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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  Beware! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By msmollon - December 3 - 2:00 am

  1st month top wouldnt go down took 6 weeks to repair after my wife threatened the Corp office. 8th month wouldstart two weeks to repair said they replaced the starter. one week later the same problem currently at the dealer cant wait for the same problem to arise so we can initiate the LEMON LAW!

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  Its the little things - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By NL - November 30 - 5:50 pm

  This car was not what I had hoped. The headlamps needed to be changed every two months, the gas door froze, then broke, the front console where the cups holders are broke. The a/c broke at one point due to a mechanical failure...a little piece of plastic broke inside the dash, ended up costing me $500 to fix. Ive paid the car off and hoped to keep it until the engine died...but I think the inside will fall to pieces before that happens.

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  Luck of the Irish - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Veronica - November 24 - 11:46 pm

  I have not had one days trouble with my 2001 Volks New Beetle. My only complaint is that the door handles have peeled since day one. Now they are disgustly unsightful. When I brought it into the dealership I was told to take a hard towel and rub off the remaining coating. Satisfaction - I didnt get any.......as the song goes.

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  I will not own another volkswagen - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bhill - November 23 - 2:26 pm

  I have had nothing but problems with my car since I have had it. Since 05 I have had to have the transmission replaced and some kind of sensor replace because it wouldnt come out of park. (that was the only two things that was under warranty) then the timing belt broke which bent the valves in the head so I had to replace them the turbo went out water pump sensor the timing belt again oh and the sun roof leaked when i first got it. And I have had to replace the headlights several times. And my current problems are the brake lights, blinkers and it doesnt want to come out of park again and an oxygen sensor needs to be replaced. And by the way, it is hard to find anyone to work on them.

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  Best car ever! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By vwbeetles2 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I love this car!! have had absolutely zero problems with it! i had previously owned a 2001 NB turbo and had minor problems with that one but this one has been problem free. so much fun to drive and i refuse to let other people drive because i always have so much fun! very fast and sporty, yet comfortable and refined. feels like a more expensive car. definately buy a bra for your car because i already have seen what happened to my previous car with the bugs that dont come off, scratches, and paint chips.

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  And I thought it would be nice - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Jennifer - November 15 - 1:53 am

  I bought this car and initially loved it! That is until two weeks later my ENTIRE computer system went out. No radio, no odometer, nothing. I took it to the dealership they fixed it. Maybe three months after that my windows started to break. They wouldnt roll back up. So once I again I took it to the dealership and they fixed it. Then the computer system went out again. This time I had no alarm and no DOOR LOCKS! Talk about needing to get it rushed in. Nope, I had to wait two weeks to get it fixed. My last problem was the radio. It went into safe mode and the passenger seat belt wouldnt fasten. Sure they fixed it, but it sure is a hassle to get to a dealership and just leave your car for two days. Overall this is a poor quality car.

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  Grrr!! - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Grrrr - November 13 - 6:53 am

  I love my car, especially since its paid off. But in september an ignition coil went out., Then in march 2 more went within 2 weeks of each other. Now less than 4 weeks later another one has just gone out. The only thing saving me from driving this car off a cliff, besides the repairs being covered under warranty, is the fact there is only 1 ignition coil left to go out. And VW wont replace it until it fails. I just hope it doesnt happen late at nite or when im on my way to an interview. I just dont need this aggrevation, but since I dont have a job I cant go trade this in. Hopefully the 5th coil will go out soon and I can stop worrying...

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  convertable top - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By stu - November 9 - 10:00 am

  dont buy this car until vols fixes their problems with the new top. mine goes up and down but you cannot always latch the top at the windshield. they tell me to let it sit in the sun. not the best answer when it starts to rain and you cannot get it to close. dealership has no idea how to fix

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  Fun Car - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Joe - November 1 - 2:46 am

  Dealer delivered on all promises. Car came with zero delivery defects. Handles great, fun to drive, looks good, and gets great gas milage. Its a blast to drive and I look forward to going places in it. With the reliablity rating from Consumer Reports, I was a little worried, but it seems as if all the "bugs" are out of the New Beetle with the 2005 model, and so far its 100%. Get one, youll love it, especially the convertible!

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  10 Years & Still Goin! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Edi Mac - October 30 - 5:46 am

  My husband bought me a 2000 "Bug" in 2005 for Mothers Day, had 32,000 miles. The turbo power is awesome, it hugs/grips the road like you wouldnt believe, the 6 disc cd/speakers will blow you outta there, let the back seat down & youd be surprised what you can haul around, great mileage. After 5 years: new gear shift, timing belt, tires, inside roof. Mileage today: 69,888. The door panels have come loose & finding replacements is almost impossible. The engine light just came on yesterday, not looking forward to whatever this may cost. Husband says to trade it in. I dont wanna. The bottom line is: its a great running lil car. Gonna hold on to it as long as I can afford it.