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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  Love it so much, I bought 2! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By nursenancy - December 3 - 10:20 pm

  I bought the New Beetle convertible the moment it came out. I had owned a New Beetle hatchback for 2 1/2 years and loved it so much I wanted another one. The convertible has much smaller trunk/storage space than the hatchback. If I have to transport anything that is too big to fit in the trunk, I just put the top down! Seriously, these cars handle great. I often drive mountain roads and the car is so stable. It provides a smooth ride and I get about 35 mpg on the highway. I have had zero trouble with it.

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  The Peoples Auto - Drivers Wanted! - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Happy Bug - December 1 - 3:13 am

  In a word the 2006 Volkswagen Beetle 2.5 is FUN! The new 5-cylinder engine has great pick-up and the Tiptronic transmisson is smooth and responsive. I bought the car for my wife as her grocery getter but I honestly enjoy just as much has she does. Being that our first car as a married couple was a 73 Beetle we had to finally get one. Mid-life crisis...no way, it is a great car. The smiles and waves you get, not just from other Beetle owners, but from other drivers are awesome.

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  Great looking, reliable, fun to drive - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By yellow bug - November 28 - 12:20 pm

  although personally i think driving is the most boring thing a person can do, i actually enjoy driving my beetle. infact, its my second new beetle- the first one being a 2004 turbo-s.

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  First car! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Hadley - November 25 - 5:55 pm

  Since having this car, I have had it for two years now, I have really liked it. It was my first car. It took me a while to find the car that I did and Im glad I found it because it is in good condition. If you find one that works well and drives good then I think its a great car but if you find one that has a lot of problems and doesnt seem to fit the price then I recommend staying away from it.

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  Turbo S - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By watson - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle. Since I no longer can afford a Porsche 911, this provides my driving fun. A superb engine and drive train.

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  My happy car! - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Mary5685 - November 19 - 9:23 am

  The Beetle still has an awkward cup holder system, it is but not a big deal unless there is two of us in car. Good handling with the Pm2 system. I just love this color red and feel happy to drive it every day. However I have to sort out the owners manual as it state it is for a convertible and I have a hardtop-did not get satisfactory answer from my salesperson-will check at its first servicing. I got a great deal with XM radio and rubber floor mats for $21,500. I had a 2005 TDI which ended up being a lemon, but had enough faith in VW that this was just a one off thing-glad to have the gas bigger engine now that I have switched. No regrets.

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  Paint Problems - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Sean - November 18 - 12:30 am

  I love my Beetle. I have always driven Cherolets, but I love my VW Bug. It is amazingly fun to drive and looks great...BUT...it has major paint issues. I have the Harvest Moon (Cream) colored Beetle. My front bumper has been in the shop six times in under a years time! It has been very disappointing.

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  Bought mine used and no problems - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Bananarama - November 12 - 2:00 am

  bought my little GLS used with 40000 miles on it, and no problems to tell you about...As stated in other reviews, the cupholders need work, needs a bigger windshield mirror, and the 2.0GLS needs a 6 speed tranny...the 5 speed revs at 4000 rpms at 80 mph, sounds like the engine is going to blow!...All together, a very fun, reliable, gas worthly car to drive.

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  Owners found short love affair - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Terry Poole - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This car started out as a gem. The problem experienced are the same as most bug owners( window switch, window track, mirror knob, dead battery, trim coming off, abnormal tire wear, The worst being it burns oil and intermittantly runs hot. The dealers cant seem to correct the the last two issues.

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  My Review - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Patman89 - November 10 - 11:50 pm

  Ive had my 1999 Red New Beetle for almost two years now... The first year I never had any problems! But my car overheated and dummy me I kept driving with the red coolant light on for about 20 minutes on interstate 80. Luckily no serious damaged was done, but I paid $1100 for labor and the replacements. But I love my Beetle, I really want a newer one thats redesigned, Im always jealous when I see them. Ive been lucky to not have major problems. However, the sun visors on the top do not block the sun at all! The cup holders dont work well since its under the dashboard. And I notice my seats are that comfy compared to a 2005 model and for long drives my back hurts.