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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  i love it - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By gofyourself - June 27 - 2:00 am

  its great but i wish a cd player came stock with the car other then that i love it

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  Constantly breaks down - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By chvie06 - June 26 - 7:54 am

  After owning this car for about 2 years, it started giving me problems. I spent over 2,000 dollars within 2 months on repairs before finally getting rid of it. I had to get 2 new batteries (the first one only lasted a year), new alternator, new valves and hoses, turbo cut off valve, battery fuse panel, alternator harness, ball joints, shocks, and new brakes and tires (brakes and tires were understandable, though). Right before I got rid of it, it wouldnt accelerate and wouldnt exceed 5 mph. The sealed system was also frustrating because you couldnt do simple tasks like refill the brake fluid by yourself. You have to take it in to a VW shop and pay for everything.

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  Cute Car - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Cara_14 - June 25 - 10:00 am

  i really enjoy this car, its fun to drive and really cute. Although i did have minor problems , sensors, the a/c smells horrable, drinks a lot of gas, peeling inside the car...all cars have minor problems unless u catch a lemonthen ur screwed, but overall it drives well.

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  Run away now. Dont buy - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By joe smith jones - June 16 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is complete garbage. The vehicle seems to be in the shop more then out. If it wasnt that my wife loves the style,it would be gone. I wildest dream is that I wake up one morning it it was stolen from my driveway. No such luck.. Even thieves dont it. I have had problems with the diesiel engine, more times then I can image, replaced AC, power windows at least two times on each side, along with numerous other patrs. brakes lasted 20000 miles. Service has been horrible at best. Want to make lots of money, open a trustworthy VW shop in Baltimore. The best I could do for this vehilce is schedule it for a crusher at a local junk yard.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Sballgurlie - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought my new beetle back in December of 2002 and i absolutely love it! I wouldnt give it up for anything. Its a fun car to drive and even though it may be look small on the outside, it is very spacious inside. The beetles are built very well and i havent had one problem with mine, whatsoever!

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  11 years and still a great car - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Pinky - June 10 - 6:10 pm

  I bought this car when it first came out and now, at 105,000 miles, it still runs great. A few repairs here- and-there, but great overall quality and driving experience. The mileage remains consistent, the look is still classic and I wouldnt hesitate to buy another.

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  Loving my 2005 New Beetle Convertible! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Bsktlover - June 7 - 3:13 am

  This is my second New Beetle, the first being a 1999 New Beetle, 5-speed manual, and not a turbo. The first time I drove my 2005 turbo on the highway, it felt so good - when I wanted to pass a big motor home or semi truck, no problem! Just step on the gas and I was there! The fuel economy on this vehicle is amazing, too - I have averaged of 29 miles per gallon so far, with a total mileage so far on the vehicle of about 8,000 miles. And fun to drive - nothing could beat it!

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  2000 Beetle - Cute, but never again! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By PDW - May 31 - 6:50 am

  We bought the car brand new and had problems with the air bag lights right away. We have had the car into the dealer numerous times for the air bag light indicator. The check engine light comes on frequently and many sensors have been replaced. I would not buy another VW. (We learned how to replace headlamp bulb ourselves - its very expensive to have it done at the mechanic shop.)The car has a reputation with many mechanics!!

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  Silver 5 speed in VA - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By phylnurs - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I have had my vehicle for about 1 1/2 years. It only had 14000 miles on it at the time so I have spent alot of time in it. I am considering upgrading to a newer one of the same type. I bought for the fel efficiency and it has been great! People smile when they see on of these cars pull in near them. Kids love "punch buggies" too :)

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  I Hate My Car - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By cd - May 28 - 8:33 pm

  I will never buy another Volkswagen again. I cant wait to get rid of my lemon. It is one problem after another. Not just with the car, but with my Volkswagen dealership. Im tired of taking my car back to get the same things fixed over and over. Not to mention the time the mechanic at the dealership told me my car was fine and let me drive away with an overheating car. The problems never end. In my 1998 Beetle, it was the air conditioning, which broke three years in a row. There were many other things wrong with that year, but I decided to give VW another chance and got a 2000 model. Stupid me, this car is a mess. My independant mechanic told me he wanted to shoot my car, I feel the same :(