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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So I bought another! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By SilverBlur - July 9 - 10:00 amThis is my second New Beetle (I bought a 98 when they first came out). What a great car! Between the two (and theres not much difference beyond the engine) I have driven it from Washington to Los Angeles, from Florida to Nova Scotia, and 92,000 miles beyond. The New Beetle is par none one of the most comfy around-town and cross- country small cars. None of the aching back and butt you usually get after a few hours on the road. Well-placed controls, a full-size spare, and a Monsoon sound system make for an all around great experience.
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Gotta love it! - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Lost in LA - July 6 - 3:20 pmThe new Beetle is the best piece of design to hit the road in many years. It has good build quality, great handling, but unfortunarely a despicable dealer network. This is my 5th "Golf" platform VW. And each time I swear Ill never buy another because of the dealers.
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poor emissions - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By lorila - July 6 - 10:00 amI would love this car if I could keep it out of the shop-the price of repairs could have afforded me a much more expensive car! I am getting out VW this year as they have refused to help. Other people I know have much better response from their cars and their manufacturers!! I see other people have the same citrus experience!
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new beetle electronic problems - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By bcliffelec - July 6 - 10:00 amconstant check engine light immediatley after purchase. Multiple dealerships were unable to ever find the problem. Volswagen ended up having to buy the car back under the "Lemon Law" but it was a real hassle!
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THE BEST CAR IVE EVER OWNED - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By ooooo - July 6 - 10:00 amI LOVE MY BUG CONV.ONCE I SAW IT THAT WAS IT.IM A FEMALE SENIOR AND I HAVE MORE FUN DRIVING THAT THEN ANY CAR I HAVE EVER DRIVEN. MY GRANDSONS THINK THEY HAVE THE ,
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Im still a man... - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By efesese - June 30 - 10:00 amI thought it was too cute for me. But its just plain cool man! Its a classic and I cant believe I own it! I cant stop looking back after I park it. My budget was between a full eq. Corolla and the simplest Beetle... Corolla or Beetle?... Ordinary or Extra- ordinary? The decission was easy.
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Unhappy -- but now happy! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By BOBM - June 30 - 6:06 amI was excited when my wife and I bought her brand new VW New Beetle turbodiesel. Ive never had a worse car in terms of mechanical failures. It had problems with the power windows, A/C, etc. I was unhappy every time it broke, including needing a new manual transmission with only 30,000 miles on it. Some of the cost was covered by warranty. I sold the car recently on eBay. Now Im happy.
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My Baby - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Barbara Filby - June 28 - 4:03 amIm in my sixties and have had a lot of cars, but in the few days having the Bug, it gives me a younger feeling. This car has the pickup, great gas mileage, and is built better then my husbands new suv (another mfg). The dealership was great and they were very concerned that I knew everything about the car before driving off, this I understand is a policy of VW. Thanks VW for a great car.
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Real fun car - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By 1.8T-Fan - June 27 - 2:00 amThis a stunning car. The performance is phenomenal and roadholding is excellent. I bought it as a second car for my wife. I have an 2002 Audi A4 which is also awesome. The A4 has the same engine in it but the gearing in the Beetle is much better so that it is really a pocket rocket. The best thing is that 4 of us fit in the Beetle just as well as in the A4. Definite buy again.
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Awesome - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Buddygirl - June 27 - 2:00 amAwesome car guys. Keep up the good work. Blue lagoon on VW looks awesome. try it out
