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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Bugged OUT - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Donna Tedjeske - January 10 - 10:00 amVW replaced my 2003 Beatle because of PA state Lemon Law (it was in the shop 13 times in the first year!). The 2004 they replaced it with is NO better. If you want to spend time in the shop and drive a rental car....buy the New Beatle Convertible. This girl is bugged out!!
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I love my SWEETPEA! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By lauraASU - January 10 - 10:00 amI just got my cyber green beetle about a month ago and it is the best car ever! This car is so smooth to ride in and has so many great features. It truly is like a luxury vehicle. I got the cream cloth interior but I would get leather if I could afford it. Beautiful car, this is my first car but I have driven many others especially SUVs. Nothing compares to a VOLKSWAGEN!
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i love my beetle!!! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By dradie - January 10 - 10:00 amI absolutely love this car!
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lotsa fun - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By ligtman - January 10 - 10:00 amI havent had this much fun in a car since I was a teenager! Its well built and catches the eye of everyone you pass.
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A good value and fun! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By ttocsffej - January 8 - 9:26 amMy second bug and not as sprightly as my 01 Turbo coupe. Its a very heavy small car (3200 lbs.) and has a solid road feel. Even with the 1.8t and the 5 speed it craves another 30-40 hp. Fuel economy is not great. (EPA is 25 city-30 hwy.) My best mileage is only 24.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. You might get 30 mpg-if you still drive 55 mph on the freeway! With a lead foot in town you can expect about 21-22 mpg. The culprit is the gearing; its "short" in order to aid acceleration but the engine turns over a fuel-wasting 3700 rpm at 80 mph! An overdrive 6th gear would help mpg and noise! Otherwise it is a fun, solidly built convertible with a tight top. No troubles at 5K miles.
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Goodbuy and Good Riddance - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Daffodil - January 3 - 9:50 pmThis is a darling car if you never have to actually go anywhere. Oh how I wish I had read these reviews before buying. It is cute; it gets good mileage. Mine had a sunroof, good stereo, heated leather seats, and a nice little growl in the engine. It was a commuting dream car but what is the point of all that cuteness and fun if it is in the shop all the time? I still sigh when I see them on the road, but I pat the dash of my trusty Toyota and keep going.
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This bug is a lemon in disguise - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By fitz5678 - January 1 - 7:43 amJust 19 months old, in the shop 5 times, each time 2-5 days. Recalled for top, still broken, mildew smells, radio volume too high. Mechanically sound, but asthetically bogus. Dealership still has followed through and now doesnt return calls. Arghhh
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I wouldnt do VW again. - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By peppi1 - January 1 - 2:38 amI happen to like my little car a great deal. I never dreamt that I would have ever owned a New Beetle Convertible. I like the color, build, and style. I rated the interior poorly because any time a part is needed, which is not that often, I find myself having to dish out a heck of a lot of hard-earned bills. To replace a simple part, VW interior parts come with the whole entire assembly... I guess they hope that they will get all of your money. It does not make sense to have to replace the entire assembly just to need one small part. The parts are too expensive.If you touch the dashboard it bruises easily and my car leaks heavily when it rains when the windows are rolled up completely!
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Love/Hate 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Melanie - December 29 - 2:53 amI ignored all of those typical issues with wiring, bulbs out, handles coming off seat, chronic top opening problem because I loved the fit and finish and the drive, but then last summer my transmission started to go. A new transmission on a car with 75,000 miles on it is 6,000 plus installation? You have got to be kidding me! So I continue to drive it jerking all around until I think up what to do next. This was supposed to be handed down to my 13 year old.
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So you want to know about reliability? - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Sam - December 25 - 8:10 amI bought this car in 2004 with around 50,000 km on it. I wanted a TDI and was not disappointed. Averaging close to 60,000 km a year I no have over 400,000 Km on the car and it runs like clockwork. The TDI is the best invention yet. Reliable, efficient and relatively quiet. I get consistent 55- 60 mph in my 75 hwy and 25 city driving. I laugh when people talk about reliability when they drive a car for a few thousand km. Vw is quality and I have the km to prove it. I cant wait to purchase another TDI from Volkswagen. My hope is a new TDI tiguan as soon as we get them. Best car I ever owned.
