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 101 through 110 of 1,368.00-
Not happy - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Beth P. - March 13 - 6:40 amHave owned this vehicle less than 3 years and I have had to have the drivers side headlight replaced twice. The driverside exterior mirror just cracked down the middle for no reason. I have had trouble with the power windows. Have spoken with other owners and their having the same electrical problems. I am not impressed with this vehicle. Planning on trading it in on something more reliable.
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worst car i ever bought - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Megan - March 2 - 9:26 pmI first got the car it ran fine until 40k and 4 years later. The red engine light went on and i took to dealership where they said needs a new motor. That $3,000 next after that the red coolant light came on and that was a new water pump, thermostat, fans, thats another 1000. It is one big pile. my advice is to shoot it that would make it the best car i have ever owned.
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VW - look what you made me go through - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By E - December 11 - 10:06 pmBought this one brand new, first week the wiper blade motor failed on a rainy night on fwy 101. 13 warranties were done on first two years of ownership. For the past 4 years, I had 20 visits to the dealership including oil change, recall, warranties so I am always there every 3 months. I had an oil change done on the 50k mileage and took it back to the dealer when i found oil leaks. They changed the drain plug but after 2 days I need to bring it back to the dealer for more oil leak. Brought it in the morning, then they cant find the source of the oil leak I was told to leave it overnight. Spent so much money for regular maintenance all done through dealers. So unfair, VW. Youre so unfair.
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if only i had known..... - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By jocko - November 15 - 8:43 pmi bought the car with 7k miles...it now has a shade over 15k build quality is very poor...glove box door hinge came loose without any trauma..power window switch broke and cruise control went out. lower engine cover panel came loose after 6 months of driving, just replaced a faulty brake light switch now the solenoid that controls the gas cap door needs replacing....this car is truly a piece of crap....
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Think before you buy this car - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By thinkagain - November 4 - 2:00 amI have owned 01 Beetle GLS Turbo for the past three years, and found it unreliable car. Not to mention there have been numerous recalls which my local dealer can not fix properly, there have been many breakdowns such as 1. driver-side door hinge cracked within 2yr, 2. headlamp lightbulbs out 3. a portion of dashboard lights out 4. can not roll down passenger-side window due to major defect in window kit 5. rear breakpads wornout before 15K (I am not an aggresive driver). I strongly advise potential buyers to think before buying this car. Remember beauty is only skin-deep (some may disagree this is a beautiful car) !!
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Dont buy a 99 Beetle - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By kymm costa - November 2 - 10:00 amStay away from the 1999 Beetle. In a span of 4 months this 3 year old car has been in the shop 9 times. The dealer told me that I am "not an exception to the rule" when it comes to this year and model. The following are the problems consistant with other model problems: window mechanisms, front seat handles, break light switch to get out of park, engine light over- sensitivity, trunk not sealing appropriately, radio/cassette replacement. I have also had issues with door handles (actually getting out of the car)and door lock mechanisms. Additionally I have had to replace the entire engine. I do not recommend this car at all. Although fun to drive, not worth the headache.
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German Reliability A Thing of the Past! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By geezer4 - September 12 - 10:00 amAnnual maintenance costs have exceeded past cars that were 3-20 years old. The Malfunction Indicator Light is forever coming on even though mass air flow and O2 sensors have been replaced several times. The blue temperature light failed due to a short. The right side marker light fell out of the fender because the plastic clips failed. The master key with the remote control was dropped 3 feet resulting in total failure. The outside temperature indicator failed. The power window switch on the driver side has failed. The engine had significant carbon buildup requiring expensive cleaning due to other sensor failures mentioned above.
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Let Me Tell You Whats BUGn Me - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By steelfab - August 30 - 1:23 amWe bought our 03 Beetle with the 1.8L with about 50,000 miles on it. Within weeks it had an engine light on. I have battled the engine light, among other things, ever since. We changed an injector and a coil pack on the number 2 cylinder because of a persistent miss. This was after diagnosis of codes would not narrow the problem down. Immediately following it began cranking hard on start and not starting until the second attempt. First code said crankshaft sensor so we replaced that. Had to replace camshaft sensor thereafter to fix the problem. Next it threw a coolant system code so we replaced the ECT sensor. After that the thermostat. This car was a reliability nightmare. Never ever again.
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Too many repairs! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By lvnlyf - July 4 - 12:56 amIm upset about the repairs Ive had to have done. First the door handle, then the windows, then the convertible top, then another window. The list goes on. The interior is not impressive either. The door handles plastic coating wore through. The cigarette lighter pop out (I dont smoke) wont shut properly. They said they just glue them shut (!). It looks great from afar, but the quality isnt there. But what really makes me mad is the $$ it has cost me to repair all the stuff. Dont buy one! No matter how fun it is to drive or how cute it looks with the top down, you might be looking at a lemon.
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Junk Mobile - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Dont buy VW - June 24 - 11:20 pmIve had nothing but problems since the day I bought this car. I had to eplace the battery three times. It gets 17mpg - which makes it a gas guzzler. The fuses actually burst into flames in the engine! My car always jerks when I take my foot of the gas. Every time I need to get the car serviced, I have to take to the dealer because they have the special tool needed to fix it. Garage mechanics wont touch the Bug, its a waste of time to them, and they lose money from it. Im waiting for the day the engine falls out of the car! I will never buy another VW again.
