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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New Beetle "Flint Edition" Convertible - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By steve645 - November 6 - 8:00 amThis car is fun to drive. Its easy on the wallet when it comes to the gas pump. It is roomy enough for two adults or two adults and two kids under 5 feet tall (rear seat). I have only had it for three weeks, but it seems like a good choice for a sub-compact. If they wouldve had the turbo diesel, we wouldve gotten it.
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Art - evokes past, foretells future - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Bicho - October 23 - 10:00 amVW seemed to solve lots of early-model assembly glitches. This 2001 virtually problem-free, compared to first problem- prone 1999 model. Mileage great - too bad diesel fuel often priced same as premium gas.
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love bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By shirin - October 15 - 12:56 pmI love my beetle, and would keep it for the rest of my life. It has never given me any problems. I can rely on it to be my best freind and never has let me down. I did not have to spend a Penny on it so far... Never had any problems specially with Windows or airbag or others mentioned by other reviews.
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Did I tell you, how much I love my bug? - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By happydazbugluvr - October 10 - 6:33 amI do! I love my bug! And our children do too! The children and I love the attention we get everywhere we go! I love driving my cute mellow yellow bug to work with the top down every morning. I wake up every day to a great day! I love, love, love my bug! Funnest and happiest car I have ever owned. I cant imagine my life without my bug!
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New Beetle 2000 - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Peoria - October 9 - 10:00 amIve had no serious problems with the vehicle, very satisfied. Great: value, ride, performance, comfort & reliability. Surprising versatility with hatchback design - carried lots of stuff that looked like it wouldnt fit. Only nuisance problem has been the oxygen sensors - hopefully rectified with the recent recall & repair.
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Just Buggin - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By lisa surdyka - October 6 - 8:00 amIt is just such a cute car and it is so fun to drive. There is not a day that goes by that someone doesnt comment on my Beetle.
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A luxury car! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By David Hargett - October 4 - 2:00 amI love my car! It is so well built. I feel very safe while driving it. It is one of the few cars on the market that has gone through a positive evolution. My dad had one when I was as child, and Im now 43! I consider my Beetle to be a luxury car despite its reasonable price! I have never received so much attention while driving a car. It gets many second looks, and positive compliments. Little kids often wave to me out their back windows while riding with their parents. Everybody seems to have a story about a Beetle they once owned or rode in. It is a car with allot of history behind it.
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I Love THE VW! - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Calley - September 20 - 2:00 amI have my very own black one and it is great! i wouldnt want another car they are to cute!
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Happy Driver - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Witty - August 22 - 2:00 amWith over 5,000 miles driven Im averaging 47 miles/gal. overall. The car is pretty peppy but not really fast. Interior room is abundant with more overhead space than Ive had in any previous vehicle. Sound system and acoustics are good. Handles great.
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My first new beetle since 1970 - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By BigJer - August 3 - 2:00 amThis was supposed to be my wifes car and I didnt drive it until several weeks after we had made the purchase. Once I drove it I found it to have excellent ride and handing. I didnt think that 115HP and an A/T would be ample for interstate merging and passing but on a recent trip from La Quinta, Ca. to Las Vegas, NV I was traveling 75mph on long upgrades and still had plenty of the "GO" pedal in reserve. Terrific little car!
