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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First and last VW - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By SweetStellarS - June 24 - 2:00 amI bought my VW in Sept of 1998 and so far I know all the service department employees at 3 different VW dealerships in the area. I bought a lemon but the BBB didnt think so, they also thought that my extended warranty was good enough if anything broke on the car after the manufactures warranty ran out. So far it has covered ONE minor thing, honestly it was a waste of $1000! My 1989 Ford Escort was more reliable! The bugs at the dealership now because I almost KILLED myself making a right hand turn when the vehicle completely turned off making me go straight into on coming traffic! You name it, Ive had the problem! My advice, DONT EVER BUY A VW!
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Disappointed VWer - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Disappointed VWer - June 13 - 10:00 amIve had so many problems 1. Rear hatch doesnt close (had it in 6 x & replaced twice- still not right), 2. Gas flap servo broken & replaced, 3. instrument cluster replaced, 4. vehicle towed 2x due to 2 faulty switches (separate incidents), 5. air conditioner blower/compressor vibrated so loud that the dash shook (blower was replaced 6 mo. ago; just started roaring again), 6. Inside door cover plastic is peeling, 7. New brake pads installed- the rears badly worn at 48k miles, but the fronts like new--??, 8. engine light comes on frequently, 9. front air bag needed to be replaced (after 2 yr warranty ended) though the air bag had never been inflated,
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HEAD TURNER WITH FLAWS - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By shelter - May 26 - 2:00 amThe V.W. sundown orange attracts lots of attention,all positive from both sexes. The ride is very hard and the level and frequency of noise and rattles is excessive and annoying. Most of the rattles etc eminates from the door-body area.as well as the convertible top. In spite of the noise and ride it is fun to drive.
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1998 VWBeetle--Pass it up - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By jonesy - May 19 - 10:00 amThe 1998 VW Beetle is the worst car I ever had. My mechanic told me with all the repairs I have had, I could have bought a Jaquar. Maybe Ill buy a Jag for my next car. Might as well.
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Adorable Car with Way Too Many Issues - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By LS - May 16 - 2:03 pmFell in love with this car and bought it new. Within the first three months, I think it was in the shop about 4 times. Since then, particularly during summer months, its in the shop on average about once every 6 weeks. Have had problems with the windows, the speakers, the battery (twice), the roof has broken countless times, the wiring on the tail lights, the airbag sensors, the blinker - and the door, which still isnt fixed. Also, the service at my dealership is terrible. They once replaced the wrong airbag so the sensor came back on a couple days later. I would ABSOLUTELY NOT RECOMMEND this car. They take no accountability and I will never purchase another VW, no matter how cute.
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VW are Lemons! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Disappointed - May 13 - 9:40 pmOwned this car for 6 years and it was nothing but problems. After 40,000 miles, car falls apart. The interior fell apart 2 years after I got it. A week after I bought it, the EPC light came on and didnt let me put the car on Drive, had to learn a trick to start the car on Neutral and drive it. It did this through the 6 years I owned it. Replaced 3 batteries in 6 years, $300+ each. Water pump and timing belt busted on me at 60,000 miles.3 engine hoses replaced because they are made out of plastic and burned. VW dealers are incompetent and steal your money. Tranny began to fail and wouldnt shift gears. VW dealers say trannies never need oil changes, it is a lie.
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Not What They Used To Be - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Rebecca - May 7 - 10:10 pmThis is my 4th Beetle and my favorite thing about the new Beetle is that the heater works. Heres a list of things that no longer work in the car; drivers side window no longer goes up and down, tape player stopped working, antenna fell off, passenger side window motor had to be replaced (as well as drivers side, but still doesnt work because the button broke off), side view mirror button broke off, trunk doesnt latch, hood latch occasionally doesnt work, locking gas door no longer locks, A/C no longer operating. This is unbelievable considering I am the only driver of this vehicle and am no kid. Also, most importantly its oil consumption worrisome at best.
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The worst gas mileage - 2010 Volkswagen New Beetle
By curiousmoona1 - April 27 - 11:51 pmI automatically assumed that the gas mileage would be good in this car. I only get about 18mpg. The interior of the car is less than desirable. The older models 1972 and 1976 Super Beetle were well made and better mileage. I will not reccomend this car to anyone. My husband and I are very disappointed with this car. We paid over $30,000, plus extended warranty for this vehicle. We will not reccomend this car to anyone. William & Judith Loftus
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Nothing But Headaches!!!! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By kelboom01 - April 23 - 11:38 pmBought my car used with 25,000 miles on it and within first year was met with of course the rear window not working issue that looks as though is a "normal" problem with this type of car. So needless to say $1,000 to fix and then front headlights blew out twice within a few months??? Now dealing with transmission "bucking" issues and passenger window not working and convertible roof not working!!!! help!!!!! NEVER AGAIN BUYING A VW...
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Not for me - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By lynnurd - April 22 - 8:13 pmWhen I first bought my Beetle, it was great. Then all sorts of things started going wrong. My check engine light came on (which cost more for the diagnostic check then for the parts and labor) - 2 weeks later, it came on again... my dealer cant find anything wrong with it though. My headlight went out and I had to pay $45 for the dealership to fix it. Any time I have a problem, I have to take it to the dealer because no one else can fix it. Forget saving money on gas, youll only spend it on oil changes because it uses synthetic only. I am NEVER buying an import car again. Im going back to Chevy. I never had a problem with any of their cars! The only positive is it can cut in and out of traffic well.
