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:

• 

  Beetles are Extremely Uncomfortable - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By baileym12 - October 14 - 12:13 am

  I bought my 1999 Volkswagen Beetle because I was looking for a car with good gas milage three months ago. I have to comute at least 60 miles one way to work. The seats are extremely uncomfratable, to the point where I have extreme back pain and I have to use a towel to support my lower back. The quality inside stinks, it is very poorly designed, has bad cup holders, and everything is plastic and falls off. The side mirrors are postioned very high so there is a big blind spot when you take left turns, which is very dangerous at night. The only thing that the Beetle has going for is its gas milage and reliablity. It says 32 mpg, but I can manage 34-36mpg. I havent had any problems mechanically, but the unbearable cabin design forced me to trade it in.

• 

  Great Reliable Car - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By VWfan - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I saw all of the problems others were having and felt compelled to speak up. My experience with this car has been fantastic, a few small problems, but nothing to put the car out of service for more than a day and nothing requiring a tow. The car is fun to drive, has way more leg and head room than any other in its class, and is good on the pocket book. All these people that have problems have failed to mention the standard 4 year 50000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. The car is well designed and the company stands behind their product, not sure what else you could ask for.

• 

  Interior - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Linda Petty - October 5 - 6:23 pm

  The material on the doors are lifting & coming unglued. Paint inside on door is bubbling. I am not real happy with this. I take very good care of my bug. I keep her in the garage & as I said I only have about 35000 miles on it.I plan on keeping my bug for as long as I can, but the inside is falling apart. Coastal VW will not do anything about it. Said it was wear & tear. In 5 years your car should NOT be falling apart on the inside.

• 

  6 years of Reliability - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Karlos - October 1 - 4:46 pm

  This is one of the best and most reliable car I have ever owned. Special Ordered before the big gas crisis. I can count on my hand how many times this car has been to the dealer for unscheduled service. First 100 miles the waterpump failed and was replaced without any hassles. Second time was due to the city of Chicago not posting any hazard warning for street work, destroying the bottom oil pan at 40,000 miles. The other times for regular wear and tear over the span of time.You will not be disappointed.

• 

  The Best Car Around - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Ali - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I think it is a great car all around and very fun to drive. Cops never look at it because it is a beetle.

• 

  What a joke - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Clown - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Loved it the day I bought it. But I know its going to leave me stranded. Obviously the warranty is only 2 years... cause these sexy cars are crap! Every 2000 kilometers with the 2.0L 5 Speed, I add half a litre of oil and yup, 3 dealers say thats normal. One dealer said it was because the pistons are oval and they change shape while they warm up. But the other 2 dealers didnt say that??? The interior door handles peel front and back (they recognize the problem but wont replace them all - just one by one). The fuel door solonoid sucks... carry a toolkit and oil. Do I ever miss my Honda Accord.

• 

  Happy Car! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Denise in MI - August 30 - 4:36 pm

  I just love my Beetle Conv. This is my second New Beetle and I will probably buy a third. The color is great, it rides great and everywhere I go it makes people smile! Its been a great summer in MI for having the top down! (wind stop purchase recommended) this car even rides great in the snow, I love the ESP feature. The first little slip and sldie and it kickes in. The 6 speed Tiptronic transmission is gonna get me in trouble! Its not the old VW, no charge cards required to scrape the frost off the windshield, it has great heat and air conditioning (People who remember the old VW know what Im talking about.). All these new features blow people away. Once again its a happy car, It makes people smile!

• 

  98 New Beetle - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By vwfarris - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Sturdy, fun to drive and responsive. The NB is a pleasure to encounter amid the overdone body styles. It has fairly serious lack of quality in the electrical components. Switches, coils, fuse blocks and fans are of less than acceptable quality. If you can do these repairs or have a trustworthy technican available you will love it.

• 

  TDI Beetle - best kept secret out there - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By AIXIZCYCLES - August 25 - 3:53 pm

  Having learned to drive on a 1962 bug, I have a certain affection for the Beetle. This new one does not disappoint and is uber fun to drive. Owing a new Suburban and also a HD bike, I use the Beetle for daily chores and business commuting. At 61" and 250lbs, I have plenty of room. I specifically wanted a turbo diesel, manual because a small car should be fun and involve the driver in the experience. Cant complain abut the 44mpg I am getting as well! I also have a grin on my face knowing that it does not meet current EPA requirements!!! Global warm this.

• 

  Volkswagen Beetle Convertible - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Logan - August 19 - 8:13 am

  I purchased a Aquarius Blue Beetle Convertible. It is the best car in the world. Im in High school and this car is perfect for running around and doing errands. Youll look super hott cruising around town in one of these. All my friends think my car is the cutest car ever. When i first got the car i was very worried that the backseat wouldnt be big enough for anything but i found out that is bigger than i thought. I love all the safety features this car has. If i were to somehow flip, the backseats headrests are actually titanium bars that deploy and keep the car steady so it wouldnt squish anyone and wouldnt have an ugly rollover bar over the top. This car is the cutest and greatest car!