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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Stay Away from the New Beetle TDI - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Surface - February 2 - 4:00 am2003 5-Speed TDI. My expectations of VW quality have been all shut down. This is the worst new car purchased. 2 year old car that needs repairs all the time. Things that should work for years to come break, for example the gas cap release mechanism is a part of a large list of things. Gas milage of this vehicle is great, but what others do not tell you is that maintenance required for this car is horrible, Timing Belt Change every 40K miles required. Parts Sales person from VW told me that all the money you save on gas milage are spent on either repair or maintenance [TDIs mostly]. Have you checked VW reliability ratings? Search the web,you will be surprised that VW is in the Daewoo region!
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2000 New Beetle GLS - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By ADubinLA - January 26 - 10:00 amGiven all of the problems weve had, I still like my car. The New Beetle is great to have around town ... great styling, easy to maneuver in crowded parking lots, reasonable power. The key problems weve had, however, are with the electrical system. Weve had to replace a CD harness, ignition switch, side airbag harness, among other things. Id get another Beetle, but definitely would keep my fingers crossed about the build quality.
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Disappointed!!! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By BaaadJenny - January 19 - 2:00 amI thought I was buying a good, reliable car and ended up instead with a lemon. Its a 1.8 GLS turbo and has 21,500 miles on it. I like the look and the way it drives, but problems? Lets see...Gas door will sometimes open/close, sometimes not, trunk usually does not open with the remote or the inside switch, the screws fall out of the window levers, the drivers side window got stuck and the regulator inside the door broke, the passenger side door lock malfunctioned and had to be replaced. Shall I go on? Oh yeah, and the service from the dealer sucks!
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Yes, it is fun to drive but not comfy. - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By buggy tag - January 18 - 1:53 amI bought the car for the fuel economy and the looks. I have a large SUV and wanted something else to run around in to save gas when I am not hauling tons of kids. I get around 29 mpg both highway 60% and city 40%. I cant get the fuel economy that is stated. I am not a lead foot either. Check this before you buy one. This car is really meant for no more then two people in terms of comfort. I would hate to take a trip in this. The seats are not comfortable at all. They need to build them like domestic seats are built here. Teens hate the back seat. Up to 13 years is O.K. but isnt comfy. Also my dash and handles are peeling the top layer already, Im not hard on vehicles.
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Fun to drive when its not in the shop - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By EmHeCo - December 27 - 3:06 amI got this car about a year ago as a graduation gift. With in the first two months the entire instrument panel went kaput. $700+ to replace. Found out, windshield whipper motor was burned out. Air conditioning went out. Then the gas door broke off, struts went, oil pan failed. Now...exactly a year later, its in the shop again. Head gasket, started and something else needing to be replaced after car overheated and broke down. I am not hard on her, I take good care of her, always oiled. But I have now put almost $4000 in to her. I admit it is really fun to drive, turns on a dime, parks like a dream and has some kick. When she isnt up on the lift.
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Good car if its taken care of. - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By chasecm - December 6 - 10:21 amI bought my vw beetle a few months ago, and I have had a few problems. I had to replace the ball joints, and the catalytic converter the first week. However It was my fault because I purchased a vehicle without getting in inspected like I should have. I believe vws are good cars if you take care of them. So when you buy one used, just be careful not to buy one that has not had its scheduled maintenance like it should have.
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My Second New Beetle - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Beetle Turbo S - November 24 - 5:00 pmThe Turbo S is a much more refined vehicle compared to my previous New Beetle, a 2000 GLX. The car is a blast to drive, just as the other. It does everything smoothly and with ease. I hope, for a change, it gives me a few years of trouble free service.
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window problems - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By dori - November 15 - 2:00 ami have owned new cars for over 30 yrs - the new vw beetle convertable is the most fun and best fitting car i have owned. it hugs the road and is great on turns. unfortunetly i have had it back to the dealer 3 times for a rear window problem - the dealer scratched the inside panel and had to send it to the body shop to be re-painted then buried the metal clip to the seat belt inside the panel! while i am love my car, i am very unhappy about it spending so much time in the shop for these "annoyances"(4times total in 6 months) i have always owned new cars in order to avoid these problems.
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GR8 Bug Convertible - 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Robert Preston - November 11 - 7:56 pmI hesitated to buy a new beetle for a two reasons - first because it was not Germany made. Then I learned that Hondas are from Ohio, so that was silly. Second, what would the resale value be (now who cares, I love it). I have the Harvest Moon Beige with a Beige Top and Tan interior, in my opinion the most sophisticated looking. One issue I have is keeping it showroom perfect. The first big wind in a parking lot allowed the door to hit a car parked next to it, not unusually hard, but enough to ding my door (the other car had no damage). This made me feel the metal/paint finish was inferior to other cars I have owned. I may get a daily driver and try to keep it for weekend fun!
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Not for Cold Weather!!! - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
By The Husband - November 3 - 5:50 pmThe car is beautiful and performs well in the warm weather. It is much better on fuel than my Jeep Wrangler. It really makes my wife happy and I like that. The problem is that the windows have to open (when the handle is pulled) to open the door. If it gets below 20 degrees, the windows wont open. That means that you cant get in, and if you finally do, you cant close the door or the glass will break. Because of the security VW voids the warranty if you install an aftermarket remote starter and they do not offer one.
