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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Love my Beetle! - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
By karmagirl7 - July 13 - 2:51 pmI absolutely LOVE this car! The only weird thing is the crayon smell in the car, but everything else is awesome! I love the entertainment package and the MP3 option, when I am bored wtih everything else. This car handles like a champ - I feel like I am in a true high performance vehicle.
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My dream bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By topdownbug - June 10 - 2:00 amThis is the most enjoyable car Ive ever owned in my almost 40 years of driving. It is so stylish and although I like many other cars - nothing says pure fun better than a bug and when you add the topdown to it - its the best!! I have a second car that I drive in the winter - so my BUG is truly a great toy for me!
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Beauty! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Leonine - June 8 - 10:00 amRead the other reviews, problem is crappy dealers not the car. They should be able to have them fixed the first time or so. Mines been very reliable since 1999, only a few minor glitches. Would I buy another? I am. Two New Beetles. Love em!
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Beetle Convertible Punch Buggy - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Berni - June 5 - 8:20 amGreat fun car with space for 2 adults and 2 children. Easy to open/close top. Lots of extras.
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I love my new beetle! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By nicknmanda - June 4 - 10:00 amI enjoy driving my New Bettle it is so much fun!
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Counterbalance to bad reviews - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By zenpuppy - June 2 - 2:00 amI had my bug for over 2 yrs and I still love it! It is almost the most comfortable car that Ive been in. It picks up on the freeway 60 mi in 10 sec. Its like driving a sportscar without being crammed in. Its extremely user friendly and has a personality of its own. You wont believe how much will fit in this seemingly small car. Ive had the power window stuck while it was still on warranty. You should check users website and read how much most people love their beetles. Just drive one and you wont be able to walk away from it.
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Great Commuter - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Robert Alyea - May 27 - 8:36 pmMy first beetle was purchased in 1966 that was a great car but this one is even better. I drive 150 miles a day back and forth from work. The comfort and ride are exceptional and the car actually has a passing gear. The car has excellent pick up and I am experiencing a little over 30 mpg. I get a lot of looks and have referred many to the dealership. Thanks for providing such a wonderful vehicle it is what I need and also fun.
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I LOVE MY M&M - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By SANDWOMAN - May 17 - 10:00 amThis is the very best car in the world to own. For all of you grannys out there, we have a fun car to keep us young. This car is safe, fun and the grandchildren love it. As my granddaughter says........it is a happy car. I have had Lincolns and Caddillac which can not even come close to the performance of the Beetle. I highly recommend this vehicle.
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I love my Beetle - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Kristina - May 12 - 10:33 pmI love my car. I previously owned an Explorer, and the two are difficult to compare. The only thing I miss about my Explorer is the storage space, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much can fit in a Beetle. I dont understand why people complain about the gas mileage, I think its great but then my Explorer did have a V8 engine. Beetles are fun cars to drive, the sound system is great, and it works perfectly as a commuter car.
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Happy, Happy Beetle Owner - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Donna - May 4 - 11:10 amI am very happy to have my 4th Beetle. I have owned other cars, pick-ups and SUVs, and none compare to the overall performance, affordability, dependability and fun as my "New Beetle".
