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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  my senior moment - 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By funbug - August 18 - 11:10 pm

  I bought this car for my final years to enjoy the feel of my youth once again. It was all it crack up to be. I received it in June 09 and have had nothing but 3 months of sheer pleasure with the top down & the wind in my hair. It has plenty of pep with 6 speed tranny plus sport shift. The leather seats are very comfortable, there is plenty of room up front. A/c is great and the heater & heated seats very toasty.

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  So Shoddy Yet So Cute - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By B & A - August 17 - 9:30 am

  Ive had my 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle for seven years now. Ive had to replace one too many things...a transmission failure at 48,000 miles, the engine literally fell out on the freeway due to faulty motor mounts, I have replaced 2 CV boots, window buttons, light bulbs behind the dash at 20,000 miles, air conditioning, MAF sensor, amongst many other things not to mention cruise control that doesnt work and Ive even tried passing a vehicle once on the highway and my car didnt respond with speed... instead started slowing down by 30 mph! VW used cheap interior materials throughout the car and a 2.0 engine that only pumps out 115 horsepower and sucks gas like its going out of style. Will VW ever get it right?!?!

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  Wow - Its more than just a car! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By TrappedOnEarth - August 16 - 10:00 am

  This car has personality. It is a sheer delight to drive. Style, comfort, and power, it has it all and more! Handles well. Great engineering. It appears bigger on the inside than one would guess from the outside. Very safe as well. A real car for the new millennium!

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  Dissapointed and frustrated - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By imaqte - August 14 - 5:41 pm

  I purchased my used 2006 VW convertible about 9 months ago with 51,000 miles on it. Since I have had it, I have had numerous issues. First, the airbag light came on and I was told is a seat-belt issue that costs around $400. Next the drivers side door handle broke that cost $600 because they have to replace the entire door panel. I read online this frequently happens. My drivers side window regulator went out and that cost me $470.00 to fix..now I have to take to replace the convertible top because the back window is separating from the top and water can get in. The total for that is $770.00 from a local shop I am afraid of what will happen next. I have to get rid of this car!!!

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  Love my TDI - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By LUV It... - August 13 - 2:53 am

  I just recently bought a 2002 TDI. It was very hard to find a diesel. After several months finding one that I wanted and was willing to trade in my Chevy "gas guzzler" Tahoe, I purchased my Beetle. Since owning it, I have done nothing but enjoy the ride and the gas price. It is nice to have a vehicle that gets great gas mileage. I just got 34 mpg in the city. I would recommend a diesel beetle to anyone. The noise is minimal and well worth it. If you really cant stand the diesel noise, which is a lot quieter than the trucks, crank up the radio.

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  VW longevity - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By lisasVW - August 11 - 2:30 pm

  I have wanted a VW since I was a child. In 2000 I purchased my first beetle. I am still driving it to this day. The bug has over 110,000 miles on it. The only problems I have had are the buttons on the radio snapped off inside the dash and I had to have it repaired, my heater died, and one sensor when bad. I can not stress enough to have only a VW dealership work on your car for any repair. I recently had new belts, spark plugs and wires, and few other things done to my car, only because I wanted to be a good "mommy" and take care of my baby. The garage was not a VW repair shop. To fix what they messed up has costed me over 1500. I have learnt my lesson.

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  WANT to love it - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ReisngD - August 11 - 10:00 am

  I really wish that I could write a positive review after a year of ownership, but I cant. Although people still approach it like a celebrity, the car has been extremely unreliable--and I only put 7500 miles on in 12 months so far. The dealership has been cooperative in trying to find the problem, but they cannot. It is not having simple window problems either, rather the engine is barely running or cutting out during acceleration. I have never had a car spend sop much time in the shop. Not even a ten-year-old Civic with 150,000 miles. To those of you still in love-- good luck!!!

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  Old New Beetle - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By NY VW - August 6 - 4:16 pm

  I just bought an 02 Beetle. It is six years old with 117,000 miles on it. I got it for well under book. It is awesome on gas and so far its a decent car. It is noisy at speed and the cupholders are pretty useless unless you drink small coffees only. Other than that its a cheap ride with a cool feel. Farvegnugen!

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  my m&m bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By frannie - August 2 - 10:00 am

  i won this car she is tough

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  Still gets a big smile - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Andi S. - July 31 - 10:00 pm

  Weve had the car for about 18 mos, a little over 22k miles. Not a single bug (no pun intended) with it in all these miles. Fuel economy is outstanding at 45 mpg overall (as low as 39mpg in NYC traffic, 52mpg highway). I can fit adults in the back seat for short trips (like taking client to lunch last week). Great fun to drive, and definitely does NOT fit the profile of the traditional diesel. If youve never driven one, you should try one out.