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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  Fun to drive - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Sballgurlie - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought my new beetle back in December of 2002 and i absolutely love it! I wouldnt give it up for anything. Its a fun car to drive and even though it may be look small on the outside, it is very spacious inside. The beetles are built very well and i havent had one problem with mine, whatsoever!

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  Loving my 2005 New Beetle Convertible! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Bsktlover - June 7 - 3:13 am

  This is my second New Beetle, the first being a 1999 New Beetle, 5-speed manual, and not a turbo. The first time I drove my 2005 turbo on the highway, it felt so good - when I wanted to pass a big motor home or semi truck, no problem! Just step on the gas and I was there! The fuel economy on this vehicle is amazing, too - I have averaged of 29 miles per gallon so far, with a total mileage so far on the vehicle of about 8,000 miles. And fun to drive - nothing could beat it!

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  I beat you with a bug! ha - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Chase - May 28 - 10:00 am

  this car rocks, smoked a rsx type s and most other honda appliances, engine has mad potential. fun to drive.period. excelent quality

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  2004 New Beetle Convertible - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By theecal - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Everything you are looking for in a fun, sporty, car can be found in this little gem. Volkswagen has definetly improved the quality of their cars and the Beetle by putting all the bells and whistles in this little roadster. Fun as a convertible or driving with the top up, you definetly are the eyecandy of the road no matter whom you pass. People will do "double-takes", take pictures, and just simply smile and wish it were "they" behind the wheel of your new car.

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  VW=excellence!!!!! - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By jsonaday - May 22 - 8:05 pm

  this car is the best ive owned.! great amount of power from the 2.5 5cyl. it can be small at times but remember...its a coupe convertible...no car will be big in the back. i hav not had to replace anything except for the brake pads but its the first time for that and i hav and its got 35k miles on it

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  Great Car - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By David - May 21 - 11:16 pm

  My Volkswagen Beetle is a very soundly built car, loads of fun to drive, and absolutely a fuel sipper. It feels like youre driving and riding in a much larger vehicle.

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  Much better than expectation! - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By GA - May 17 - 1:36 pm

  It is well built a car. Roomy. 150 MHP - Enough power. Easy to park. Fun to drive.

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  Best Little Mouse that roared... - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By nicastepper - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Ok, first my bias. I have loved these things ever since Herbie hit the screen well, way back when... That said, when I purchased this car, I was looking for two things: a car that would handle well and have some power without too much cost in mileage estimates and a car that would be extremely comfortable for someone that has a hard time finding that in any car. The Beetle met both of my requirements and continues to do so after 5000 miles of 100 mile per day driving. I have seen several stories of people having quality problems with this vehicle but I have yet to see that in mine.

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  Fastest Bug Ever Made (STOCK) - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By captbill - May 5 - 1:30 am

  This is one of the most fun, sportiest, fastest little speed demons on the road today. It is 6 speeds of pure driving pleasure. Mine has every option that you could have on a little machine from heated leather seats to heated mirrors. This machine rocks! I LOVE IT! Volkswagen outdone themselves on this little baby. The way every window and sunroof closes at 85 to keep you safe and aerodynamic is amazing.

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  Great car, horrible top - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Todd - May 3 - 8:40 am

  I love this car. Im a BIG guy and I have all of the comfort of my Chrysler 300. The only issue Ive had is with the convertible top. Ive had it in 4 times because some cables in the raising and lowering mechanism come off track and get caught up in the whole works and it screws up the top liner. It seems to be fixed, but now it happened to the other side and it pulled more cables loose, part of the interior molding and broke some other pieces that are down inside. Ive only had the car for 9 months and have only been putting the top down for 3 of them. It only had 24,000 miles when I got it!