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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  lemon beetle - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By verna portugues - July 10 - 8:53 am

  I have spent over $8,000 trying to get my beetle to stop jerking without avail. Now I have to spend another 6,000 to replace the transmission. And I still owe on the car. the beetle is a pretty car but not worth the hassle.

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  I love my convertible - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By CK - July 1 - 4:46 am

  Looking for a fun car thats sure to get peoples heads turning? The Volkswagen new beetle convertible is it! This is the best car Ive ever owned. It is reliable, sturdy, gets great gas mileage. Ive had no problems with it. I would highly recommend this car! If youre thinking you see a bunch of bad reviews--try it for yourself, it may surprise you with how great it is. Thats what I did, and it was the best choice. Good job Volkswagen!

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  Broken Dreams - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ashellris - June 13 - 11:17 am

  When VW re-released the Beetle in 98, I had found my dream car. I was 15 at the time, about to get my license and sent away to VW for an information packet that I used in a presentation for my parents in hopes of receiving one. Needless to say; it didnt happen- Until 2005 when I purchased a used 2002 VW Beetle. I purchased the car for $15k and have since put at least $8k into it (Not including maintenance). The check engine light is always on, and repairs are never ending and expensive. I was able to get almost 400 mi per tank when I bought it; now I get just under 300 mi. This has nothing to do with neglect, this was my dream car. Be prepared for expensive repairs with any VW.

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  Problematic bug, unhelpful dealers - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Trevor Hirst - June 11 - 10:00 am

  My bug has had many recurring problems from the day I took delivery. I have had problems with the roof mechanism, the rear lights (both turn signals and brake lights) and the passenger-side window, which shoots back down when the window is raised. I have asked VW to buy the car back as a lemon. I have taken the car to two dealers for warranty work, neither of whom are particularly helpful. I never got a call from the dealer advising me that an ordered part arrived - I always have to call them. When the car itself was on order it was the same. I not buy VW again.

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  2002 Volkswagen Beetle - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dumb buyer - June 8 - 9:20 pm

  We have never bought a new car that had so many problems in such a short mileage life, the window fell out in the first month it was purchased. The brake lights went next, then the a/c, it had a hesitation from day one on take off and after 2.5 years the mass air finally failed, there are no turn signals on the dash gauges [intermittant]. The latest is the dealer said the fuel pump failed and they wont replace it because it had bad gas. They want $600+ to fix it and the car is under warranty. Im a mechanic and I have never seen a electric fuel pump fail because of so called bad fuel, a defective part yes. I got a different VW dealer to agree to repair it.

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  So sad about my bug - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By nomorebug! - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I should have done a little more research about this car before I bought one... I fell in love with this car the moment I saw/drove it. It was beautiful, roomy, and a very comfortable drive. I loved the seat warmers too! But Ive had nothing but problems since I bought it. The window control broke off, the gas door doesnt open all the time, the hatch doesnt open al the time, the turbo was having problems, etc. Im so glad I bought the extended warranty. The gas mileage is also very bad, 14-18 mph and it needs premium gas. I might as well own an SUV. I finally got rid of it last week.

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  Over Powered Go Cart - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By johnrushing - June 2 - 8:19 am

  Ive owned my Turbo S for almost 6 years and have loved every minute of it. I love the power the little 1.8t makes and how smooth the power comes on. I left mine stock up until last year and then started modifying it. I love the look on Mustang drivers when a little beetle pulls ahead of them. The handling is great, like its on rails, and the fuel economy is good. Before modifying the engine I got my best mpg of 32 mpg by driving no faster than 65mph and not doing any jack rabbit starts. With the mods I am still getting 29mpg. I plan on keeping the beetle and seeing exactly what type of performance the 1.8t has in it, have seen a few putting out over 350hp and still very drivable.

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  A Guys Beetle? - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Mtman - May 26 - 10:23 am

  I bought a new red VW Beetle Turbo S recently and am very happy with it. I previously shied away from the new Beetle due to its image as a "chick" car, and its lack of power. When I test-drove the Turbo S, however, my mind was changed. Clearly, VW is trying to appeal to the male driver and they just might succeed with this car. Its quick, agile, and holds the road well even in sharp corners. Im planning a few performance mods, but even stock this new VW is very entertaining.

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  Fun car but its falling apart - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bbo - May 23 - 12:55 am

  I bought this car brand new and it was a fun car to drive. I love this car and still love this car but random parts of the car started falling off like the interior door handle, the window regulator, pretty much every plastic piece. my head lights burn every 3000 miles and my rear passenger side fixed window fell off on the freeway. The radio went out and the defroster doesnt work well. I a little electrical issues.

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  Not too shabby car - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Retoo - May 18 - 7:26 pm

  I am a travel therapist and use my car to commute. It is pretty good on gas and I love the moon roof. It also came with a sporty racing stripe design on the doors... cute! Even though she is 7 years old, I still receive compliments on her. My husband likes the gas mileage but says that he feels like the guy on the Simpsons when he drives it (hes 62). Its also a great car for wives who have problems keeping their husbands from driving their cars. :0)