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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  Overall, A Good Little Car - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By punch_bug1020103 - February 1 - 2:06 pm

  At first glance, I thought this car was cute, but would not perform well. I then proceeded to test drive it. There I got my first taste of its "spunkiness". Its acceleration is a little slow, but it is adequate. The interior is very well designed, except for the cup holders locations. I think the indigo glowing gauges are cute. The room from the front seats is quite bigger than one might think. However the rear seats are cramped. Mechanically, this car is designed well. I personally love the transmission, and its gear ratios. I find that the ratios come in handy on hills when the car doesnt roll back for an automatic. Overall, I think that this car is great; it turns heads.

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  Got a Smoking Hot Deal!! - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By karinalynne - January 31 - 8:12 am

  I bought this car less than a month ago, the second day I drove it, it stalled out at an intersection and I had to have it towed back to the dealership (burnt a coil and blew a fuse). Within a week later, the same thing happened again and again. Finally had to take it to a mechanic, said all 5 coils and spark plugs needed to be replaced. A week after that, I decided to just trade it in for something more reliable. On the way to the dealership, it stalled, started smoking and then caught on fire. It is now totaled and it is the worst car I have ever purchased. Save your time, its a cute car, but its NOT worth it.

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  A Continuance - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By lynnurd - January 29 - 12:30 am

  Less than a year after my powertrain warranty expired, my OBD II inspection failed. Apparently my second intake air flow is screwed up (dealer said itll cost ~$500 to fix). To top it all off three days later, my blinkers went out. Its not the fuses, I can tell you that much. I am not going to get my money back on this car. Im only driving it until I can afford another car - which will be a few years. VWs stink.

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  Love It for Style and Safety - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By NLH - January 28 - 10:06 am

  While other people are choosing BMWs, my husband and I decided it was time for some fun. We are thrilled with our VW purchase. My 62" husband is plenty comfortable on short and long rides. The front seating is styled so you do not feel like you are in a compact car. When you put down the top, people cant stop smiling at you. The world is your friend. Now the key - it is much tougher than it looks. I was in an accident where the Beetle got hit from the back while at a stop, by a Bonneville traveling at 40 mph. The Bonneville was totalled. My VW and I drove away with less than $3,000 damage and no injuries. The police could not believe it. This is one sturdy car!

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  A lemon in the making??? - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By RyanS - January 24 - 10:00 am

  After the long wait for the Convertible Bug. You would think that they could get the top right! I mean afterall the car is approaching 30K and yes its a BUG! I purchased this car in April 03. Since then the car has been in for service 4 times. From the top jamming/breaking, to the Transmition and tiptronic failing. THis car has been a nightmare. VW service and parts is a total disaster. They dont even carry as much as a cigarette lighter that isnt on back order. It was so exciting to get this car only to be a great disappointment. you might spend more time with a service rental.. then your own vehicle.

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  Dont buy me because I suck - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By hatesthebug - January 17 - 10:00 am

  From this experience I will never buy another Volkswagen again, and thats sad because I own 3 older ones. Starting from the broken CD on through the broken sunroof, just about anything mechanical that can fall apart did. We have had our Beetle into the dealer 5 times for various issues which included a recalled oxygen sensor to sputtering performance. And ironically, everytime we took it in our moron mechanics failed to report it. I will never buy a car from Continental of Joplin again, and Volkswagen has lost my familys business forever for shoddy workmanship and terrible dealer service. I rate this car the worst ever purchased.

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  Better than expected - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By wingate - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car at the insistance of my wife who spent her teen aged years in a VW bug. I expected a crampled interior and poor performance but was plesantly surprised. Get the turbo!..just dont look under the hood...this car can only be serviced by a VW electronic engineer!

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  mixed - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By knothead - January 3 - 10:00 am

  In two years and 15000 miles the following problems: 1. gas cap remote did not work at time of delivery; 2.drivers side door grip flaked off; 3. drivers side window control died; 4. mass air sensor went out.

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  Back to the future - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By LionJR - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Highly reliable, efficient, fun to drive transportation. It is very adaptable to carrying people, pets, and lots of tailgating stuff. Gets more looks than my neighbors BMW. Great gas mileage. A good car to run around town or travel distances. Finding good tires has been the only challenge.

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  buy it - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By JBo - December 31 - 6:13 am

  Awesome car! Fuel economy is a plus, although the potential to have fun and drive this car aggressively doesnt help fuel economy. I dont miss my Audi A6 quattro one bit. In the first month I drove from Durham NC to Florida for the hoidays and felt safe sailing along I95 with big rigs, SUVs and countless bad drivers. I got waves, smiles and only stopped for diesel once on the way down - about 500 miles into the trip. I wouldnt want to sit in the back seat for too long, but I had plenty of room for all my xmas presents on the way home!! Go for it, you know you want one!