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:

• 

  Dream Car, Turned Nightmare! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By chiquitadog1 - August 6 - 4:28 pm

  This was my moms dream car, but it has been nothing but a nightmare! The electrical is always goofy, fast blinker, check engine light always on & 6 months after buying, drivers side window wont go down and come back up to the hood seal automatically - a problem Ive heard about from every convertible owner. Another problem Ive heard from every Beetle owner, the water pump either breaks or leaks. The transmission is this cars biggest downfall. After owning it for 1.5 years the transmission would get very touchy, stuck in gear, hard shifting, funny sounds, esp in stop & go traffic or when trying to go after coming to a stop. Finally went completely out while after stopping at a red light.

• 

  Yep Yep my Bug is Sexy! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Cheetoz - July 29 - 4:40 am

  I absoluety love my bug! Im a new driver and its really easy learning to drive in it. You just feel good when driving. It makes you comfortable. Youre not at all worried about whos going to see you in some busted up lemon. Confidence is key, if you feel good about what youre driving, you drive well. Its gotten to the piont of being annoying, because most of my friends are talking about getting one. So to keep from falling into the crowd make sure its personalized from the licsense plate to the extra long dashbroad!

• 

  I hope its a fluke!!! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By littlesister - July 16 - 2:00 am

  After owning a money pit convertible bug in high school, my husband and I purchased this car (to make up for past wrongs, I guess). With only 80 miles on the odometer, it broke down! A pressure sensor in the turbo failed. Ten days later, the top would not go up. Other than that, we both love it. It is cyber green and way too fun for its own good. We opted for the 5-speed manual turbo and love the power. Our daughters think its so cool and always want us to drive them to school with the top down. It handles beautifully.

• 

  Gotta love it! - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Lost in LA - July 6 - 3:20 pm

  The new Beetle is the best piece of design to hit the road in many years. It has good build quality, great handling, but unfortunarely a despicable dealer network. This is my 5th "Golf" platform VW. And each time I swear Ill never buy another because of the dealers.

• 

  poor emissions - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By lorila - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I would love this car if I could keep it out of the shop-the price of repairs could have afforded me a much more expensive car! I am getting out VW this year as they have refused to help. Other people I know have much better response from their cars and their manufacturers!! I see other people have the same citrus experience!

• 

  new beetle electronic problems - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bcliffelec - July 6 - 10:00 am

  constant check engine light immediatley after purchase. Multiple dealerships were unable to ever find the problem. Volswagen ended up having to buy the car back under the "Lemon Law" but it was a real hassle!

• 

  11 years and still a great car - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Pinky - June 10 - 6:10 pm

  I bought this car when it first came out and now, at 105,000 miles, it still runs great. A few repairs here- and-there, but great overall quality and driving experience. The mileage remains consistent, the look is still classic and I wouldnt hesitate to buy another.

• 

  2000 Beetle - Cute, but never again! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By PDW - May 31 - 6:50 am

  We bought the car brand new and had problems with the air bag lights right away. We have had the car into the dealer numerous times for the air bag light indicator. The check engine light comes on frequently and many sensors have been replaced. I would not buy another VW. (We learned how to replace headlamp bulb ourselves - its very expensive to have it done at the mechanic shop.)The car has a reputation with many mechanics!!

• 

  Silver 5 speed in VA - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By phylnurs - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I have had my vehicle for about 1 1/2 years. It only had 14000 miles on it at the time so I have spent alot of time in it. I am considering upgrading to a newer one of the same type. I bought for the fel efficiency and it has been great! People smile when they see on of these cars pull in near them. Kids love "punch buggies" too :)

• 

  Surprising little car - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By powerdriver82 - May 13 - 11:15 pm

  Recently purchased this car used for my girlfriend, not exactly my style though i am a devoted fan of german engineering. As much as the exterior designing has just never appealed to me, this car continuously surprises me. The 5-cyl engine is peppy when you need it to be, yet quite fuel efficient when just cruising along. I find im regularly able to keep up with my friends Jetta 1.8T which most people just wouldnt expect. Excellent 8 spkr stereo, convenient mp3 input jack, power convertible top moves quickly and easily, heat warms up quickly, a/c cools down equally as fast, amazingly smooth drive, nimble handling. Really the only complaint i have is the body styling. Just not my bag there