline, sloping headlights, and approachable personality thrilled old Beetle fans. But the similarities were more nostalgic than real, since the New Beetle was based on a modern Golf platform and was powered by an engine in the front. The combination of old body style and new platform necessitated compromises, such as an unusual driving position and poor access to maintenance items.

The New Beetle was a hit right from the start. More than 83,000 were sold in 1999. A surprising number of buyers were young women, leading the Beetle to become known as a "chick car." (A dash-mounted bud vase may have had something to do with it.) But that didn't stop it from becoming a popular success during its production run with just under 600,000 units (both hardtop and convertible) sold in the U.S., and about 1.2 million worldwide, during its 13-year life.

NEXT: Beetles Forever: 2011-