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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cute but problematic - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By allisong - November 13 - 10:00 amI loved my bug but now its gone due to a leak in the roof of the car. Apparently there are drains in the roof that clog easily and with nowhere to go, the water leaks into the car. The dealer and the regional manager say that drains and the need to clean them out is common knowledge. Ever hear of this? The car had numerous problems from the beginning. I went to two different dealers for service and at both locations the car came back with new problems including scratches to the interior paint, wires being switched (trunk and gas latches) and several other annoying issues. Careless and frustrating service and constant problems, my bug is gone!!
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Bugged Out - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By dbug - November 13 - 1:13 amI have owned the car for two years. I bought it with 33k miles on it and it now has 86k. The major problem I had with the car was the plastic grill. A plastic highway cone hit the front grill and broke it. $3600 dollars worth of damage! Then a week after I got the car back the compressor failed. The VW dealership who did the work claimed that one didnt affect the other but since they had to take the entire front of the car apart it seems rather suspect. They want $1700 for a new compressor. Everything on the car is plastic and either breaks or falls off. I wont be buying another VW product.
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Great so far - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Kreul - November 12 - 4:20 amWell we just bought our Bug so well have to wait and see about the reliability. I bought this car for my wife. Its her dream car and shes always wanted it so I finally did it. I was initially embarrassed to even be in the thing because it seems like such a girl car, however, I am sold thus far. This car is extremely fun to drive and it truly looks cool, especially with the top down. Im 64 and I fit wonderfully in either front seat with plenty of leg room. The back seats are tighter, thats for sure, but if youre buying the car for space in the back seat then youre looking at the wrong vehicle. I love this car!!
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The porsche of the middle class, the 2001 vw Beetle Vortex Blue Edition. - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By vortexblue2001 - November 9 - 6:26 pmPurchased this Beetle in 2006 with 216,000 thousand miles. Now has 255,000 thousand miles. When i purchased the car it needed many things like 4 coils, 4 spark plugs, all the filters,brakes, etc. Basically a a deep regular maintenance. I spend about 1,500 hundred dollars which included the parts and labor to put it up to speed, of course i did not take it to the dealership otherwise labor alone will had cost me 1,500. After that never had a problem with it. I replace the water pump and timing belt 3years ago so i have another 60,000 miles more to go. The Beetle has a ( 5- speed manual transmision) thats one of the reasons the car has lasted this long.This car is a good car if you service it.
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ILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER VOLKSWAGON AGAIN - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By joeydee - November 9 - 2:00 amTHIS IS THE MOST UNRELIABLE CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED!!!I HAVE BEEN TO THE SHOP A COUNTLESS NUMBER OF TIMES FOR EVERYTHING FROM MINOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS(POWER WINDOW REGULATORS,RADIO MALFUNCTIONS,FAULTY TAIL LAMPS) TO MAJOR ENGINE PROBLEMS(UNEXPECTED ENGINE THRUSTING DUE TO A DEFECTIVE THROTTLE BODY AND THE CAR JUST NOT STARTING- UNKNOWN CAUSE).
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Maintenance is too High! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By jt - November 5 - 10:10 pmThe car is beautiful and drives beautifully, however the cost of simple things like brake jobs is too high and it is always a battle to get "Warranty" work done. The dealership claims that simple brake pads cost me $172.00 just for the pads for the front of the car. I was quoted over $400.00 just to replace the pads for the front of the car. I think that is inappropriate for a supposed economy car. Read below as well about the two times I have been stranded.
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Sad Cute Car - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Heather Maurer - October 31 - 8:26 pmUnfortunately, I have had to bring my car in 5 times for repairs. 4 times because the automatic convertible roof wouldnt go up and 1 time because the motor in the back electric window broke. I love the look, feel and drive of this car and I am completely disgusted and greatly disappointed with the convertible top not working properly. According to the dealership, I am not using due diligence when opening the trunk when the top is down. They are indicating that the top is getting stuck in the trunk which is causing it not to go up and that it is my responsibility to make sure this doesnt happen. This sounds like a design flaw to me!
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Amazing Car - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By BeRocketMan - October 30 - 10:00 amThis is one of the most trustworthy cars Ive ever driven. The only downside is that its rather low to the ground and can cause problems on bad pavement, but you will have that with any low car. Overall this is an excellent car!
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this car is ok nothing to write home about - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By terrynikkomay - October 20 - 7:28 pmI bought this car 3 1/2 years ago and i had it repaired a few times ,like heater hose was rusted through ,then the air bag light came on due to when you move the seats it cuts the wires thats for the seat air bags happened 3xs then gas lid would not open so i disconnected it then when it snows you cant get trunk lid to shut after opening it ,shocks are bad rough ride ,car vibrates on freeway and hard to control on windy days also plastic break off easy in side like glovebox etc
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The little TDI that could - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Tim York - October 17 - 8:16 pmI have been pleased to drive my bug for over 10 years. I have never had to open the engine. I do all maintenance including timing belt and oil changes. Replaced the clutch at 249,000 and have only had to do a little work on the A/C over the years. The TDI will outlast the vehicle itself as it is a workhorse that never gives up. In my type A days I got 38 to 41 MPG and over the last 100K I am averaging 43 to 46 but coasting in gear to stoplights and shifting at 2 to 2500. Will have to replace the old girl one day, but she feels like a old comfortable pair of tennis shoes that you just cant throw away. This is the best car that I have ever owned!
