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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  Excellent - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By noiuu - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I love my new easter egg blue beetle. I love it~~~~~~

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By BugOut - March 31 - 10:00 am

  20 months with only a tail light to burn out. Never back to the dealer for any repairs. Highly suggest replacing stock air filter with a K&N for a nice performance boost. I averave between 27 and 30 MPG. The only option I got is the great sounding Monsoon system. With the back seat down there is plenty of cargo room. Trips from MD to FL, and MD to Ont. Canada were very comfortable. The car holds its value well. A lot of fun and safty.

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  The True Herbie - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By MJ North Carolina - March 28 - 5:33 pm

  This is the car I have been waiting for. It gets great gas mileage, a big car ride, and is so much fun to drive. I can go anywhere, do anything, and do it in style and luxury. I think the Japanese could learn a thing or two from the engineers at Wolfsburg in design and functionality.

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  The End of a 35 Year VW Relationship - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Elenewlife - March 20 - 6:43 pm

  I grew up in a VW family; everyone drove them. Ive had over 15 myself. The trans was defective from day 1 and VW did nothing to help. When it broke around 10,000 they said I must be "riding the clutch". Many of these vehicles had flywheel problems; VW did nothing. Mine overheated in traffic; couldnt go on hills; shook all over and became disabled. The lights were an issue; windows and also the A/C compressor. I have always bought VW because they were reliable and VW stood behind them. Cute and responsive yet it was manufactured with a defect that VW shouldve recalled and replaced. They lost me permanently and should be quite ashamed of how they treated many loyal customers.

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  45 miles to the gallon - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Gilbug - March 20 - 4:30 am

  I love this car however the trunk lock does not work. The power windows go up and down as they please and the interior clock runs fast, about 5 minutes per month. Other than that a great gas car.

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  Perfect 10!!!!!! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Gadancegirl - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Best car ever! Love everything about it!

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  The wonders of diesel! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By MD - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Have had this car for 2 1/2 years with only normal maintanance. No issues and a fun car to drive. Still love the retro-design. Im 63" and feel like Im in a cavern. First car Ive ever had where I CANT drive it with the seat all the way back.

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  My dream car - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Laura - February 26 - 9:20 am

  I have only owned my Beetle GLS convertible for two weeks but I just love it. I have wanted a Beetle since the 1970s so this is a dream come for me. The ride is great and it is very fun to drive. I even put the top down last weekend even though it was 30 degrees outside. It was worth it!! Cant wait for Spring.

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  Just Lovin My Bug! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Bug Lover - February 22 - 10:00 am

  FUN! FUN! FUN! The best car Ive ever owned for the "FUN" factor. Not only is it cute, it drives like a dream. Is very smooth. The 2 complaints I have, are that the steering wheel and column does not have enough range and positions. And, the seat belts are awkward to grab ahold of. Other than that I love my BUG!

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  72 Karmann Ghia owner gets new VW - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Brantley - February 16 - 7:00 pm

  The car is fun to drive. Charlotte traffic is actually bearable driving this car! Handling is good, pep in the engine is responsive for hwy merging. I find myself smiling when I get in and people smile at me going down the road. Truly a reponsive car for the price. Interior fit is good. As a Karmann Ghia owner I have been intrigued by the release of the new Beetle and finally gave in and purchased the convertible. Love the German engineering in this car.