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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The bug didnt bug me - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By bugboy - February 22 - 10:00 amFun Car to drive 2.0 gas version feels sluggish ,however its styling won me over great looking car ,we plan to get ba convertable soon
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Just Lovin My Bug! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Bug Lover - February 22 - 10:00 amFUN! FUN! FUN! The best car Ive ever owned for the "FUN" factor. Not only is it cute, it drives like a dream. Is very smooth. The 2 complaints I have, are that the steering wheel and column does not have enough range and positions. And, the seat belts are awkward to grab ahold of. Other than that I love my BUG!
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Poor Clutch Engineering - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By srwaal - February 20 - 10:00 amIf you had asked me last week, I would have said the Beetle is a great car. But Fri, my 2000 1.8t GLX with 26K miles broke down - burned clutch. Clutch should last (with normal driving) until 50K. I did research today and found that the 1.8t clutch is expected to only last 20K-30K. That is POOR ENGINEERING DESIGN. I can not afford to replace the clutch for $1600 (quote given) every 2 years. VWOA was no help. Ive had clutches last more than 80K in past (Ford).
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72 Karmann Ghia owner gets new VW - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Brantley - February 16 - 7:00 pmThe car is fun to drive. Charlotte traffic is actually bearable driving this car! Handling is good, pep in the engine is responsive for hwy merging. I find myself smiling when I get in and people smile at me going down the road. Truly a reponsive car for the price. Interior fit is good. As a Karmann Ghia owner I have been intrigued by the release of the new Beetle and finally gave in and purchased the convertible. Love the German engineering in this car.
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love my car - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By kvarias - February 13 - 2:00 amenjoying any time w/my beetle
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Surprised By A Beetle - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Extremely Satisfied - February 12 - 11:33 amI did a ton of research before settling on this car. I am not disappointed. As soon as it was in my hands, my wife and I took a 1,000 mile trip. We left for a week and brought our two bags, overnight bag, my laptop w/ case, and Christmas presents AND our bedding for a cabin stay over New Years. It swallowed all of this plus more from my wifes parents. All the while, it got 33mpg hwy. Thats 478 miles of range on regular 87 octane. If you can find a TDI, get it. But this is and should be the #2 choice. The 2.0 liter motor is a revver. I never once thought it needed more power. With its full load, it pulled the Grapevine at 72mph easily. It is roomy and comfortable too.
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Fantastic Commuter Car! - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By dieselbreath - February 7 - 2:00 amI ordered this car Jan.1998 after sitting in one at the Vancouver International Auto Show (Im 65"). But its so much better than just an economy car with headroom. Beetles handle well. The torque launches the car off traffic lights faster than most "performance" cars! Maneuvering in tight locations is a breeze, and there are parking spots it will fit into everywhere. LOW POINTS: - its low to the ground ... if you encounter lots of snow its not the car for you. - the suspension doesnt have the travel to soak up bumps like a typical German car. - the back seat is NOT for adults. (but kids love it) Other than that its reliable and economical.
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Miles of Smiles - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Hairyb - February 2 - 10:00 am1 sevice issue resolved under warranty. I smile everytime I look at this car and little kids smile as well. With an automatic transmission I usually get 40 MPG. Big people fit in the front but not the back. No cold weather starting probems.
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I love my beetle - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By cabstewart - January 27 - 10:00 amI have had my beetle since Aug. 2000 - new. I have had less problems with it than we had on our Honda Odessy van. In fact we have had no real repair problems with the car. This car is fun to drive and gets pretty good mileage on the highway (30 mpg -gas engine). I agree with the reviewer who mentioned the interior door handles peeling, but other than that, it has been a keeper.
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Waht a FUN Car - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Nedra - January 27 - 10:00 amI love it, I love it, I love it. They could do away with the swing over cup holder and possible intigrate a pop open cup holder. I wish you could come up with the front blinker lights on the front wheel fenders like the old ones. You did a great job of the chrome along the side, now lets see more of it around the headlights and taillights. I love it, I love it, I love it. Thank you
