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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  WATCH OUT! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bobthesnob - August 1 - 2:00 am

  My car had a fair amount of miles on it when I purchased it so I assumed that maintenance would be a bit more expensive. Little did I know that everything on the car self-destructs at 50,000 miles. The interior is made entirely of plastic that breaks without notice (window switches, glove compartment, and arm rest compartment). Even the plastic brake light switches affiliated with the transmission release break (Ive replaced FOUR in one year!)! Watch out for this car! Its been in the shop about once per month in the 14 months that Ive owned it.

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  Would Never Own Another VW - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Sgam - June 5 - 7:10 am

  I have had too many problems with my VW Bug to name. The EPC light is always going on and off. It doesnt start in the morning, unless if you take 10 minutes to jiggle the key back and forth in the ignition. The passenger side window has never functioned properly. I have had the car towed into my dealer several times, and they dont do anything but tell me that theres nothing wrong, or why dont you pay $200 for new spark plugs, were sure that this will take care of the problem, then the problem comes back. Bottom line they are bad cars and VW does not take care of their custumers. I will never own another VW.

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  Luxury Class w/ no Pretense! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Blondie2000AZ - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Saw it. Had to have it. No test drive and still paid less than sticker! When everyone involved has confidence in the value of a car, its an easy, painless transaction. I love this car because its classic and unique at once. Down to earth, but very stylish and fun. Compares favoribly w/ likes of BMW only without the pretensiousness.

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  VW Not Such an Honorable Manufacturer - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Jon - May 6 - 1:23 pm

  It seems like shop mechanics are a thing of the past. Nowadays they plug the car into a computer for $200. Its a great car, but the temp light has started to flash on and off. Well we took it in to get looked at and were told in a bright tone that wed need to get the engine replaced for $8000. When asked why. Because youre loosing oil pressure? Oh whats causing that? Hmm.. Dont know.. Can you find out? Yes but then wed have to get dirty and open the engine up. Thatll cost you $4000. So you think the engine is stuffed? It might be, or it might last 10 years, cant tell. I dont know whose to blame! VW, VW dealers or the car. I think Ill buy a horse. I will never buy a VW again!

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  Volkswagen: KING OF UNRELIABILITY - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By netchic1 - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought into the hype and really regret it. My 2001 NB Turbo is cute, but its in the shop about 1 time every 2 months minimum. Headlights go out within 2 months of buying the car, radiator hose broke w/in 1 month of being new, battery just went dead b/c alternator was faulty, check engine light has gone on twice, door lock on driver handle pops out - been broken 2x, the center console latch broke, and this is all under 24,000 MILES!!!! VW service at dealerships are not all that great, I had an awful run in with the Boardwalk Auto Volkswagen in Redwood City, CA. Most VW Service Dealers are backed up with all the VWs that have problems.

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  Too many defects - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By mixuone - April 21 - 6:36 pm

  This is my second Beetle and probably my last VW ever. Dont get me wrong, if VW had acknowledged the defects early enough I would still consider another VW after this lease runs out next year. This Beetle had the sensor problem twice and I even filed a Lemon Law report with the state of Massachusetts. VW miraculously fixed the problem before the Lemon Law deadline even though the part was supposed to be on back order for two months. Now I have a leak and the whole floor is soaked. They tell me that water leaks are not covered even though the dealership acknowledged that there was no way for me to know if the sunroom drain tube was clogged. It is not anywhere in the manual.

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  Trade it in quickly - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Cathy - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Very cute car and fun to drive, but extremely unreliable. If you dont live close to a volkswagen dealership dont even think of buying one. Been on tow truck almost as much as driven in the 15 months we owned it. Constant problems starting. Shudders when it starts and was told by dearlership this was normal. When it shuddered for them, they could not figure out what was wrong and wanted to replace many parts to try to fix it. Car was bought for 19 year old daughter. She loved it when it ran, but it was dead more than running. Just replaced shifter linkage because linkage is made out of plastic parts.

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  My second New Beetle not as good as the first - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By eliteboi - April 5 - 10:51 pm

  I previously owned a 2000 New Beetle 1.8T. That car was GREAT. It gave me very few problems, and it never left me stranded. One of the worse mistakes I have made. Ive had lots of stupid problems come up. I bought the car with 68k miles, and all service records. I had no warning and the water pump went out, at 68.5k. Replaced two wheel bearings, the tie rods, the door speaker. I could go on. I have had this car a little over a year. The best part was when the inner axle snapped getting off the highway. I think my car must be a lemon. It is getting harder and harder to justify keeping it. My car looks great, but it doesnt perform half as well as my 2000 did, which had twice the miles.

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  Nice Dress, Shame about the Bod - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By MTLA - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Think hard before falling for the Beetles very real charm. Replacement brakes at 35K, failed starter motor at 45K, broken hood realease, failed glove box hinge, sheared off mirror adjuster, 3 new O2 sensors, 3 mass airflow sensors later were ready to say bye bye. Add to that a customer service dept which manages to sound concerned and attentive while never actually giving the immpression that theyll ever do anything.

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  Never buy another - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bonerrick - March 31 - 4:13 am

  first, this car sets so low to the ground that I scraped the bottom and broke the oil pan, 2x. costly repairs! Then the it overheated and the timing belt, pump had to be replaced, another costly repair. The windows dont work, especially in winters. The door doesnt open on the passenger side and a rock hit the windshield and put a big round crack on the driver side. Now, the check engine lights comes on and when I put it for diagnosis, it says that a valve is going in the wrong direction. What next!!!! the door lining is falling down on me when I drive so have to use duck tape to keep it in place. never will I buy another german made car, made in Mexico...