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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  Fun in the sun, but stormy reliability. - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bugawff - March 16 - 7:46 pm

  Traded in my Volvo s60 for this cute top down car. Thought German car would be better than Swedish. Have had the car in for speaker, gas lid, windows, wipers, etc. Everything seems to be falling apart. Had the driver side window fixed about 5 times, they cant seem to get it right. One day on low gas my gas tank lid wouldnt click open, good thing I was close to a dealer and they opened it for me, but couldnt fix it at the moment had to wait 2 weeks for that. Gas mileage is ok, could be better. Trunk space you cant even fit in a beach chair. AND if you are thinking of taking friends with you for a fun ride hope the ones sitting in the back are kids, small kids.

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  A Return to Basics - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By magicxtian - February 27 - 11:40 pm

  After ten years in the world of trucks, I returned to VW, choosing the Beetle, 20+ years from my first such vehicle. This car is incredibly well built and solid considering its compact size. Its Interior features are on the high end, making the modern day drive quite easy. The gas mileage on the TDI is over two-and-a-half times improved over my guzzling trucks of yore. It handles great in wintery conditions, accelerates like a charm, and is a real pleasure to drive, even for 6+ hour hauls. If you live in cold climates, Id recommend the cold weather package as heated seats make a world of difference. Summertime begs for the sun/moon roof, a standard on my model.

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  Good Car, Bad Electronics - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ncskibum - February 27 - 6:16 pm

  I love the way the Volkswagen Beetle handles. The seats are infinitely adjustable and the steering wheel tilts and telescopes. Everyone can find a comfortable position. Add to all that, the 45 mpg around town that it gets and there should be no more to say. However, VW electronics are trash. Everything links into one central processing unit so if there is a problem with a door lock, the car may decide not to go! I typically spend $500 on non-routine maintainence items a year. Routine maintainence adds another $400 - 600. I am starting to do more of my own service as an effort to save money and keep my Bug rolling down the highway.

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  Yellow Bugster - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Richard - February 23 - 8:50 pm

  I love my bug! It has plenty of power, is easy to drive, and handles well. I get plenty of postive comments from others when we stop. The cup holder will not allow a 12oz drink can to fit without flipping it out toward the passenger seat though.

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  Our yellow nightmare - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By themrfreeze - February 23 - 2:06 pm

  Bought this car brand new. It was okay at first, but the thing started falling apart after a few years. Numerous electrical problems, gauge cluster failure, constant problems with rear brakes seizing. Paint failed in places, and running boards underneath doors get dented easily. Stuff was coming loose and dangling underneath car. Due to its design, this car is very difficult to work on, and some parts are poorly designed due to the cars shape. We unloaded it before it hit 50k miles.

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  Love it! - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By nlinldsey - February 23 - 7:30 am

  This was my 2nd Beetle and I absolutely love this car! I recently sold mine since my family needs space. The car is very sturdy and well-built. I was impressed with how well it handled in stormy weather on the interstate. I also loved the space once the back seat folds down. It was spacious enough for my 75 pound Lab in her cage. I never experienced mechanical problems with it. My only complaint was the oil change would cost me $70 or more. This car requires Synthetic oil, which is more expensive than regular oil.

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  The Bestest Car Ever! - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Lane,D - February 20 - 5:56 pm

  My mother went and bought this car for her Birthday and we have loved every cotton-pickin minute of having it. It gets pretty good gas mileage. You would think that a small car like the Beetle-bug would be really tiny in the backseat, but it is really comfortable.It is the best car that our family has ever had. I also think it is really cool to have a car that there are only 1,400 of in the whole United States.

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  Over the Moon - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By HarvestMoon Babe - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Recently, I purchased a Harvest Moon Beige VW Beetle Convertible. I must say that I am enjoying this car tremendously. It is so much fun to drive, so much so, that sometimes I am disappointed when I reach my destination. I have not had a problem with my car thus far. The exterior looks great, the interior is "slamming" and the sound system is fantastic. I love the interior lights and the CD player. I am totally satisfied with my purchase. Indeed, when driving this car, one gets lots of stares, smiles, and thumbs up!

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  2008 New Beetle Fun To Drive - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Stanley - February 4 - 9:23 pm

  I gave my 2004 Toyota Camry to my son and I purchased a Red Beetle with a Black top. I have owned my car for two months and I just love it. I shopped around for a convertible car that is fun to drive. The New Beetle is perfect. The gas mileage is not as good but is so much more fun to drive. My husband is a large guy over six feet tall. He has enough room in this car but back seats are for small children. He was not sure about a small car but he fell in love with it too. When I was sixteen my Dad had one of the old beetles they have made alot of improvements. Great job VW. People stop me all the time and tell me how much they like my car.

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  Great fun-to-drive automobile - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Patrick - February 3 - 7:06 am

  I have been driving for more than two years and this is my favorite car. The authentic volkswagen sound, the internal computer, and the comfort level are amazing. The ECU could use some work however as it limits the revs and it changes the shifting pattern too often (due to adaptive transmission). The winter driving is ok as long as you do not give it too much gas, and you can even drop it down into 1st or second gear for better stability and torque. The flaws I do not agree with are the window motors, as they wear out quite easily. The O2 sensors go quite quickly as well, we have had the car for about 8 years and it has gone through over 14 O2 sensors. The handling is very good on turns.