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:
Showing 91 through 100 of 1,368.00-
Fun Car to Drive - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Linda - September 17 - 1:40 pmI purchased this car on a whim and never regretted it! It is a fun car to drive and people are always coming up to me in parking lots and asking me how I like my convertible." I dont like it", I say, "I love it!" Every time another New Beetle convertible passes me the driver will wave and I will wave back. On the more practical side, the car gets about 26 mpg around town, and around 30 on the highway. I have been able to fit an entire JV football team defensive line in the car, and during lacrosse season the pass- through to the trunk allows for long stick defensive players equipment. The New Beetle handles very well in snow and ice, a must for New Hampshire drivers!
-
ITS A TON OF FUN - SOLID PERFORMER - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By PALAW2004 - September 9 - 2:00 amBOUGHT AS CAR FOR WEEKEND FUN, IT HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY GREAT. BACK SEAT IS FINE FOR KIDS. HEATED FRONT SEATS ARE EXCELLENT. 5 SPEED MANUAL TURBO PROVIDES PLENTY OF PUNCH. MONSOON SOUND IS ALSO EXCELLENT. I GET MORE SATISFACTION FROM DRIVING THIS BEETLE THAN MY OTHER GERMAN CAR (BMW). IF YOU WANT TO GET AWAY FROM DRIVNG LARGE SUV TYPE VEHICLES AND WANT TOP DOWN FUN, DONT MISS THIS TRYING THIS MODEL. YOU WONT BE SORRY.
-
Happy Driver in Florida - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Richard Huggler - September 7 - 10:00 amAfter breaking in the vehicle, the wife and I took the bug on a 6,000 mile ride to Calif and many parts West. No problems, Average 50 mpg. Great trip ! We think we will do it again.
-
I love my yellow Beetle - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By tara - September 1 - 9:06 pmI have to say my bug is running good even thought it has 137,000 miles on it no major problems yet. And this is the first bug I ever owned and I love it. Great on gas. But the light bulbs have to be changed every time one goes out. I just love my bug, its a fantastic car when nothing goes wrong with it.
-
vw beetle-theyre greeeeeeeeat - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By smea - August 26 - 2:00 amgreat car, it is a blast to drive and it is pretty to look at
-
Its Got Go. - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By feedle - August 24 - 10:00 amWhat an amazing, fun little car. I have a TDI diesel, with the Tiptronic transmission, and this is hands down the most fun car Ive ever driven. Out of the gate mine has had a few minor hiccups (CD player stopped playing CDs on the fourth day, airbag system isnt working properly [diag. light]), but the dealerships Ive dealt with have been quick to repair and cooperative. And, the fuel economy is AMAZING! 400-500 miles on a tank of diesel is "normal" for this car, and with some conservative driving, Ive pushed it to nearly 600. A worthy successor to the "Beetle" name.
-
Great fun, excellent performance - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Bob Ellenson - July 28 - 9:36 pmWe recently purchased our Volkswagen Beetle GLX having previously driven a GLS for only a few months. What a world of difference! The interior is much nicer (leather, etc) and car just feels tighter. The seats are very comfortable and come with individual heaters (not that we need them much in Florida). The controls are easy to use and there is plenty of headroom and legroom (I have to scoot the seat forward and I am 62). The GLS had some trim problems (door latch, light bulbs, etc) but the GLX has none of that. Last but not least is the performance with the turbo. The car flat gets out of the hole when you want it to. Add to all that the fluorescent green color and you have one fun car.
-
Cyber Bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By cybergypsy - July 28 - 2:00 amI bought this after having two bugs a 2000 TDI and a 2002 GLX...really wanted the turbo but i took this little bug for a test drive and fell in love... it handles great :)
-
Super Turbo Fun Bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Royce 1 - July 28 - 2:00 amMost fun car I have ever owned. Reliable, low cost, good economy and "QUICK"! 130MPH no problem. Great features and stable as a rock on a long trip. Even at "freeway" speeds -- HA AH! Put over 3,000 miles on it over New Years and was totally pleased. Great car. Very little fatigue and thats saying something for an old scudder - Im 64 years old...
-
Great - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Michael Cheeks - July 17 - 10:00 amThis car has alot of geat features for such a great bargain. It rides wonderful and gets great gas mileage. If I get the chance to get another one I intend to do so.
