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:

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  Poor Customer Service After Sale - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By criderun - March 17 - 8:13 pm

  This little car has been great until we have tried to get some warranty service done. We have had problems with the battery going dead from about the time the car was 6 months old. The dealerships equipment would not show the battery was bad since the car was jump started and recharged. Every other place in town tested the battery and showed it was bad. We have been fighting this for over a year now. Anytime we go out of town and the car sits for 2-3 days the battery is totally dead. We finally had the car towed to the dealership while it was dead but they are over a week behind being caught up on doing warranty work. Now I am no longer considering that new GTI. Nice cars, bad service.

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  Perfect 10!!!!!! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Gadancegirl - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Best car ever! Love everything about it!

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  Never Again - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By vw99 - March 9 - 11:16 pm

  Bought the car used from a VW dealership, said it had been checked out and was in great condition. 6 months later came in for extensive engine repairs, have been back to the service department at least 4 times a year since then for random electrical failures. Check engine light is on at least once a month for no reason, I go in and pay $90 for them to turn it off. Have spent over half of what I paid for the car in repairs and that is with taking it to cheaper garages instead of paying the ridiculous prices at the dealership. It is very cute and fun to drive but extremely poor quality and the most unreliable car Ive ever driven. Do not make the same mistake!

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  Umm..Wanted to Buy - 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By qpogger18 - March 9 - 10:00 am

  It has the "sporty" feel I didnt expect, and handles like a dream, floating over bumps and turning with a touch to the steering wheel. Its tiny on the outside and HUGE on the inside. It feels safe and is somewhat comfortable, but the comfort just doesnt get close to the comfort of my 2002 Monte Carlo. It also doesnt have power seats, or steering wheel radio control. But the heated seat gets HOT, and the automatic with triptronic is FUN. I have to admit that I think Volkswagen New Beetles are ugly, and if I have to drive this one, I have to have tinted windows. But this car is so fast...I want to buy a million of them!

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  2001 Volkswagon Beetle TDI - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Ben - March 4 - 8:03 pm

  Having driven everything from a Ford Thunderbird to a Dodge 2500 the Beetle TDI (Turbo Diesel Injected) was an interesting buy. The acceleration for the Beetle is not that bad. You must remember, its a gas saving coup NOT a sports car. Folks made the same mistake with the Delorean. Driving experience is fun but not outstanding. Excellent reliability as long as the car is maintained properly. Remember, you get what you pay for. Interior is well designed but cup holders are not made for holding the average cup unless youre a hobbit. Paint is good but could use a thicker clear coat. Unless you are abusing it or are just rough on cars, this v-dub is a tough little sucker. Not luxury, but works

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  About what I expected for $17K - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By vfr2fast - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Recently Ive been driving a Focus. I like the Beetle so much better: the way it handles, the conveniences, its smooth acceleration and its look. I have had little annoyances with the Beetle: power windows failing, heating vent shut-off valve broken, power gas cap didnt release once, headlights burned out quickly, keyless entry not working (battery dead?), cassette player died. Other than that crap, I love the car.

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  The wonders of diesel! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By MD - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Have had this car for 2 1/2 years with only normal maintanance. No issues and a fun car to drive. Still love the retro-design. Im 63" and feel like Im in a cavern. First car Ive ever had where I CANT drive it with the seat all the way back.

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  I would never buy a vw again - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By emily - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car two years ago and have had nothing but problems. my wipers have broken twice, my driver door lock has fallen out, my battery has needed to be replaced, my instrument cluster has been replaced ($500), my emc has been replaced, my rear brake pads and rotors have been replaced.....this car has spent so much time at the garage. do not buy this car.

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  My dream car - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Laura - February 26 - 9:20 am

  I have only owned my Beetle GLS convertible for two weeks but I just love it. I have wanted a Beetle since the 1970s so this is a dream come for me. The ride is great and it is very fun to drive. I even put the top down last weekend even though it was 30 degrees outside. It was worth it!! Cant wait for Spring.

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  Run dont walk from this car! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Angry VW owner - February 24 - 12:00 am

  I purchased this car from a friend who had won it. So, I was considered a 2nd owner, so I got cheated out of a 50K mile warranty by VW, even though my friend never insured or drove the car. Beyond that the car is plain and simple--JUNK! The catalytic converter needed to be replaced at about 52K miles, VW wouldnt warranty it. They finally did up to 100k by that time I had over 100K. The check engine light has been on forever, and the transmission is sketchy. The interior is a mess. Cup holders broken, seat fabric is torn, rear view mirror is a joke, not to mention the interior light. Trunk release broken and the fuel release door broken. Dont buy this car unless your are a masochist