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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  the anti-midlife crisis mobile - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dandune - July 18 - 2:00 am

  had bugs throughout the 60s. 2 vans, 2 bugs, and a ghia. one got chopped into a baja. then i bought an american car. ...got screwed! then i started buying japanese, reliability was amazing, but got bored. wanted a beetle when they first came out, but didnt feel the waiting lists were worth it. Well, i finally got around to buying a turbo bug... ...wow handling, pep, comfort, all first rate i like the car, and i like the way it makes me feel when i drive it. no pretense, and i live in the land of pretense.

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  Rag Top Problems - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By frantommy - July 14 - 10:00 am

  My rag top has been broken twice in one year now the dealer tells me the company does not reconize this as a major problem for this reason it might take weeks to fix,(summer is here now). Has anyone had this problem? Seems that other beetle owners have had this problem at my dealership. Does anyone know what to do?? Is this a LEMON?

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  something smells - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By t shirt man - July 4 - 2:00 am

  ive had this car over 2 1/2 years and the only major problem i have is the a/c smells horrible. they tell me for $300 they have to flush the a/c vents. this is a normal thing that happens to this car. also outside light bulbs are a little hard to c

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  VW Luv my bug - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By NancyP - July 2 - 10:00 am

  Okay, only owned it for 2 months, but what a joy to drive! Responsive in traffic- big plus. Shifting a breeze with the 5-speed. Cuter than cute! Safe, fun, performs when asked-- what more could you ask for?

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  Adore it - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By NewBeetleDriver - June 28 - 12:40 am

  I adore my New Beetle. Even though Im a male, I get compliments from my other guy friends, especially after theyve driven it. Convertible a must! The only problem Ive had was the wiring harness shorted. Fortunately, the car is still under warranty, and will be back to running soon!

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  what the helllllll - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dencee - June 12 - 11:03 pm

  Well I own the car and now seeing that it is hard as hell to get fixed the brain to the car is bad and to top it off it will not pass admissions and the airbag light is on VW boo to you these cars are full of problems.

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  luv bug - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By isabrooke - June 12 - 9:23 pm

  this is my third vw new beetle and first convertible! i absolutely love it. its also first ever automatic transmission but with the Tiptronic shifting i feel im still in control on curves~ total blast to drive as were previous new beetles. only difference is, the flower doesnt stay it the vase for long with the top down at speeds over 10mph!

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  This is a biggest lemon Ive ever seen! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Ammbs - June 12 - 2:00 am

  After owning the car for less than a year the entire engine had to be rebuilt. The car has been in the shop enough times for me to drive all almost all of the dealerships car in different colors. After owning the car for a year and a half it was in the shop for about a month. STAY AWAY FROM THIS CAR!!!

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  mb - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By mab - June 12 - 2:00 am

  What a pleasure to drive! Smooth, quiet, and very peppy. Gear ratio is great in traffic or on the highway. The ride is comfortable but I would not put anyone in the back seat for any distance. Lots of fun and perfect size for virtually every errand.

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  Big mistake - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Bluesunbug - June 10 - 9:06 pm

  Bought this car used. It was Clean on Carfax and had only 6,700 miles on it. I have only had it month and a half. It has been back for repairs 4 times. The window stopped going up and the convertible top would jam. Also, it has starting squeeking and rattling so much it drives you nuts. VW service is the worst. They take forever to get you your car back and then most times have not fixed it properly. I am fed up already thinking of bailing. I had a 99 Isuzu Amigo that ran 10x better and never a problem. I should have learned about German cars from our nightmare BMW 740i.