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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Do NOT buy this car!!! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By silverbbugboi00 - March 26 - 10:00 amBuying this car was probably the biggest mistake Ive made. The day I drove it off the lot, nothing but problems. The check engine light was always on, the car had trouble starting EVERY morning, it ate TONS of oil, over a quart every 1,000 miles, the a\c made the entire car shake, and if you did use it, the vents would stink for several days afterward, door handles peeled, sunroof leaked, too much to list here so Ill stop here.
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Beetle, a Classic! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Terdan - March 26 - 10:00 amGreat car!
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Pretty Good Car - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By roscoegas - March 23 - 2:00 amVery reliable car. Performance is fair, but gas mileage is only mediocre.
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Round 4 a reason - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By TEE - March 22 - 9:46 amThis is my 2nd turbo Beetle, but my 1st turbo S. I love the beetles period!!! My lil car is fun to drive, fun to look at! It draws attention like no other car on the road!!! Owning and driving a new beetle is like having a love affair . . . with a car ! lol
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everybodys lookin - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By A Craig - March 21 - 10:00 amI have had VW bugs, both sedans and conv. over the years- a. 56 bug b. 62 bug c. 64 bug conv. d. 71 Ghia conv. e. 78 Super bug conv. I just wanted another, never had a new one; but this time I wanted lots of features and comfort with thew VW bug aura. Everyone in the the whole neighborhood wanted rides in it- they still do! Great fun! Great feeling!
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the beetle is awesome - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Linda Green - March 21 - 10:00 amawesome little car. very fun to drive. the mileage is great. its very responsive.
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Front & Rear Impact - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Dora - March 21 - 10:00 amI actually have a 2005 Beetle Conv. I was hit from the rear by an SUV doing @ 40-45 mph. I was at a stop. The impact pushed me into & under the Ford F150 in front of me, and pushed us both through the intersection. My air bag deployed and my rear seat roll over protection deployed. My car was a total loss at an estimate in excess of $21,000. I bought another beetle.
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This is a nice car! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Tierri - March 21 - 10:00 amWhat was most surprising to me was the headroom. Im 64" and I had the opportunity to sit in one. Prior to that I was sure I wouldnt fit. I commute about 100 miles a day twice a week to my job, and find the VW New Beetle to be a viable commuter car. This car is stylish and comfortable when the commute gets tedious. I have two issues with this car: no pop out rear window, and the noise when the sunfoof is fully open. I also have to admit VW created a compromise on the latter issue by creating a sequentially opening window. This way you can open the sunroof partially without increasing the road noise.
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More trouble! - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By John - March 20 - 2:16 pmEarly on we experienced electrical problems, rattles and other issues with this car. We should have sold it! Now, we are replacing the clutch every year. We are now on the fourth clutch for this vehicle. Its going this time!
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A Good Deal? - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Joe - March 19 - 6:33 pmI stole this Beetle for $18,000 new! But...the trunk doesnt work and the gas mileage is 14 mpg! Docs right about the wind tunnel and Meyer about the lack of lumbar support. It has no power seats, no power top, no power mirrors, a bad stereo, plenty of spacious blind spots both in the front and rear, starter problems, noisy brakes, and sloppy shifting. I love its looks and it is fun to drive when it runs. Heck, the $18,000 would make a good down payment on a better car, you know?
