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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Paid too much - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By ABD - April 9 - 12:10 am2002 Beetle GLS 2.0 Bought in July 08 trying to sell in July 09. My son paid $7,900.00 he put 10M miles (96M miles) on it and is trying to sell it for $4995.00. Had to fix driver side power window. Cat went bad VW has 10yr extended warr. Replace brake cables. New tires. 6 disc change went out replaced it. Replace seat buckle to get the air bag light off. Orig key and remote didnt come with car son bought one $200.00. Quick lube shop stripped drain plug. They paid $400.00 to replace oil pan. Now they mechanic says it should have timing belt and water pump replaced. What a money pit. I own 2 toyotas and you change oil and tires when needed and they just keep running. Wouldnt buy VW or Audi
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3rd Tow in the Month of June - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Bug Hater - April 5 - 10:00 amVehicle has been towed for the 3rd time in the month of June 04 - each time for repeated, but varied electrical problems. Not my idea of a "finely tuned German automobile". First repair took seven days due to parts availability and then vehicle only operated for five miles. Second repair was exactly 61 miles later, again another electrical problem. Repeated calls to Volkswagen CustomerCare center have only produced repeated apologies, but no solutions - At this point, I would not recommend this vehicle or wish my experiences on anyone.
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Never Again - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By vw99 - March 9 - 11:16 pmBought the car used from a VW dealership, said it had been checked out and was in great condition. 6 months later came in for extensive engine repairs, have been back to the service department at least 4 times a year since then for random electrical failures. Check engine light is on at least once a month for no reason, I go in and pay $90 for them to turn it off. Have spent over half of what I paid for the car in repairs and that is with taking it to cheaper garages instead of paying the ridiculous prices at the dealership. It is very cute and fun to drive but extremely poor quality and the most unreliable car Ive ever driven. Do not make the same mistake!
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I would never buy a vw again - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By emily - March 4 - 10:00 amI bought this car two years ago and have had nothing but problems. my wipers have broken twice, my driver door lock has fallen out, my battery has needed to be replaced, my instrument cluster has been replaced ($500), my emc has been replaced, my rear brake pads and rotors have been replaced.....this car has spent so much time at the garage. do not buy this car.
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This bug is a lemon in disguise - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By fitz5678 - January 1 - 7:43 amJust 19 months old, in the shop 5 times, each time 2-5 days. Recalled for top, still broken, mildew smells, radio volume too high. Mechanically sound, but asthetically bogus. Dealership still has followed through and now doesnt return calls. Arghhh
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A Mexican car with plastic fenders. - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By GaryinVT - December 8 - 10:00 amLeased my New Beetle new. Ive only had a few problems (gas gauge and oxygen sensor), but the after owning it for a while I can tell everything was built to the minimum standard. If youve ever had a Honda or Toyota you would laugh at this flimsy thing. Thankfully mine is just the 2.0 liter, as the turbos and diesels need a new clutch every 20- 30k miles.
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2001 Volkswagon Beetle - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Jen - December 6 - 11:00 pmIve only been driving this vehicle for a couple of weeks. I bought it because of rising fuel costs and I thought I could save some money with this car. I cant complain about. What used to cost me $400 a month in gas is now costing me not even $200! Unfortunately what you save in gas will cost you at the mechanic. This car is EXPENSIVE to work on. As far as interior? Forget it! Chipping door handles, broken sideview mirror knob, broken, good for nothing cup holders, broken arm rest, cheap material easily stained seats, I could go on and on. In fact, just this morning, I went to start my car and the key broke off in the ignition! 2 weeks of driving this car and Im ready to sell it!
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Burned by the BUG - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Booger Bug - December 3 - 2:00 amPresently filing a lemon law suit. The car has been to the dealer more than 18 times: multiple areas of dash, etc. peeling, electric window would not roll up, would not go into reverse, rear brakes replaced at 24,000 - dealer said this was normal. Anyone else told this tale? Popping noise in front, radio replaced, rear latch replaced, glove compartment door cracked, heated seats burn your rear on 5 setting and settings 1-4 are hardly noticeable,and the list goes on. Dealer uncooperative; service department incompetent and unfriendly. Dont get bitten by the bug...run, run away.
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Beware! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By msmollon - December 3 - 2:00 am1st month top wouldnt go down took 6 weeks to repair after my wife threatened the Corp office. 8th month wouldstart two weeks to repair said they replaced the starter. one week later the same problem currently at the dealer cant wait for the same problem to arise so we can initiate the LEMON LAW!
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At the crossroads with this vehicle.... - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By scottx25 - October 28 - 2:00 amThe diesel engine purrs, gets great mileage and will probably last forever. Great seats, handles well. Now for the negatives (at 40,000k): Sticky rear hatch, replaced, still sticks. Plastic window clips broke, dealer replaced with metal clips, supposedly warrantied 10 years. Buzzes and rattles that come and go. CEL light, replace glowplugs and relay, $500.00 Rear pads and rotors, plus one of the calipers froze and needed to be replaced, $800.00 Front door sags when opened - a bolt BROKE OFF on the inside of the door for no reason, $300.00 sunroof shade broken... Gas latch opening by itself... Blah, blah....
