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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  Its has a few faults but its about LOVE! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Beetleboy - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my aquarius blue convertible for 5 months now. I love the car. It is fun to drive, people notice you, young and old love this car. I had problems with my air bag light that wont go off and windows that will not go back up under the convertible top. It has been to the service dept several times for these problems. They are happening less frequent now. My dealership and service advisor have been great. They bend over backwards to please me. I finally broke the 30 mpg barrier after 4500 miles.These are little problems people have. This car is great to drive!! Oh, by the way, this is my 3rd VW and I will continue to buy them.

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  very happy beetle owners - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By cybergreen - November 28 - 10:00 am

  If you are going to buy a beetle, we recommend the diesel. Its worth the extra money! The reliability is worth it! The fuel is cheaper and we get 800 miles to a tank on a road trip. They are a bit more expensive to maintain, but in the long run you will get many, many more miles on your engine! The TDI resale value is fabulous. We are very happy with ours. Buy it to keep it for a long, happy driving experience.

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  Hate It - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Dont buy a bug - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had more problems with this car than I had with my prior car that I had for 7 years. I have had the dashboard replaced twice, the stereo replaced 4 times, the keys replaced once. Also 2x in the last year the car didnt start, for no reason. Then when it did it, the entire dashboard was lit up, hence the 2x replacing the dashboard.

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  Car Review - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Firemansgal - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a great, fun little car. I have Mellow Yellow & people wave or say they love my car wherever I go! This is NOT a low profile vehicle! Its a great head turner!

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  I Luv My Bug!! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Chrissstine - November 28 - 10:00 am

  My only complaint is the cup holders... This is the first car I have ever owned that I wanted to keep immaculate..When the sunroof is open along with the side windows it feels like a convertible without the sun burning you up.... gas mileage..awesome....(I own a Surburban too!)...buy one you wont regret it..cheap to insure..it has a good safety rating...

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  My Volks - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By teresa owens - November 28 - 10:00 am

  So far I love my new Beetle The dealership also goes out of their way to make you happy. Seems that Volkswagon treats their customers different. Hubby and I have dealt with Chevorlet,Ford and Nisson Volkswagon has better customer service

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  Excellent!! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Al226 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is amazing! I love it!

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  2003 GLX Turbo Automatic - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Cutebug - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Love my car. Cutest thing on the road. Turbo gives the car a lot of pep. Smooth ride on the freeway.

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  only three complaints! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By TiffieTu - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my second new beetle in as many years. The first a 2000 GLX, I kept a year before VW of Amer. replaced it with a 2001 GLX, gratus. Car kept loosing power after coming to a stop and attempting to accelerate again. They spent a year trying to correct without success. New 2001 does the same thing and now they "own-up-to" its "Turbo-Lag which all Turbos have and They cant do anything about it."

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  NOT AS FUN AS YOU THINK.... - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By cathybee - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This is the only car I have EVER wanted and after having it for a year, I will never own one again. I have had it in for repairs at least 20 times-- everything from a basic turn signal not working to the entire electronic system completing going. The drivers side window also malfunctioned---and when it was 30 degrees outside! Can you believe that for a car thats a year old? No thanks. Volkswagen can keep it.