First introduced in 1938 by German automaker Volkswagen, the Beetle created an automotive craze in America during the 1960s and 1970s that is unlike anything witnessed then or since. The Beetle had created such an impact on the U.S. that it was still an integral part of pop culture even years after Volkswagen had stopped selling them in the market. Rock n' roll, apple pie, and the VW Beetle aren't that far from the truth, but for years, Volkswagen left that potential untapped. Finally, in 1998, Volkswagen returned with an all-new VW Beetle for sale.

Now more than a decade after that heralded return, things aren't quite as exciting as we imagined they would be. The return was cool, but excitement dwindled quickly, and it left consumers with a VW Beetle for sale that is competing in a highly competitive market with not much to distinguish it outside of its looks. Could Volkswagen do something about that for its newest edition? The short answer is no. If the Beetle look is appealing to you, then you might not mind the drive. Otherwise, you'll find better value elsewhere in the market. However, let's take a closer look before writing it off so quickly.

Volkswagen offers the 2010 VW Beetle for sale as either a convertible or a coupe-style hatchback. The convertible comes with a power-folding soft top in the customer's choice of black or white along with a body-colored boot. The standard equipment on both models includes 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, air-conditioning, full power accessories, remote keyless entry, heated front seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and a premium CD/MP3 audio system with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.

Dealer options include 17-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, and a trunk-mounted 6-CD changer. A power sunroof is available on the coupe as a factory option. Unique 17-inch wheels are available for the convertible as a factory option, so if you're buying the convertible, and want 17-inch wheels, you have the choice of either style.

There is also a New Beetle Red Rock Edition package available on the coupe that adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a black-painted roof, special Red Rock paint exterior, and fog lamps. The Final Edition package, which is available on either the coupe or convertible, includes 17-inch wheels, fog lamps, and special Aquarius Blue paint. On the coupe, this also includes a black-painted roof. On the convertible, it includes white two-tone and a special white interior.

Under the hood of the front-wheel-drive 2010 Beetle, is a 2.5-liter inline 5-cylinder engine. This motor produces 150 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic is standard on both the convertible and the coupe, but the consumers can get the coupe with a five-speed manual transmission. The EPA rates both the manual and automatic transmissions essentially the same. The manual rates at 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The automatic rates at 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined.

Returning to our original point, if a consumer loves the look of the New Beetle, then they're probably going to be OK with the adequate performance and handling. However, one is paying a premium for the look. Consumers can spend less money and get much more value out of cars like the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Honda Civic, and Hyundai Elantra.