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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  Not Bad at All - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By cfr5555 - May 9 - 2:20 am

  I bought the car new in 2007 and have enjoyed it ever since. Good performance, but the handling could be a little tighter. MPG is constantly around the 30 mark. I have 40000 miles on it and it has not given me any trouble. There were a couple of squeaks/rattles at the beginning but they have since vanished. I would recommend this car from my personal experience. Happy Motoring.

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  smiles! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By henrywoody - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful Blue w/cream leather, big alloys and the perfect shape-just a lot of fun! Turbo lags a little, but kicks it just fine once it gets rolling. Top is a blast to work and seals up great. Our 11 year old has got dibs on this one for high school!

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  BugabooX2 - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By - March 28 - 2:00 am

  This is the second beetle that I have owned in a year (lost the first one to an accident) and I love it!! Its very safe and fun to drive! I love my heated leather seats...its nice in Vermont! The only complaint I have is the front cup holders in the standard! I cant even fit a water bottle in it!! Other than that I love it! Looking forward to the convertible model!!

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  Poor Customer Service After Sale - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By criderun - March 17 - 8:13 pm

  This little car has been great until we have tried to get some warranty service done. We have had problems with the battery going dead from about the time the car was 6 months old. The dealerships equipment would not show the battery was bad since the car was jump started and recharged. Every other place in town tested the battery and showed it was bad. We have been fighting this for over a year now. Anytime we go out of town and the car sits for 2-3 days the battery is totally dead. We finally had the car towed to the dealership while it was dead but they are over a week behind being caught up on doing warranty work. Now I am no longer considering that new GTI. Nice cars, bad service.

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  Umm..Wanted to Buy - 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By qpogger18 - March 9 - 10:00 am

  It has the "sporty" feel I didnt expect, and handles like a dream, floating over bumps and turning with a touch to the steering wheel. Its tiny on the outside and HUGE on the inside. It feels safe and is somewhat comfortable, but the comfort just doesnt get close to the comfort of my 2002 Monte Carlo. It also doesnt have power seats, or steering wheel radio control. But the heated seat gets HOT, and the automatic with triptronic is FUN. I have to admit that I think Volkswagen New Beetles are ugly, and if I have to drive this one, I have to have tinted windows. But this car is so fast...I want to buy a million of them!

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  2001 Volkswagon Beetle TDI - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Ben - March 4 - 8:03 pm

  Having driven everything from a Ford Thunderbird to a Dodge 2500 the Beetle TDI (Turbo Diesel Injected) was an interesting buy. The acceleration for the Beetle is not that bad. You must remember, its a gas saving coup NOT a sports car. Folks made the same mistake with the Delorean. Driving experience is fun but not outstanding. Excellent reliability as long as the car is maintained properly. Remember, you get what you pay for. Interior is well designed but cup holders are not made for holding the average cup unless youre a hobbit. Paint is good but could use a thicker clear coat. Unless you are abusing it or are just rough on cars, this v-dub is a tough little sucker. Not luxury, but works

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  About what I expected for $17K - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By vfr2fast - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Recently Ive been driving a Focus. I like the Beetle so much better: the way it handles, the conveniences, its smooth acceleration and its look. I have had little annoyances with the Beetle: power windows failing, heating vent shut-off valve broken, power gas cap didnt release once, headlights burned out quickly, keyless entry not working (battery dead?), cassette player died. Other than that crap, I love the car.

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  The bug didnt bug me - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bugboy - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Fun Car to drive 2.0 gas version feels sluggish ,however its styling won me over great looking car ,we plan to get ba convertable soon

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  Poor Clutch Engineering - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By srwaal - February 20 - 10:00 am

  If you had asked me last week, I would have said the Beetle is a great car. But Fri, my 2000 1.8t GLX with 26K miles broke down - burned clutch. Clutch should last (with normal driving) until 50K. I did research today and found that the 1.8t clutch is expected to only last 20K-30K. That is POOR ENGINEERING DESIGN. I can not afford to replace the clutch for $1600 (quote given) every 2 years. VWOA was no help. Ive had clutches last more than 80K in past (Ford).

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  Fantastic Commuter Car! - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dieselbreath - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I ordered this car Jan.1998 after sitting in one at the Vancouver International Auto Show (Im 65"). But its so much better than just an economy car with headroom. Beetles handle well. The torque launches the car off traffic lights faster than most "performance" cars! Maneuvering in tight locations is a breeze, and there are parking spots it will fit into everywhere. LOW POINTS: - its low to the ground ... if you encounter lots of snow its not the car for you. - the suspension doesnt have the travel to soak up bumps like a typical German car. - the back seat is NOT for adults. (but kids love it) Other than that its reliable and economical.