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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  New Beetle - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Cary - August 9 - 7:56 am

  This is by far the worst car I have ever owned. I am a mechanic, and I can barely keep this thing running. It only has 49000 miles on it, and it costs about $200 a month in replacement parts alone. This car just falls apart, and you cant keep up with all of the broken items. This is definitely the last Volkswagen I will ever own.

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  A Bad Deal - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Ron - May 13 - 5:36 am

  I loved my VW Beetle, right up until the roof started leaking and ruined the leather seats and headliner. VW says its not thier fault the drain line plugged up. Unfortunately there is no way to know when it is plugged up, nor can I service it. I asked the dealer he said he had a dozen VWs sitting out back with the same problem. I asked him how the ones out front "FOR SALE" are kept from leaking. He said, sinple "We just dont drive them and never open the windows." Volkswagen of America has claimed again and again that this is not their fault. I definitely will never buy another VW.

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  Bad Bug - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By pwlowe61 - April 24 - 3:46 pm

  I guess the review will not help individuals who have already bought the biggest piece of junk I have ever owned. The car was a snap orange and have a good overall appearence. This car sat in the shop 19 of the first 24 months of ownership. I couldnt keep the electronics,transmission, turbo and anything else working. The last 2 years and $2300.00 of maintenance cost finally sealed its fate. 1100 for Timing belt change,450 for door latch which shut the car down in the middle of a 4 lane highway. 600 for alternator and whatever else it needed. I would run away from this car and I will never own a VW again. They look good, but are expensive to maintain.

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  Very poorly built. - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Regretful - March 16 - 8:46 pm

  Ive had a 2000 GLS model for 2 years and the entire time, Ive constantly had trouble with it starting. Ive had to replace numerous sensors. The window tracking for the power windows has broken on the passengers side. The drivers window NEVER goes up completely on the first try, which has resulted in the switch breaking. It cost $40 to replace a headlight because VW built the car so that consumers are unable to change it themselves. Every time I take it to the dealership, I never come out spending less than $300. This car is made to keep your pockets empty. I believe corners were cut when building these cars to supply enough for the demand.

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  Dont waste your money! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Jess - February 16 - 3:50 am

  This was the first car I ever bought and have I ever regretted it! It has absolutely no room. Not to mention all the mechanical problems Ive had with it from the moon roof to the locks and the trunk latch breaking. It is definitely not worth the money. VW is way too pricey for this all around poor quality car.

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  never again for me either - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By cademan1 - January 29 - 11:43 pm

  I bought this car as a computer just before gas went crazy the first time in 03. Im a big guy and I fit very well. I didnt want to but Japanese. I should have recognized the omen of the check engine light coming on during the test drive. The car is regularly in the shop. The dealer cashier knows my voice on the phone without me telling her. The VW dealer could never fix it the first time usually taking three times until I gave up. The independent shop is marginally better, mostly because he costs about 50% less.

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  My Black Stink Bug - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By BMO - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Too many repairs at 45k mi!! Yesterday the drivers side window got stuck down in the door--either motor gave out or window clips broke. Two weeks ago I replaced the battery and also recalled part changed. Already replaced the brakes at 30K. Broken window switches, replaced engine belts, replaced relay sensors for horn to honk again ($500). Peeling interior. Stiff suspension and bottoms out easily. Trunk doesnt always close easily. 6-CD changer doesnt always register. Have a crack in windshield but costs me extra to replace d/t over- size. The worst part is the sucky dealership service. HATE VWs now. Im dumping this thing for a generic but RELIABLE Honda

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  Worst VW Ive Owned (out of 3) - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dsmark - January 23 - 1:47 am

  Without a doubt this is the worst VW I have owned. Had a 71 Bug in high school and I would rather have that car back then this 2004. We bought this car in 2006 for my wife, she loved the red/black coloring, and the convertible top. Since buying the car we have replaced the water pump 3 times, drivers side headlight keeps going out, convertable top was vandalized (not VWs fault) the power windows dont auto close correctly. Its just one problem after another...I will never buy another VW

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  Lemon! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Hannah - January 3 - 4:00 am

  Ive had my Bug for a year and half and had only heartache. I thought a Bug would be a good choice as my aunt had her 78 Bug for 17 yrs and was in still great running condition when she sold it. I was disappointed to find that this high reliability no longer exists in the new Bugs. To begin with the sensors had to be replaced, and the seatbelt covers. Then the oil pan sprung a leek, the axle bent, the cd player broke. Now my drivers seat no longer stays locked as it should. The sunroof visor is now off track and to top it off my air filter is now over heating the car and causing it to die and need a jump start. I cant run the air at all. Ive thrown over $4000 into the trash for this lemon car!

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  Beetles are Extremely Uncomfortable - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By baileym12 - October 14 - 12:13 am

  I bought my 1999 Volkswagen Beetle because I was looking for a car with good gas milage three months ago. I have to comute at least 60 miles one way to work. The seats are extremely uncomfratable, to the point where I have extreme back pain and I have to use a towel to support my lower back. The quality inside stinks, it is very poorly designed, has bad cup holders, and everything is plastic and falls off. The side mirrors are postioned very high so there is a big blind spot when you take left turns, which is very dangerous at night. The only thing that the Beetle has going for is its gas milage and reliablity. It says 32 mpg, but I can manage 34-36mpg. I havent had any problems mechanically, but the unbearable cabin design forced me to trade it in.