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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  Future Buyers Beware - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By No drop top fun - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Silver 03 Convertible, transmission not working at time of delivery, fuel door quit working, top quit working twice. Currently, 3rd week without a working top. Yugo had better quality. At least you knew what you were buying. You will get more enjoyment out of a typical fast food drive up window than from VW customer service. This is my 3rd and final VW convertible.

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  Never, Never Again! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By NY Nurse - February 28 - 7:26 am

  I wanted one of these cars for ever. I finally bought one a year and a half ago. It has cost me more in maintenance and repairs in that year and a half than any other car Ive ever owned for the entire time I owned them! I went over a bump and it cost me $850! There is always something broken, now it is a window sensor. Dont be fooled with the German engineering thing - Its now Mexican engineering and they are not the same. I am selling my little lemon bug. Lesson learned.

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  obvious VW cheaped out on lots of things - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By indy photog - January 31 - 1:46 pm

  When it works, its great. Problem is, there are always small things going wrong. Car is well cared for with regular Mx as per the service manual. Electrical issues have been the worst...no history of flood damage or anything similar. Have been through three brake lights and two crunched driver side windows (all pre recall of course, good luck getting $ back from VW). Wheel bearing replaced, airbag light permanently on, trunk latch issues, and now...the car wont reverse. All sorts of other little annoying things too numerous to mention.

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  2000 Beetle Review - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Sridhar - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought the beetle cause it was my childhood dream to own one. The car drives awesome, the way it handles curves and braking etc., you never feel you are out of control. But sadly, I sold mine today not for comfort reasons but for reliability. The quality control is poor, the window trimming gives way, and the window switches are flaky, and after it crossed 50K miles, this year I had to go the dealer multiple times to get my engine check light fixed. When I talk to the service agents about the quality issues, they shrug their shoulders and say it is normal wear and tear. I own a camry with 80K miles and never had any problems. Reliability is one reason I would never buy VW or recommend it

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  Not Particularly Happy - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By chris love - December 8 - 7:16 am

  Today I sit in the service department for approximately the 10th time in 2 years for yet another repair that has nothing to do with regularly scheduled maintenance. I purchased a new car to avoid this type of situation. Its a cutie, but it has ultimately been a disappointment as far as quality, especially electrical components. I am trading it in for a more boring but infinitely more reliable Japanese model after today. If you have a lot of time on your hands to spend in service dept waiting rooms this is the car for you! good luck...youve been warned!

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  VWs have problems - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ihatemycar - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I have taken my car to the shop SOOOOO many times. It constantly has electrical problems and does not qualify for the lemon law. When i go into the shop there are always other angry VW drivers there regretting purchasing this car as I do. Dont get suckered in by its cuteness. These cars will break.

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  disappointed - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dbb - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Mechanically the worst car I ever owned. Nearly doubled the purchase price in repairs in 2 and a half years. Big bummer.

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  Dracula - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By 80sgirl - November 14 - 6:33 am

  As the title of the review states this car has totally sucked the money out of me. So far I have put $1000 in it, but it needs MAJOR repairs...Recently, the air bag light has come on and stayed (checked the code in computer and it disappeared, came back 3 days later, told could be electrical glitch). Passenger door lock switch needs replaced, the relase to shift A/T from park wont work, and now, no brake lights. I HATE this car now but loved it when I got it...It has been a complete NIGHTMARE!!! Major Electrical problems with VWs (read the rest of the reviews)...STAY AWAY or youll be sorry.

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  Unhappy with Quality - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By UnHappy in WI - November 8 - 6:26 pm

  Have had nothing but problems with my VW Beetle since driving it off the dealer lot. It took four trips to the service center to find out why my car ran out of gas with a 1/3 of a tank showing on gauge. It had problems starting car when temperature went below 30 degrees and a bad instrument cluster. It is very noisy with the top up. It rattles and pops where the top fastens down - VW service says this is normal. Also, I get very poor gas mileage, 19-21mpg. The engine stalls at any speed and the transmission slips. Service has not been able to find the problem yet. I have lost all trust in this cars dependablity. It does have excellent power and is fun to drive, when its not in the shop.

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  Eh... - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Jon - October 10 - 3:16 am

  A really fun car for the first few years; peppy engine, tight suspension, solid feel. however, since then Ive had recurring problems with the ignition coils, O2 sensor and coolant system. maybe its a poor service department at the dealer where Ive been taking the car, but Ive noticed a drastic decline in performance (acceleration) and fuel economy. plus, dont let the size fool you, these cars are freakin expensive to fix!