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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  I "Love" my New Beetle - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Laurel - December 15 - 10:00 am

  This is such a fun car to drive. I wanted a beetle in the 60s but was young and could not afford one. Finally got a Beetle last year after all kids had left home. I think the design of this new beetle is so much better than the original. It is Heavier and roomier and I feel much safer in it than I think I would have been in the orignal. It handles like a dream and has a smoothe ride not unlike much bigger, heavier cars. It has met my expectations many times over. I am really glad I got it. I plan to give it to my daughter as a college graduation gift, (she has wanted one for years) and then buy a new convertible beetle for me.

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  not baby friendly but still good. - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By chicloso - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Beetle is a very good car overall, with only a few annoying quirks. The ride is sporty, yet supple where it needs to be. Very easy to control. Just try to get it on 3 wheels or to spin out of control...it aint easy. Braking is top of the line & out performs most Japanese cars & many domestics. No one can match the headroom, not even a truck,unless your in a convertible. Power windows,locks,alarm,sideairbags,heated seats,etc are standard. It has an excellent safety record too. Beetle has a solid feel to it.

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  I luv tha Beetle - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Michele Pitkoff - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I love this car . It is so comfortable to drive and fun to drive.

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  Greatest Car in the Whole Darn Universe! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dora2 - December 12 - 8:10 pm

  I bought my Beetle Baby used!! I loved it from day 1 that I first saw it. The color is bright green with a sunroof. After I had it for about 3 months I had problems getting it started, but that was due to the mechanic not knowing what he was doing. My next car is going to be a convertible Beetle Baby.

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  Fun but wont buy another! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By k8t - December 12 - 2:56 am

  Bought car used with only 6k miles at wholesale price, these are way too over priced brand new. PROS: fun to drive, ICE cold AC good mpg. No engine problems, replaced breaks at 45k miles. I totaled this car with only 50k miles, t-boned red light runner going about 45 mph and airbags went off even with airbag sensor on (recall), was uninjured and car kept me safe. CONS: cd player went out, gutless with AC on, a few electric issues, drivers side headlight and tail light had to be replaced 2x in 3 years and its a HUGE pain. Biggest problem was back window not rolling up or down, its a $800 fix since they have to remove back seat. Fun but wont be buying another when I get paid by insurance!

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  Bugs have "bugs" - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Brian - December 10 - 8:20 am

  All bugs have a problem with the radio, amp drains battery.All have seat belt light prblems.Convertibles have convertible top problems the top come apart around the window.The floor mat hold downs pop off. Vw and board walk have been contacted on these issue and they give me a different story everytime you talk to them. We have a grey convertible and a yellow hard top both 2004.

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  A Mexican car with plastic fenders. - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By GaryinVT - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Leased my New Beetle new. Ive only had a few problems (gas gauge and oxygen sensor), but the after owning it for a while I can tell everything was built to the minimum standard. If youve ever had a Honda or Toyota you would laugh at this flimsy thing. Thankfully mine is just the 2.0 liter, as the turbos and diesels need a new clutch every 20- 30k miles.

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  Vroom, vroom, meep, meep, happy, happy! - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By littlefaith - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I have really enjoyed driving this car. No matter how practical or luxurious another car may be, I never wish I were driving some other car. I just like the feel of it, I cant put my finger on it, its like magic. The whole is more than the sum of its parts.

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  2001 Volkswagon Beetle - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Jen - December 6 - 11:00 pm

  Ive only been driving this vehicle for a couple of weeks. I bought it because of rising fuel costs and I thought I could save some money with this car. I cant complain about. What used to cost me $400 a month in gas is now costing me not even $200! Unfortunately what you save in gas will cost you at the mechanic. This car is EXPENSIVE to work on. As far as interior? Forget it! Chipping door handles, broken sideview mirror knob, broken, good for nothing cup holders, broken arm rest, cheap material easily stained seats, I could go on and on. In fact, just this morning, I went to start my car and the key broke off in the ignition! 2 weeks of driving this car and Im ready to sell it!

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  Burned by the BUG - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Booger Bug - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Presently filing a lemon law suit. The car has been to the dealer more than 18 times: multiple areas of dash, etc. peeling, electric window would not roll up, would not go into reverse, rear brakes replaced at 24,000 - dealer said this was normal. Anyone else told this tale? Popping noise in front, radio replaced, rear latch replaced, glove compartment door cracked, heated seats burn your rear on 5 setting and settings 1-4 are hardly noticeable,and the list goes on. Dealer uncooperative; service department incompetent and unfriendly. Dont get bitten by the bug...run, run away.