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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It is not your fathers VW - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Soon Reach - December 29 - 2:00 amI purchased a 1998 Beetle only to have BIG problems with it. By 50,000 miles I had replace 4 headlights, 6 driving lights a brake handle, 5 window switches, 5 inside door handles, 3 radios and a set of brakes and rotors. Then the trouble really started. Two radiator fans, engine fuse box, air conditioner conpresser, computer and more. So, I figured it was just the first year of production, surely they worked out the bugs! NOPE! I got a 2000 Beetle and still had the minor problems plus a new clutch at 30,000 miles.
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LEMON - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By zozo - November 28 - 10:00 amI had my car 4 days and I had to take it back (Car was brand new, it had 3 miles when I picked it up) Anyway the dealership ended up making my 1st car payment because they had it a month. The car had to have its breaks replaced and the sensor panel replaced (IN A BRAND NEW CAR), and the window kept coming off track and the car was taken back 4 more times due to the breaks.
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NOT AS FUN AS YOU THINK.... - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By cathybee - November 28 - 10:00 amThis is the only car I have EVER wanted and after having it for a year, I will never own one again. I have had it in for repairs at least 20 times-- everything from a basic turn signal not working to the entire electronic system completing going. The drivers side window also malfunctioned---and when it was 30 degrees outside! Can you believe that for a car thats a year old? No thanks. Volkswagen can keep it.
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A good and a bad car. - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Tara - November 9 - 11:46 pmA week ago I wrote a review for me bug and a couple of days when I wrote the review I have noticed that the transmission is doing some weird noises.
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Not suited to the weaker sex - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By gebrimner - July 23 - 10:00 amThe convertible top is the reason to buy but it is not easy to use. The handle to pull and latch the top is hard for a woman to use. Likewise when the top is down the cover boot for the top is required to be in place and it too is difficult to latch. The cover boot was replaced for a better fit but still suffers from difficulty to push the latches into the locking slots. Dealer suggestion to place the boot cover on while heated up is a joke!
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Please do not buy - save yourself - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By lpdjam - July 16 - 2:00 amThis car has been in the shop over 15 times in 8 months. The roof does not go up or down most the time. The windows dont go up and down some of the time. The conv. top cables, motor, computer sensor. The roof and electrical system are a total mess. Not even to go into the airbag light going on and not parts available to repair at this time.
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Buyer Beware - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Brian - July 12 - 8:30 amI bought my Volkswagen Beetle new in 2002. Weve had nothing but trouble with it. It has tons of rattles that cant be fixed. the hatchback shocks failed three times and the CD player has never worked. We had to have a complete engin rebuild at 58,000 miles (the engine came apart) and a dealer that doesnt give a darn. Do yourself a favor buy a Honda or Toyota.
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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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Constantly breaks down - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By chvie06 - June 26 - 7:54 amAfter 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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Run away now. Dont buy - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By joe smith jones - June 16 - 10:00 amThis 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.
