Guru at National Semiconductor, maybe the only Rock-class lectronics columnist ever? (Electronic Design) .. known quite beyond his field: just for the great writing + quips; trekker of the Himalayas, raconteur - and driving exclusively early Beetles, each one maintained so as to beat the usual MTBF (before it's finally retired, just shy of Aloha-Airlines-style 'metal fatigue' failure.)

OK he's a curmudgeon, but one likely to be well aware of airbags, ABS (and of the current beer-can skin thickness dictated by Econ, fashion and a certain amount of F=MA econ-omy.) One of the few, the bright, the unMurican Ones who possess a comprehension of the word, adequacy.

I too find much not to like about the bug, but agree it was the first skillfully executed Actual 'People's Car' (may still..? be built in Argentina) and is OK transport if your driving skill is above average and your attention span (for avoidance of UAVS/cel-fones) is equally good. Someone must have tabulated the cumulative miles (deaths?) since s/n #1.

We have to recall the state of US lead barges / Insolent Chariots \ufffd when the first two-piece rear window bugs arrived. Snapped up by the first Greenies. (I'd never consider a car whose gas tank is just.. in front of my knees, thankyouverymuch.)
OK I lie: I WILL accept a Porsche anytime offered.


Not-so-funny VW story:
A cohort managed to off self, while tuning carb/mixture - a hazard when parts you need to fiddle force your snout too close to THE EXHAUST. And you don't Pay ATTENTION... for not. all. That. long. And yes, he knew enough chemistry :-/

(Altogether, now: Knowing's Not Enough)