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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New Vdub rush - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Rwikerson - February 27 - 2:30 pmThis is my first foreign car and now I get it. This car is quite impressive all around. I love this car. It is comfortable, enjoyable, affordable, even if the gas mileage isnt stellar. It sure beats my old 2006 PT Cruiser which was getting 17 mpg city. You cant help but smile when driving the Beetle. It sticks to the road and is very quick and I feel extremely safe in it even though it is a small car. Dont over think and criticize the back seat. It is more than enough. So the head room isnt excessive, I have had 4 door sedans that were just as bad. Enjoy the ride.
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Fun to Drive, but Unreliable - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By louvia - February 24 - 10:00 amOwning a New Beetle is a love-hate relationship. You love how it drives but hate how it keeps letting you down. Ive had endless problems with this car from the start. The transmission started leaking the first week and had to be replaced. Weve had endless brake problems due to a vacuum leak. It took Capistrano VW 4 times to diagnose it the first time it happened. Brakes have never worked well. The battery has been replaced twice. The interior is falling apart, door handles peeling, passenger sun visor wont stay up, side mirror knob broke off. Were going to replace it with something more reliable. Its a bad sign when the dealership knows you by sight.
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No more VW ANYTHING! for me!! - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Peppi - February 21 - 10:48 pmI dig my car a lot! I have had my car for about 11 years now and I never used to have ANY issues with my car. However, this will be THE LAST! Volkswagen vehicle of ANY kind for me! They used to make Beetles to where they lasted for decades, but not really anymore. I know that vehicles are machines; therefore, they are going to have some issues, but come on!! One thing after another!! When one thing breaks- here breaks something else. The air bag light came on allegedly having to do with a code, but then I needed a newer battery that I had just bought not even quite 4 years prior! I was told that little things like the air bag will come on so it will bother you to take it do the dealership to get it repaired- they will find something the matter. After so many miles that you drive, little things like the light to something will appear among other things, too. I have also learned that when you buy a vehicle, make sure that you will be able to afford the parts- VW parts are WAAAAAAY to expensive! The car is expensive enough! When I see people driving down the road with a new Beetle, I think to myself that they have no idea what they have just gotten themselves into. The interior can be of better quality and material given fact that the car is very expensive. I have also learned that if you buy a Beetle convertible, keep in mind that the convertible top may be of very poor and of cheap quality; you will most likely need to replace the convertible top eventually and they are NOT cheap. I am done- NO more for me!
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My New Beetle is simply awesome!!:) - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
By MeowlGal - February 16 - 4:43 pmI love my new car!! This is my first beetle,I used to own a Volkswagen cabriolet convertible and loved it! I traded in my Toyota truck and got my beetle..I named her "Rubi"!! What a cute and fun car. This car is in mint condition!! I am so happy I bought her!!:)
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Still turns heads.... - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By jamb - February 15 - 10:00 amWe were looking for a vheicle for my wife, we looked at vehicle that were fun to drive, sporty, economical and reliable. We drove the PT cruiser which was like a mini-van in cool clothing. We test drove the Beetle, we fell in love with it. We have only had minor problems, which our dealer has taken care of very promptly. We are a very satisfied VW customer.
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Dont Buy it!!!!! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By CC1836 - February 15 - 10:00 amDo not buy this car!!!! I have had mine for 10 days. The roof malfunctioned and cracked the side of the car. After calling one dealership who wouldnt even look at it for week, I called customer service, they found a dealer willing to look at it, but who honestly told me it wouldnt do any good because the parts wont be available until mid-may.
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Great car for your daughter in HS - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Suvacrew - February 13 - 9:56 amIm an Audi guy, had one of the first TTs and they had some issues, now drive an A8. But got my daughter the Beetle Sport 5 spd, red and loaded. Have had NO ISSUES apart from the door handles chipping. Its very similar to the TT in drive quality, if not giving up 30+ HP on the engine and feels much lighter on the road. The Sports lo-pro wheels give it a nice handling sensation and the brakes are much more manageable than in the Audis. Perfect car for a new driver in HS. Relatively cheap to insure, the wheel panels are plastic and cheap to replace (luckily have had no need to) and its a total chick car. I feel its a safe car to be in.
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New Beetle Convert - Always a Problem - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By New Beetle Convert - February 12 - 12:46 pmWhen its all working? How fun. But most of the time something is broken. Windows, Convertible top mechanism, lights. Convertible mechanical flaps. Very expensive to fix any of it. Dont buy this car for the quality.
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Displaces Mosquito as Most Annoying Bug - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Wolf S. Berg - February 10 - 10:00 amThe four sources of Beetle mega- annoyance: The non-negotiable light switch; the auto locking system that cannot be overidden for more than 15 seconds; the keyless remote that requires a flashlight to operate after sundown; the BIG ONE -impossibility of removing dust from the fly paper- surface dash and cloth upholstery. what a mess! All unimportant but a constant pain.I only have 5K miles for Cs sake.
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One Awsome VW - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By grahamj3 - February 10 - 10:00 amI bought the convertible for my wife on our anniversary. She and I love the car! It puts a smile on our faces. It is not a car for an introvert. Everyone stares and smiles as we drive by. The turbo is the way to go. My GLX has every option including the wind blocker. It is awfully quick as well. I cant go on enough about our love for this car. It holds its own and is the love of our stable which includes an Audi A6 2.7T, an Audi A4, and a Cadillac STS.
