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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  Sadly Disappointed - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Curie - March 23 - 9:26 am

  Having driven a classic Beetle as a teenager, this car was a major disappointment. Three months after buying the car, the fuel pump relay died leaving me stranded at 10:00 pm. Three years after buying the car, I traded it in for a 2010 Honda Fit. The lights and radio wouldnt work when it was cold. The heater wouldnt work when the car was idling. The drivers headlight had to be replaced due to "faulty wiring". Upon acceleration or deceleration, the car would often hesitate. After a snow storm, snow would often get trapped in the wheel well causing the car to shake at speeds above 40 mph. Living in Nebraska, its important to have a reliable car.

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  Poor Milage - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Jeff - March 19 - 4:20 am

  I was told when I bought this car it would get 42/52 MPG because it is a deisel I have never even gotten 40 MPG ever! I felt ripped off! by the Dealer! They told me to write to VW, even though the salesman told me and repeatedly told me about the high MPG the best Ive ever gotten is 35 MPG city and highway, which isnt bad, but its not 42 or even 52 as promised by the salesman! I will never buy another car from this DEALER ever again! I feel ripped off every time I fill up.

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  I like it, but would not buy one again - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By jnjhoughtailing - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I just bought the car about a year ago, I hav ehad problems with the door, it wouldnt open. The windows latch is going to break off. The radio goes up and down without me touching it and I had to get all new brakes and rotators on all four sides. And some times I cant get the latch to work for the trunck or the gas tank. I love my car, but I would not buy another.

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  Peoples Car?? Not this one. - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Virginia&George - March 15 - 3:56 am

  Yes you change oil every 5000 miles, but you have to go to the dealer and buy SPECIAL VW oil?? To do any basic maintenance you need a degree in mechanics?! Even then, you may not be able to reach the fitting or part that you want to service because it is so cramped and difficult. Now after 3 years we have problems: (a) difficulty in starting cold engine in the morning, (b) things fall apart inside the cabin (ashtray, window controls, hand-brake knob, etc.), (c) when you start engine lots of white smoke is delivered by exhaust pipe.

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  Not happy - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Beth P. - March 13 - 6:40 am

  Have owned this vehicle less than 3 years and I have had to have the drivers side headlight replaced twice. The driverside exterior mirror just cracked down the middle for no reason. I have had trouble with the power windows. Have spoken with other owners and their having the same electrical problems. I am not impressed with this vehicle. Planning on trading it in on something more reliable.

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  Fun car with personality - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ptuchinda - March 11 - 1:23 pm

  If you want personality and style this is the car for you.

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  Love my Beetle! - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Laurie - March 9 - 6:33 pm

  I went from a 2003 Grand Am GT to the new Beetle and I am extremely happy with my decision. This car is extremely fun to drive, it has quite a zip to it! It is nice and roomy inside, everyone who has taken a ride with me cant believe they are in a Beetle because of how roomy it is. I have over 200 miles on it and still have a half a tank of gas! The controls in the car are very easy to use and i love the built in MP3 jack. The cup holder location is a little awkward, but nothing that would have changed my decision about the car. If you are looking for a quick, fun to drive car, look no further!

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  Its a winner - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bgkelly - March 9 - 5:10 am

  Our 2006 Beetle convertible has been a pleasure to own. The comfort is excellent (Im 62"), the handling is right on, the engine (2.5L 5 cyl) is very responsive and the transmission seems very smart (6 speed auto). The convertible top fits like a glove and is easy to operate. The car is a blast to drive with the top down. The subtle exterior styling changes for the 2006 are perfect and really set it apart from the older models. I wish my wife would let me drive it more.

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  I Love My Bug.... : ) - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Jenny - March 4 - 9:46 am

  Hello. I am the PROUD owner of a 2006 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. I ADORE my new ride. The Aquarius Blue is such a GORGEOUS color. Every time I am driving my little " Bug " someone compliments on how much they like it...and how cute it is : ). Going "Topless" is so much fun... hehe : ). Indeed this car is one FUN ride!

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  worst car i ever bought - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Megan - March 2 - 9:26 pm

  I first got the car it ran fine until 40k and 4 years later. The red engine light went on and i took to dealership where they said needs a new motor. That $3,000 next after that the red coolant light came on and that was a new water pump, thermostat, fans, thats another 1000. It is one big pile. my advice is to shoot it that would make it the best car i have ever owned.