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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Great little car - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Bob Kunkel - January 24 - 2:30 amI was looking at hybrids, but after seeing the actual mileage, I went with a used Turbo Diesel Beetle. It gets great mileage and is a good, comfortable, and stable vehicle at home, in the city, and on the highway. At 70 mph it tracks straight, and is very stable. Its gas mileage on the highway is 53 mpg, and in town combined has never been less than 41 mpg. If it was only city driving it would be less, but I have never been a strictly city driver. All in all, this is a well done car.
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bug - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Bettine - January 21 - 2:00 amlove this car great to drive and can carry lots with the hatch down! only draw back Ive found is the placement of the cup holders you cant get anything bigger then a soda can. thinking they need to think about those big gulps from 7-11
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Like to Worry About What Will Break Next - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Not happy - January 20 - 7:53 pmMy VW Beetles air bag sensors keep breaking, making them inoperable. I have had this problem repaired twice, the automatic top repaired three times, window regulators, clamps and motor repaired for a total of four times, and seat release replaced twice. The radio hisses, never fixed as it is a "design flaw." All of the windows rattle so badly the car sounds like it is falling apart at times, never fixed "design flaw."
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2006 Beetle - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Beth - January 18 - 12:40 amThis car is so much fun to drive and unlike the VW Beetles of the 60s and 70s, it is built very solidly. It has a lot of power to go up hills and I feel very safe driving it. It also has enough room for my 62" husband to feel comfortable in.
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get out the raid - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By raid - January 15 - 2:00 amThis is the car for you....if you dont mind interior pieces coming of in your hands. Im on a first name basis with the service manager at my dealership.... Center console has been replaced 3 times.Back seat electrical outlet has been replaced 5 times. Hood latch.....4 times. CD changer 2 times. Air bag sensor failed....took 4 months to get the part from Germany.
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Engineers point of View - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Enigneers Bug - January 15 - 2:00 amI bought this car to hand it over to a college student after the first year. I thought it would be fun but not for a middle aged professional engineer. I am delighted to announce the performance and overall product is outstanding.
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I love my bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Clarinetkellbell - January 15 - 2:00 amI have never owned my own car. It has always been someone elses. Volkswagen has made me a VW driver for life. Car is comfy and so fun to drive. More room in the front than expected. I love it!!!
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The Bug - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Stuntman - January 12 - 3:43 amVW Beetles are great cars. They are solid and fun to drive. Handling-wise the stock H rated tires crimp them a little, but upgrade to a Y, or Z rated tire and WOW she handles better then my Toyota MR2. Drivetrain-wise the gears are perfect for the power. She will scoot up to 60 in about 7-8 sec (manual 2.0). This is a heck of a fun car to drive on a windy road. It gets great gas mileage, 30-32 mpg highway.
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Fast Fun Trouble - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By kate_9999 - January 10 - 10:00 amLove the ride...its a zippy little car and fun to drive, but Im selling it as soon as possible. Its out of warranty and given the amount of problems that occurred within the warranty Im not willing to risk my pocket book any further. Problems...headlights going out (cost $80 to replace), gas cap door broken 3 times, ignition key broken 2 times, rear brakes needed to be replaced at 20K...get real I dont ride the break, A/C problem $900 for a new fan, several recalls, hatch never worked correctly, service slow and youre waiting a month. Dont buy this car its fun but not worth the hassle.
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To good to be true - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Ritz - January 10 - 10:00 amAs soon as I sat in that car it felt like home. The comfort in the drivers seat was perfect , I could see everywhere ,I felt as though I had perfect control of the car , everything was so handy for me that I couldnt believe it. Handles great, pick up is there when you need it, and Ive only got the 4 cylinder automatic.To make a long story short, for me , this car has everything.
