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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  Fun but Poor Car - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Sean - July 18 - 9:40 pm

  Bought the Beetle in August of 2002 with 6 miles on it. 4 days later, the climate control went out and it was 6 months before they could fix, so we were with a broken moon roof. The oil pan has busted twice and the transmission wont go directly from park to reverse, without first droppin it into 1st then going slowly back to reverse. The dealer says nothing is wrong. The driver side seat had to be replaced and cost $500. The windows go up when you want them down, and the drivers door only opens from the outside when you ask it nicely. Other than that, I love the car. But Im not sure the good cancels out all the bad.

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  Enjoyed the car! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By SilverStarC230K - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for 2 1/2 years and finally selling it. I enjoyed the car. Wasnt quite as reliable as you might expect a car under 3 yrs old, but it is a fun car to drive. I had no major mechanical issues, just minor things. I considered buying a 02 TurboS, but instead bought a 03 C230K. Will be sad to see my car go, it was a lot of fun drive. The 2.0 (2.slow) has some pep, but you would expect better gas mileage. Roomy, fun to drive, and retro styling is very cool!

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  Good points but - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By hilo2525 - June 20 - 1:00 pm

  Car is fun to drive. However, high cost to service and maintain from dealer. We are a multi-car household and there will no more VWs in our future.

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  Bug is fun, but not practical - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By mollyfied - May 21 - 10:00 am

  My husband bought me a 2001 turbo Beetle for Mothers Day. Although its been great fun, having to get out of the car and pull up the seat every day, several times a day, to let our daughter out of the back seat quickly becomes a drag -- as does the five- speed manual stick. The performance has been good, although we had repeated problems with the ignition. The car would just turn over, and then die. This happened fairly frequently, but of course, not at the dealership. They didnt repair it. Im trading it in for a VW Passat wagon.

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  2003 New Beetle Turbo - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By iatros - May 1 - 12:51 pm

  I bought our 2003 New Beetle Convertible Turbo with auto 6 speed in June 2003 for my wifes birthday. We had to go to Arlington, TX, to order one of the first to come into the USA. My wife has loved this car! The handling and comfort are great, and she loves to leave the pickemup drivers standing at the lights. We dont drive it much, but one highlight was trip from Huntsville, AL, to Ashville, NC, in October. But I worry a bit. There have been several service issues, including one coil recoil. The latest service, with 57,600 miles, was the appearance of Service Engine light. Dealer wants only $2200 to fix everything!

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  awesome car - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By babyblu766896 - May 1 - 12:16 am

  I bought a new Beetle as a gift for myself and i really love my car. Its peppy around town and gives me great mileage. I do have some gripes though (interior lighting) and automatic transmission. There are a few other gripes but they arent that serious. I do love the handling and the visibility at nighttime. Overall I love my car but i dont think i would buy one again.

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  Critical review - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By vwfan - April 21 - 10:00 am

  Have had trouble with the o2 sensor which is a recall item. It had to be replaced twice. The 40,000 mile check up cost around $500. The seats collect hair easily and are not easy to brush off. At cold temperatures, 0 degrees F Ive had trouble with the car not wanting to start, when this happens the airbag light and check engine light come on and have to be taken in to get reset.

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  You Pay for the performance of a VW - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By jay - April 6 - 7:23 am

  Bought it used with 40K miles. Have used it for commuting and drive it hard over two mountains every day. The speed, handling and torque is outstanding. Use V or Z rated tires for better handling. Great in snow! I average 36mpg with an automatic driving hard. Body still looks new. Needs extended sun visors!!! Now the negatives....from 92K to 135K was about $4K in maintainence-- exhaust;cat. converter; axle boots; plus the ENIGINE LIGHT at least 2 time per year at a cost of 3-400 each time! Now faced at 145K whether to keep to dump as I can still pass everyone on the road and go uphills at incredible speed and confidence. Plus--an incredible stereo and safety features for a 10 yr car

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  2001 VW Beetle GLS TDI - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Green Bean - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Great little car. Gas mileage is unbelievable! 45+ MPG!

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  Little Things Get Expensive - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By heartstrings - March 28 - 11:13 am

  The 2000 Beetle is faster than you might think. It is excellent in busy traffic. The Visibility out of the windows is also excellent. This is the car I prefer to drive in large cities. The downside is its little plastic parts break and fixing it is expensive. Both of the window motors have broken, the gas cap release cable broke, the gas cap release button broke, etc. If you want a car that is fun to look at and drive this is a great choice. However, be prepared to fix little stupid plastic parts.