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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Happy Bug - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By kjclow - December 23 - 2:00 amThis is one of the funnest little cars to drive. It has good pep and excellent mileage. It will do about any speed but watch out for blue lights. The car is well made and has had very few problems. Fit and finish are pretty good.
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Love my New Beetle! - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Karen1963 - December 19 - 10:10 pmI wanted this car for a long time before my husband bought this one for me as a surprise Christmas gift in 2007. It is so easy to drive, and the seats are a good fit for me. I have the automatic, so the gas mileage isnt the best, but I really love the experience of driving it every day. This is the best car purchase we have ever had and I will likely own this car the rest of its life!
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A total BLAST - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Kevin Smith - December 12 - 10:00 amA great car. Its my wifes main source of transportation and we have two kids. Its working out great. We just arent SUV people. Build quaility was great. Performance is impressive.
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Constant Problems........ - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By ccinsf - December 6 - 11:10 amWow, where to begin? POTENTIAL BUYERS BEWARE!! My Beetles factory installed radio had a short in it. The dealer couldnt diagnose it properly, so Ive purchased three batteries for the car and a new old stock radio on eBay. The alternator went at 26,000 miles (out of warranty). The exhaust manifold deteriorated, catalytic converter died, spark plugs keep dying causing 3 out of 4 cylinders to work (happened twice- replaced plugs twice), and the gas cap release has been replaced twice and still does not work. Also, the interior of drivers side door is peeling behind the interior handle. The gearshift cover has fallen off (it has been re-glued twice). The speakers in my car have shorts. Last but not least, the wheels metallic paint has peeled off
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I AGREE WITH ALL OF THE ABOVE COMPLAINTS - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By SYR - November 28 - 10:00 amTHIS CAR IS A PIECE OF S... THANK GOD HAS A WARRATY COVERAGE. AS SOON AS MY WARRANTY IS UP, IM SELLING IT.
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Fun car with a few minor bugs - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By fourfish - November 28 - 10:00 amIve enjoyed this car since buying it new in 99. Door rattles were and window switches were all fixed under warranty. Had an $650 repair at 41K to replace a gas tank breather tube (engine check light was on). Overall, its a fun car.
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Great car. Fund to drive. - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By fredric - November 28 - 10:00 amI have not had any problems with this car, and mine is actually a 2000 beetle and I have 30,000 miles on it. There was one recall for a feul sensor, but they fixed this within 24 hours. The only thing that would make me change cars is hybrid technology. Great, responsible, fun car.
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Worlds greatest car - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Helga - November 28 - 10:00 amI do lots of highway driving and wanted an fun car to drive thats economical. I found the PERPECT CAR! The New Beetle TDI is fuel efficient (42 MPG highway), rides like a big car (smooth), and is a blast to drive. You wouldnt believe what I can stuff in this car too!
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My second Beetle - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By DallasDriver - November 16 - 10:00 amIm now on my second New Beetle. Ive never had any problems with the car beyond a few minor complaints like the placement of the cup holders or the fact that the texture on the interior door handles tends to wear off. Both of mine have been the GLX trim. Plently of power and a lot of fun to drive. Ive heard of people having mechanical issues with New Beetles but I have to wonder if perhaps some of it isnt abuse.
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Well Made, Fun to Drive, Reliable - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Mike2u - November 16 - 10:00 am2000 w/45k miles,2.0 motor,cloth interior,silver.Love it.Seats very comfortable.Steering&handling great.Feeling of quality.Love the curved window line.Has enough power,but just enough.Plenty of headroom.Only had minor problems. Switches for the window&the parking brake broke,the AC went out,&there was a minor electrical problem.All fixed under warranty quickly.The car comes with service&bumper to bumper coverage for 50,000 miles.I wouldnt worry about reliability.Think of how many old Volkswagens you see on the road.Even if you have some problems, what other car has this much style to offer.Ill take a few problems over driving an econo- box anyday.
