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 bought a stink bug - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By J. Lewis - July 15 - 2:00 amI bought the car with 22000 miles on it, it now has 52000. I have replaced both headlights twice, both power window switches, both power window motors, and both window regulators. The cooling fan has quit, two speakers dont work, the interior handles have peeled off, and if youre not a midget you will bump your head on the rattle infested roof.
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Dont Do It! - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By smn - July 2 - 6:42 amI bought a 1998 Beetle, 5 speed manual transmission from my neighbor. They saw me coming! The car now has 112,000 miles on it and the control module, catalytic converter and ignition module all went out. It is going to cost me more to fix it than its worth. Dont bother with VW. The glove box and trunk release are broken. The clear coat has peeled off. Regretting spending $3K on this car. My Honda has 200,000 miles on it and runs like a top!!
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Worst car we have ever owned - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By jpj22 - May 30 - 6:10 pmStay away from this lemon. We got my wife a new one in Aug 2005. That was the happiest day or her life until we got rid of it and then that was the happiest day of her life. Transmission problems, rear side window problems, top problems, sensor problems trim problems. There is no room in the car. I have nothing good to say about this lemon.
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this car will bug you - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By mtunic - May 4 - 10:39 amthis car has 60k I has had the water pump go out smog pump out air bag out the only thing not to go out is the check engine light now the transmission 1&2 shift fork is broke plus 3 set of ignition modules. I have never seen such poor excuse for a car ever 6ok and all this vw should be ashamed to sell a car like this the Yugo seems to be a better choice!!!!!!
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Real let down!!! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By badbug - April 8 - 1:00 pmWhen my wife told me she wanted a new beetle I was not to happy with that idea, but I said lets go take a look, 1st mistake. we go and find a really clean dark blue with auto, I was surprised on the room the little car had and the power the 2.0 kicked out. so we buy it 2nd mistake, the warranty still had about 1yr left not 1 problem until warranty runs out then all hell breaks loose 1st thing low fuel light comes on and stays on even with full tank $300, 3wks later air bag light pops on, ok I live with that for about 2 weeks until I have to get the battery replaced might as well fix all $485, 1wk water pump $600 now 5wks later EPC & check eng. light and running like crap afraid of this $$$$
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Volkswagen is a poor Quality Car - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By girlie*girl - March 30 - 10:36 pmlet me just say that I only thought I wanted a bug :0( it was one of the worst things I have ever done in buying that car. it has noises in the cabin that is so irritating! and the cup holders are NOT convenient.. and The Transmission is a major problem !! and almost everyone that has one has problems with the transmission, volkswagen needs to fix this now!! and recall them because of the transmissions!!!!!
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NOT FUN FOR LONG - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Chris Cain - January 18 - 10:00 amI bought this car just over a year ago. I have never owned an auto with such poor reliablity nor have I dealt with a company that has such poor customer service. If you are thinking of buying a VW, I urge you to think again. I have owned many cars and none have been as poor in service as the New Beetle.
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Worse than the first - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Really Bugged - December 14 - 2:00 amNoisy. Slow. Unreliable. Cheap interior pieces. Grossly overpriced. Youd think I was talking about a Hyundai? Nope. Were talking about the "new" Beetle, which is a more miserable experience than the "old" Beetle. Every emissions control piece has failed. Switches break. Bottoms out in car washes. Recalls. More interior rattles than cars 1/3 the price. Of 10 cars, this is the worst Ive ever owned.
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RUN!!! Dont walk away - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Shane-in-FL - July 8 - 10:00 amReliability issues have been prevelant ever since it was reintroduced in 98. The window regulator issue was present from 98- 02 and coilpack failure plagued turbo model cars from 00-03. I had my car just two weeks when it failed to start after the starter selenoid shorted out. I dont expect such problems from a car that holds a MSRP of $20,900. I suggest people who are considering a Beetle as their next car to closely look at the Acura RSX(~S),Mercedes C230 Coupe, or Mazda 6 just to name a few. The market for used Beetles is HORRIBLE!
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Dont Ever Buy this car - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Priscilla - March 22 - 11:13 amI have had my beetle for three years and will get rid of it in 3 months. This is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. My beetle has been in the shop more times than I can count on both my hands. I only have 35000 miles on it and it is three years old. The cup holders are the worst design. It is almost impossible to put your drink in the holer without spilling your drink. The visors are worthless, I can never get the sun out my eyes. If you get this car make sure to get the warranty because you will need it.
