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:
Showing 11 through 20 of 1,368.00-
bad - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By scissors - December 4 - 10:00 amI bought a lemon that i cant lemon law. This car has 32000 miles and has been in the shop for everything but normal wear and tear. Air bags broke twice. oxygen sensor went bad twice also air pump and fuel lines. temperture sensor went once.I could go on and on. The air bags broke twice in 3 months. Do not purchase sooooooo not worth it at all.
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Great Economy Car! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By DN - December 3 - 9:53 amWe purchased our 01 Beetle TDI for the sole purpose of wanting a car that was great on fuel and have been relatively happy with it. Its by no means a luxury car. Its loud on the highway, but great on gas. We average mid-upper 30s in the city and upper 40s on the highway. We did manage to squeeze out 54 mpg on the way out to Nevada last summer. I would recommend this car for the econo minded person.
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Good value, cool snug bug, but.. - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By toms - December 1 - 9:13 amNimble handling, chic style and VWs engineering has not let us down in the 2 years weve driven it. Warning! Replacement of body panels may be extremely delayed. We had to wait two months for a new rear right panel - from Japan - to replace our dented end. It kept our New Beetle in the shop all that time.
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VW Beetle cute but unreliable - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Bwittany - November 28 - 10:00 amI love the way this car looks but I have had so many problems with the car and the dealership that I cannot wait to sell it. Ever since I bought this car it has been nothing but trouble. In the end the car is cute and fun to drive but I will never buy a Volkswagen again because of the problems I have encountered.
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New Rag Top - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Beth 66 - November 28 - 10:00 amGreat car, fun to drive, lots and lots of looks from other jealous drivers. The top is very easy to put up and down and does not leak!
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Still The Best $ for $ - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By William H Morris - November 28 - 10:00 amDependable, all around enjoyable vehicle to drive. Power to spare. Very comfortable for small car.
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I love my bug! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By GreyLear26 - November 28 - 10:00 amI love my bug convertible! It is a great little car. It is fun to drive, pretty economical considering fuel cost. I just love it. I look forward to it getting cooler here in Phoenix, so it will be more conformable to drive with the top down.
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It a GREAT car - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Cricket Loftin - November 28 - 10:00 amI have had my "bug" for only about 5 months it is the best car i have ever had.I am only 18 but it will last me a lifetime. I would never give it up. I trust it.
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LEMON - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By zozo - November 28 - 10:00 amI had my car 4 days and I had to take it back (Car was brand new, it had 3 miles when I picked it up) Anyway the dealership ended up making my 1st car payment because they had it a month. The car had to have its breaks replaced and the sensor panel replaced (IN A BRAND NEW CAR), and the window kept coming off track and the car was taken back 4 more times due to the breaks.
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Beetle Review - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By PilotRicky - November 28 - 10:00 amFun to drive. Still gets smiles. Two airbags replaced already. One time check engine light kept coming on...was some module problem. Front turn signals have repeatedly messed up, (started blinking way too fast), dealer has never resolved the problem. Well built car, lots of fun. Needs the VR6 engine and all wheel drive to make it what I really want.
