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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"Beauty is the beginning of terror!" - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Chuck - August 13 - 4:30 pmI bought the most beautiful 2005 New Beetle convertible ever built. Midnight blue with beige interior. And thats the best thing I can say about the car. Nearly four years and 30,000 miles later and I can only tell you to avoid this product at all costs. If you must, lease it. Engine compartment fire, windows on the passenger side disentgrating on thir own, water pump, brakes, front struts, burned out headlights, check engine lights come on whenever they please, poor gas mileage on 93, convertible roof is moody, plastic and rubber parts fall off in the night to be found on the floor in the morning, interior peels on hot days, locks wont work on cold days, new radio, I can go on,
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New Beetle - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By rosey - August 11 - 2:00 amLots of little things go wrong with it.....power windows, hub caps fall off, signals dont work, leak in cooling system. Poor warrenty.
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Surprise! I love this car! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Diane - August 7 - 1:40 pmI bought this car a year ago when it was 2 years old-- never thought of buying a VW but was looking for a diesel & this was the only one available. Its so much bigger and more comfortable than it looks like it would be-- my sister says its nicer to ride in than my BMW 3 convertible was! And I got 47 MPG on my Christmas trip to Florida this year!!! Im buying 10 gallons of gas every 10-15 days and commuting 50 miles a day, averaging between 38 and 42 mpg (lower when the AC is on). I know the VWs have some maintenance issues, but Ive had no problems so far. Its a really enjoyable car to drive.
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Excellent, Excellent, Excellent - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By grbonzo - August 6 - 10:00 amThis is by far the best car I have ever owned(my 10th). My first German car and loving it. It has plenty of room inside for my 6 foot frame and plenty more to spare. Have never had any problems, gas milage is great. Comes with features you can only find in Cadillacs, love the design, love the comfort. Excellent car!
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fun - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By pjh - August 4 - 7:56 pmA fun and responsive ride. Handles well at all speeds. Very quiet with top up and down.
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So Fun, ill only drive it! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By boujeesmom - July 30 - 10:00 ameasy to park, fun to clean, good on gas
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I LOVE MY SLUG BUG - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By BUGABOO - July 24 - 2:00 amI LOVE THE NEW BEETLE. ITS THE FUNNEST CAR I HAVE EVER DRIVEN. WOULDNT GIVE IT UP FOR ANYTHING, UNLESS ITS A BEETLE CONVERTIBLE!!! ITS GOT A TON OF HEAD ROOM AND VERY ROOMY REAR SEAT. MY DAD IS 64" TALL AND RIDES COMFORTABLY IN THE BACK SEAT.
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The next Chevy Vega - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Tennessee - July 22 - 2:00 amWarning!!! Do not buy this car. In the first 37000 miles I have had the starter replaced, the flashers, 3 oxygen sensors and both power windows have failed, leaving the windows all the way down. Both times I was hours from home. My relationship with VW is over forever!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Peppy car with lots of repairs - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By twincitiesvwdriver - July 21 - 2:06 amI bought this car in 2002 used and at first the car was fun to drive. It has a lot of pep, gets a lot of looks, exterior styling is good. I have put on 50,000 miles since I got it and have had nothing but problems since about the first 6 months. This car has had electrical problem after electrical problem. Left me stranded on the side of the road and without a car time after time. The check engine light has not been off in 2 years even after countless very expensive trips to the dealer repair shop. Unfortunately, I think this car is so fun but I have been so burned by it I would not recommend even buying a VW to anyone.
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My Midlife Crisis Car - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By MSPT - July 18 - 5:30 amIm a big guy, and here I am celebrating my 40th with a Silver and Black VW New Beetle Convertible. Im still deeply in love with this car even five months after buying it. The semi-automatic roof is a must, but the sound system and XM radio sound great, even when the top is down. I bought this car knowing that the backseat would become my trunk, since both are so small, but since I dont have kids, its not a problem. The 6-speed with sport mode is wonderful and allows me to surprise some sports car drivers with its passing power. I plan on keeping this baby for a long-long time, and will only replace her with another like her.
