The Volkswagen Beetle is a reliable compact car. In fact, RepairPal.com gives this model a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0. Despite this above-average reliability score, the Beetle ranks 24th in Repair Pal's lineup of 36 compact cars. The 2005 VW Beetle has the best resale value and longevity of all the Beetle years. After the 2004 model became infamous for its transmission problems and window regulator issues, Volkswagen went out of its way to make a Beetle with great durability and stability.