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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Bugbug - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Greta - April 17 - 10:00 amFun to drive, not enough power, dash too long.
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Goodbye to Volkswagen! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By VW........HATE IT! - April 17 - 10:00 amWe are nearing the end of our 3 yr lease term on a 2000 Turbo New Beetle and I couldnt be happier! This is without question the most unreliable vehicle I have owned in the last 12 years (out of 8 vehicles). I have owned 2-Chryslers, 2-Jeeps, 2-BMWs, Pontiac and now this junker...what a mistake. Problems: too many O2 sensors to count; catalytic converter; dead car (only to start mysteriously within 1 hr); gas cap cable; emergency brake cable; coolant loss (where did THIS go?); etc, etc. 2-yrs and 24K miles on the warranty...should have been a message at time of purchase: VW KNEW THIS ONE WAS A STINKER! Buy American!
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My Lemon - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By SmartyPantsGirl - April 13 - 10:00 amMy new beetle convertible was in the shop over twenty times in a six month period! The top broke a total of sixteen times, the windows stopped rolling up and down, my transmission went out at 4,000 miles, my brakes failed me while on the freeway at 6,000 miles, it puffed out all kinds of white smoke... It was a mess- do yourself a favor and save your time and money, I filed the lemon the law and got all of my momey back.
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Love this Car / Hate the Cost - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By m dahl - April 13 - 9:00 amThis car was made for me! Everything about it fits someone under 5 feet tall. I love the turbo motor, but the electrical problems have been very costly. That makes me regret this purchase. A VW rep told me they had subcontractor supply problems from 2000-2002. I could not find any info along those lines before buying the car and I certainly wish I had!
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Never buy volkswagen again - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Tina - April 11 - 4:06 amI had so many problems with my car this year alone. Anything that could have gone wrong with it it did. I had to change the whole transmission in early january, then in the summer i had to change alternator alternator belt speed sensors and connector and battery. I will never buy a used vw or any vw ever again. All my expenses were more that $3000
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excellent car - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By luke m. - April 10 - 2:00 amno problems got 50,000 mil. now what a car. Get it. No problems at all. Just small break problem but that`s my own fault for buying cheap breakes.
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Well I had enough - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By lemurees - April 7 - 10:03 pmJust got rid of my brand new(when I bought it) 2006 Auto Beetle convertible and I am relieved. Powertrainwise everything was great, but I just wanted to forewarn anyone that you will have lots of small problems. And off warranty I am sure these problems will cost $$$. Lets just say an oil change was $80-120. Over a 2 year period I added that it cost me over $400 in oil changes and PM. The dealership was a rip-off and the only reason I had the oil changed there was I ALWAYS had something to have fixed, including the conv. top not coming back up. I can go on. I traded it in with a broken headlight! Anyway I bought a new car with PM included. The beetle is nice if it is not your only!
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There are Pros and Cons! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Rumz - April 4 - 2:00 amPros: Great if you are considering the car for just two people, Nice head room and leg room. Attractive, I have had a lot of people stop by and compliment my car. Never had this experience before with other cars. Easy drive and park because of small size, Helps if you are living or commute to big cities. Decent mileage. Cons: Too little space in the back seats if you have extra riders. Cup holders (Yr 2000 model) are terribly placed. Cant fit in a medium size drink!! I have had frequent problems with engine "check" indicator turning on often. Heard of similar complaints from other owners too. Over all, a great second car for a small family!
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Sick of Dung Beetle - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By abroome - March 29 - 2:20 pmThis Beetle is the worst car I have ever owned. The cup holders, the window regulators, the air bag light, the check engine light, replaced several headlights, the convertible top, the console lock, and the transmission. These are just a few problems with the car. THe transmission will not shift and the VW dealership wants 6,000 to fix this. I will never buy another VW again. The dealerships act like nothing ever happens with these cars but everyone I talk to has these problems. Also a design flaw regarding the battery and seatbelts. Battery must be replaced by dealership. Beware!!!!! Very cute car but not reliable at all. It is a piece of crap there for a dung beetle!
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My Best VW Yet! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By David Pearson - March 23 - 1:56 pmI bought a 2001 Turbo New Beetle in October 2000 as soon as 2001 model came out and paid top dollar as there were no discounts. I have had the car almost 5 years and it has been the best new VW I have had - only 2 very minor problems with the electric locks & a dash light. Both problems were fixed right away without agrument. I have moved a few times so I have gone to 6 different dealers with a minimum of problems. The car is great, fun to drive, great looking and still gets a lot of stares. I would agree that the cup holders arent good for tall drinks but I do not use them much. The car is great in the snow as I ski and take it to Canada, the only improvement - All Wheel Drive!
