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:

• 

  New Beetle "Flint Edition" Convertible - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By steve645 - November 6 - 8:00 am

  This car is fun to drive. Its easy on the wallet when it comes to the gas pump. It is roomy enough for two adults or two adults and two kids under 5 feet tall (rear seat). I have only had it for three weeks, but it seems like a good choice for a sub-compact. If they wouldve had the turbo diesel, we wouldve gotten it.

• 

  A fun little car! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By mjvoigts - November 5 - 12:53 am

  I LOVE my bug!!! I have flowers decked out all over it and it really turns heads! It is zippy and fun and the convertible top is great for Florida. I have had it in the shop for multiple repairs, but theyve all been covered under warranty. The tires get bald quick, and the battery only lasted a year, though. Warranty covered a complete re-do of the electrical system, and a new top as the back window was falling out. The interior paint is so fun, but it does chip and that looks tacky. But I do looooove my car!! Also, with the Turbo engine, the mileage kind of stinks, and it requires premium fuel...

• 

  Squash the bug - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By franko - November 1 - 1:06 pm

  Very very expensive for a car of this low quality. Got rid of it after 25k miles, the single worst quality car I have ever owned. Transmission problems, AC problems, electrical problems, cup holder broke and spilled a slurpee on the floor. First of all it seems that every part of this car is built with the bare minimum of material. And to make it worse seems to have been assembled by kindergarten dropouts. By the way the old ones were not much better but at least they were cheaper. You are better off with a korean car or american car.

• 

  Art - evokes past, foretells future - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Bicho - October 23 - 10:00 am

  VW seemed to solve lots of early-model assembly glitches. This 2001 virtually problem-free, compared to first problem- prone 1999 model. Mileage great - too bad diesel fuel often priced same as premium gas.

• 

  Once and Done - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By never again VW - October 20 - 7:16 am

  Of all the cars I have ever known this by far was absolutely the biggest nightmare. If I added all my repair receipts I could have bought this car twice. There has been nothing mechanical or otherwise about this car that has not been repaired or replaced. I have had this car in the shop at least six times this year. I wish there was something good to say about this car since I have wanted to own one all of my life, but I guess the good Lord was trying to tell me something. Now all I want to do is get rid of it as soon as possible. That wont happen though until I get it fixed.

• 

  2006 New Beetle Convertible, 2.5 pkg 2 - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Steve56 - October 19 - 5:30 pm

  My wife has always wanted the New Beetle convertible. So I did quite a bit of research online and read many reviews, pro and con. After many months of searching, we finally found the car my wife has been dreaming about. Weve only had the car for one week. Its a really fun car to drive, especially with the top down. It handles very well on the highway and gets pretty good gas mileage. There are a couple blind spots but thats normal for most convertibles. Its the heaviest car Ive ever owned. You feel like youre riding in a tank!! Overall, I would recommend this car for someone looking for a fun drive. Just watch out for all the stares youre going to get!!

• 

  Like ex-wife: Beautiful but unreliable! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By The big one - October 16 - 10:00 am

  It had 6 electrical failures in 3 years. That is just too much! This car was less reliable than my 9 year old Chrysler! Luckily, I leased it so I did not have to sell it.

• 

  love bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By shirin - October 15 - 12:56 pm

  I love my beetle, and would keep it for the rest of my life. It has never given me any problems. I can rely on it to be my best freind and never has let me down. I did not have to spend a Penny on it so far... Never had any problems specially with Windows or airbag or others mentioned by other reviews.

• 

  My wife made me get it! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Impe - October 12 - 4:33 am

  It takes a real man to drive a car this car! I wanted a PT Cruiser Convertible but my wife insisted on the New Beetle Convertible; and it had to be Bback. We now have 5k miles on it and all is well. It is fun to drive and was comfortable on an 800 mile trip to FL. The top is easy to operate, the trunk is adequate for 2 people on 2/3 day trips, and the back seat is perfect for a 75lb Black Lab. The sound system is great, especially the MP3 capability which allows me to play as many as 200 songs per CD. The 28.5 MPG is less than I hoped for, (and both my wife and I drive gently); but the car sure is CUTE! We get lots of smiles and inquiries. All things considered, we are very happy with it.

• 

  Did I tell you, how much I love my bug? - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By happydazbugluvr - October 10 - 6:33 am

  I do! I love my bug! And our children do too! The children and I love the attention we get everywhere we go! I love driving my cute mellow yellow bug to work with the top down every morning. I wake up every day to a great day! I love, love, love my bug! Funnest and happiest car I have ever owned. I cant imagine my life without my bug!