It got bad after the 1st gen. The 2nd gen was a sorry attempt at regaining popularity in the 2000s the 3rd gen doesn't look awful --- Post updated --- What I would like to see a facelift would be the SP2, as a small sports coupe.
VW Beetle 1938-2018 Also I prefer first gen. Second gen I don't care for. Third gen looks kinda neat but isn't as much an original design.
The fact that it lasted so long really says something about its legacy. I've said it before, that I'd argue that the Volkswagen Beetle, AKA the Type One, could very well be the most successful automobile ever produced in history.
I wouldn't say "legacy". I would say more of a political achievement (if you get what I mean). Plus, I'm happy the Beetle's dead. The Beetle already lasted long enough, so it's good to end something once and for all.
It's not the old one (1938-2003), but the tarted-up Golf one (1998-2018). --- Post updated --- One of the few good things they did (some others were research into low-cost radios, durable highways or developing TV transmitting of sports events).
It still carries the Beetle nameplate nonetheless. I'd put on the same boat as the Chevrolet Suburban, which has been around for a similar amount of time, and I'd say it's also pretty successful. It most certainly wasn't an SUV back in the 1930's.
It was as much of an SUV as today, because the idea of throwing a roof and seats on a Chevy truck remains.
