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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  Run... dont walk and find another car!! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By doodlebughi - October 16 - 5:06 pm

  I bought my turbo conv. beetle used in 08 with 39000 miles on it. I starting having problems with the drivers side window not going down within the first year and it just escalated from there. I have since replaced 3 of the 4 windows to the tune of $800 a PIECE! I have just now reached 70k miles and my transmission is shot. It appears this is a very common problem and VW refueses to deal with it or make good on it. I now have over 5k in repairs into this vehicle that is not worth much and my mechanic is saying another 5800k to get it going again. I have loved the look of my car and how fun it is to drive.....BUT, I will Never ever by another VW. what a money pit!!

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  Stuff - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By kittykim727890 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  THe car is perfect for me.

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  Something you feel great to pay - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By happy buyer - October 11 - 11:16 pm

  I bougt this car as a gift to my wife. Before that we consider Toyota Echo, Collora, Scion, etc. Beetle costs several thousands more than comparison but it really worths the money. My wife is so delighted with her new car. Everything is perfect. Style is great, the function is responsive, plus a build-in mp3 player. Do not know of anything else to add to it.

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  My Love Bug! - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By funnymermaid - October 9 - 11:19 am

  Ive got around 80,000 miles on it. I bought it approx 5 yrs ago, when it had 50,000 miles, from my elderly Mom. Weve both took great care of it, kept it maintained. Ive had very few problems, just regular normal problems. Ive just now had to replace the AC compressor due to small leak, only $400! I still love, love, love my Bug!

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  Just awesome!! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Jack - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Just awesome dude. The best car I ever own.

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  What Fun! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bbg - September 26 - 1:03 pm

  I am having a wonderful time driving this car! It handles beautifully and brings an element of fun to my dull, everyday driving. Just put the top down and go! Even strangers make comments about how great looking the car is. It has a zip to its acceleration. We have had four of us ride comfortably, and the trunk has room, more than you would expect (15 plastic grocery bags worth of room!). Its gas mileage is excellent, and I dont cry when I fill up at $3.00 a gallon. The roof has not had one drip or leak even in the heavy rain. This car has surprised me with its many small touches of thoughtful design (e.g. the cupholder that moves right to accommodate a large size bottle). A+ choice!

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  Buy a Different VW - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By VeeDub_Gal - September 25 - 1:16 pm

  I bought the New Beetle to get away from sedans for a while as I had a 01 Taurus (big mistake) and an 03 Camry previously. The Beetle was all a sedan wasnt (unfortunately that also included being practical, easy to drive, and roomy). I kept my Beetle for six months and have since seen the error of my ways and bought an 06 Passat (which I highly recommend).

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  *Sigh* - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By peqy - September 17 - 5:56 pm

  I am a 17.5 year old male, who has been driving this car since I turned 16. I started driving it and really liked the ride. It was very smooth. The insides of the doors were peeling when I got it and continued to peel as I owned it for the next year and a half. I didnt like the looks that I got while driving it, most likely because I am a man. The cupholders are ridiculously placed, and the rubber things come out so the cups dont stay, when they actually fit under the clearance. I had to replace the brake light switch twice because it failed and wouldnt let me take it out of park. I was late to work twice. Also, a belt wore out towards the end. Overall this is a decent first car, but I am never buying another Beetle and probably not a VW either.

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  4 years of HELL - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By gallagherx - September 17 - 10:00 am

  This car has subjected me to numerous problems over the past four years (excluding the horrendous problems posed by the dealership!). The passenger side window falling into the door driving across Canada! The headlights have burnt out numerous times and the cost of repair is outrageous.

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  Piece of Junk!! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Karen Cole - September 14 - 2:40 am

  Lemon!Threw a rod yesterday Always kept up with oilchanges. From the day we bought this car NEW we have had trouble with it ranging from front axles,water pump,seat belt sensors, transmission sensors, etc. Have been towed 4 times. Thousands spent on repairs.Now we have o replace the motor. Call customer care all they ever give is a canned answer Sorry you feel that way. They dont care about their consumers. Their no corrosion warranty means nothing unless it actually rust through. That makes no sense!!!