Overview & Reviews
The Volkswagen New Beetle was the cute car that started the retro-futurist design craze. It was a modernized version of the legendary VW Beetle and struck a chord with consumers who had grown tired of standard conservative car designs and had fond memories of the "Bugs" from their youth.
But that was 1998. As more than a decade passed without a major redesign, the New Beetle started to seem like a retro version of itself. With sales dropping steadily, VW decided to discontinue the New Beetle after the 2010 model year. A redesigned model, just called the Beetle, debuted a year later.
Shopping for a used New Beetle is pretty straightforward. It didn't change much, so you can shop mostly on price and mileage, though paying attention to engine availability through the years will likely be useful.
Most Recent Volkswagen New Beetle
The first-generation Volkswagen New Beetle was produced from 1998-2010. It was initially only offered as a two-door hatchback, and the convertible showed up for 2003.
Although the New Beetle was based on the Golf platform from the late 1990s, it had less interior space than today's Golf (and the '90s Golf for that matter) as well as most other compact hatchbacks. The front seats were roomy, but the same couldn't be said of the back. Trunk space was tight in the hatchback and even tighter in the convertible. The convertible came with a power-folding top as standard.
Models up to 2005 used the GL, GLS and GLX designations to reflect the various trim levels, as well as a standard 115-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. A five-speed manual was standard on the Volkswagen New Beetle, with a four-speed automatic usually optional. A 100-hp 1.9-liter turbodiesel was also offered (the TDI trim) until the end of 2006, when it failed to meet new emissions regulations.
Until the last few years of its lengthy life, turbocharged gasoline engines were a big part of the New Beetle's trim lineup. Sold from 1999-2005, the New Beetle 1.8T was powered by a 1.8-liter turbo four-cylinder, which put out 150 hp. From 2002-'04, VW included the Turbo S trim in the coupe lineup. It was equipped with a retuned 180-hp version of the 1.8T turbo engine and a six-speed manual transmission. For 2006 and thereafter, the only gasoline-powered engine available was a 2.5-liter five-cylinder that produced 150 hp and was coupled to either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.
As the years wore on, Volkswagen added a few features like satellite radio, but changes to the equipment level were light, as the car was pretty well-equipped with items such as air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and in later years, heated seats.
Volkswagen released several special-edition models, though, including limited-edition colors and trim packages. For 2002, VW added a Sport edition, which essentially was a 1.8T with a five-speed manual, 17-inch wheels and a leather interior.
In reviews, we found that the Volkswagen New Beetle excelled at what it was built for -- cruising and being seen in. It was a good choice for young singles or retired folks who only rarely needed a backseat, but other hatchbacks were far more practical. The original base engine was pokey and unrefined, so finding one of the turbocharged units would be a wise idea. The subsequent five-cylinder offered just as much power as the previous turbocharged engines and was more efficient, but wasn't as energetic and sapped some fun out of the Beetle. Those interested in the convertible should be aware that rearview visibility is poor with the top up or down.
User Reviews:
Showing 101 through 110 of 1,368.00-
smiles! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By henrywoody - April 29 - 10:00 amBeautiful Blue w/cream leather, big alloys and the perfect shape-just a lot of fun! Turbo lags a little, but kicks it just fine once it gets rolling. Top is a blast to work and seals up great. Our 11 year old has got dibs on this one for high school!
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The Worst VW Ive EVER Owned!!! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By lisa_tim - April 9 - 10:00 amThis car has been a nightmare. First the sunroof made a buzzing noise, then the cable on the gas door broke. A wheel bearing went bad at 12,000 miles and another wheel bearing went bad at less than 18,000 miles. The rear brakes were completely gone around 18,000 miles, I had to replace both the pads and rotors.(The rear brakes definitely should not have been bad, the front brakes were like brand new). Obviously VW put cheap brakes and wheel bearings on this car. Dont buy this car or you will probably regret it as much as I do. The dealership was absolutely horrible to deal with. Ive had less trouble with my used cars than I do with this one bought new.
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Paid too much - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By ABD - April 9 - 12:10 am2002 Beetle GLS 2.0 Bought in July 08 trying to sell in July 09. My son paid $7,900.00 he put 10M miles (96M miles) on it and is trying to sell it for $4995.00. Had to fix driver side power window. Cat went bad VW has 10yr extended warr. Replace brake cables. New tires. 6 disc change went out replaced it. Replace seat buckle to get the air bag light off. Orig key and remote didnt come with car son bought one $200.00. Quick lube shop stripped drain plug. They paid $400.00 to replace oil pan. Now they mechanic says it should have timing belt and water pump replaced. What a money pit. I own 2 toyotas and you change oil and tires when needed and they just keep running. Wouldnt buy VW or Audi
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Excellent - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By noiuu - April 5 - 10:00 amI love my new easter egg blue beetle. I love it~~~~~~
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3rd Tow in the Month of June - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Bug Hater - April 5 - 10:00 amVehicle has been towed for the 3rd time in the month of June 04 - each time for repeated, but varied electrical problems. Not my idea of a "finely tuned German automobile". First repair took seven days due to parts availability and then vehicle only operated for five miles. Second repair was exactly 61 miles later, again another electrical problem. Repeated calls to Volkswagen CustomerCare center have only produced repeated apologies, but no solutions - At this point, I would not recommend this vehicle or wish my experiences on anyone.
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Fun to drive - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By BugOut - March 31 - 10:00 am20 months with only a tail light to burn out. Never back to the dealer for any repairs. Highly suggest replacing stock air filter with a K&N for a nice performance boost. I averave between 27 and 30 MPG. The only option I got is the great sounding Monsoon system. With the back seat down there is plenty of cargo room. Trips from MD to FL, and MD to Ont. Canada were very comfortable. The car holds its value well. A lot of fun and safty.
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The True Herbie - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By MJ North Carolina - March 28 - 5:33 pmThis is the car I have been waiting for. It gets great gas mileage, a big car ride, and is so much fun to drive. I can go anywhere, do anything, and do it in style and luxury. I think the Japanese could learn a thing or two from the engineers at Wolfsburg in design and functionality.
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BugabooX2 - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By - March 28 - 2:00 amThis is the second beetle that I have owned in a year (lost the first one to an accident) and I love it!! Its very safe and fun to drive! I love my heated leather seats...its nice in Vermont! The only complaint I have is the front cup holders in the standard! I cant even fit a water bottle in it!! Other than that I love it! Looking forward to the convertible model!!
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The End of a 35 Year VW Relationship - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Elenewlife - March 20 - 6:43 pmI grew up in a VW family; everyone drove them. Ive had over 15 myself. The trans was defective from day 1 and VW did nothing to help. When it broke around 10,000 they said I must be "riding the clutch". Many of these vehicles had flywheel problems; VW did nothing. Mine overheated in traffic; couldnt go on hills; shook all over and became disabled. The lights were an issue; windows and also the A/C compressor. I have always bought VW because they were reliable and VW stood behind them. Cute and responsive yet it was manufactured with a defect that VW shouldve recalled and replaced. They lost me permanently and should be quite ashamed of how they treated many loyal customers.
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45 miles to the gallon - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Gilbug - March 20 - 4:30 amI love this car however the trunk lock does not work. The power windows go up and down as they please and the interior clock runs fast, about 5 minutes per month. Other than that a great gas car.
