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:

• 

  Dead at 66.000 Miles! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Rick - February 8 - 8:33 pm

  I purchased my Beetle for 4 years in 2003. It was in the shop 6 times the first year! Now at 66,000 miles the engine has lost all compression. My local mechanic could not find a reason so I had it towed to the VW dealership to see if they could tell me what happened. They did not have a clue, but said the engine is definitely dead. I had the oil changed every 4000 miles. The power train warranty expired at 60,000 miles (before 2003 it was a 100,00 mile warranty. I am through with VWs! (oh yes, and I still owe money on this pile of junk)

• 

  Its AWESOME - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By LuvBug - February 3 - 10:50 pm

  This car has the same engine as the Audi A4 but performs way better than an A4 (I had driven an A4 for a while). It can go fast, and Its fun to drive. The overall handling is very good which I really didnt expect!

• 

  1999 Beetle- would buy again! - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By VW girl - February 3 - 3:56 pm

  have had this car for years, love it! just got totaled in a major hail storm, will buy it back and keep driving it! minor flaws: driver mirrors too high for shorter people (Im 54") impairs view when turning. cup holders are for change etc. or small bottles. was in moderate wreck few yrs back hit in rear 40 mph by SUV pushed into ford f250. beetle came out out great! I had very minor injuries! safe car! passing it on to my daughter today.

• 

  Some Folks Just Dont Understand - 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By CZKid - February 1 - 11:23 am

  My bride wanted a convertible, and was about to graduate with a Doctorate of Ministry at 60+. were both over 6, and we both needed a fun ride. I drove professionally for VW & Porsche in my college days while studying engineering, so I know my vehicles. If you want folks to smile when they see you, and enjoy comfort, reliability, and just plain fun while out get the convert. As a former QC puke, I can find no problems with finish nor performance. My straight laced bride goes nuts driving the car because its so much fun. So 2 cant fit in the back, so what? So it doesnt have a huge trunk.. so what? It has everything that two old folks needed and more. Try it, youll like it

• 

  Driver Found! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By BeetleGal - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with this car the first time I test drove one three years ago. I purchased my car this past May and though its been back to the shop a few times (as can be expected for a used car), Ive had no problems with it at all. My bug is very reliable and always starts, even on frigid PA mornings. The only complaint that I have about it is that I cant really do much of the mechanical work on it myself; it has to go back to the dealer. I cant wait untill Im able to afford the convertable! I will definately buy another Volkswagen!

• 

  Cant Believe I Own One... - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Maggys - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I love my convertible!!! I keep checking my garage to make sure it is still there. It is the cream color car with the beige top. My other car is an Infinite I-35 and I still drive it, but my convertible is my second-childhood car. I wanted it for months and finally got my husband to go to the dealer with me. It really drives well. The engine sounds really great and the transmission shifts smoothly. It really sounds like an expensive sports car. I cant wait to drive it tomorrow morning. It has alot of power for a 4-cyl. I am so-o-o-o lucky to own my 2004 VW Beetle. Thanks, VW!!!

• 

  Could ANYTHING else break on this car??? - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By T. - January 27 - 10:00 am

  When I purchased this car, I was under the impression that Volkswagon made reliable cars. Not the case. I have spent thousands of dollars in repairs in the last six months. I have had a new oil pan, power window mechanisms, power lockes replaced, air flow something or other, fuel injector corrected, exhaust system replaced, vanity mirrors light mechanism had to be replaced, on and on and on. Just when you think you are past the repair slump, something else happens! Now, I am dumping this car and buying a Toyota again!

• 

  Good, Solid Fun - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By xbeetle driver - January 26 - 9:43 am

  My 2001 New Beetle has proven to be reliable, stylish, and economical. I get a steady 26 mpg in my dail commute. It cruises easily above legal limits showing it was designed to run German autobahns. Great seats - no bun or back aches after a day of driving. Excellent German engineering at a rock bottom price.

• 

  So far so good - 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By JJsBeetle - January 22 - 12:20 pm

  Just picked up my beetle and love it! Quite comfortable. Fun to drive. Quiet (no squeaks or rattles). Still getting the feel for it. My commute is only 2.5 miles to and from work so still have a little time before I really give a proper review. so far- no complaints.

• 

  My Killer Bee Rocks!!!!! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Robert Rittweger - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 1.8T GLS New Beetle a couple days ago from a dealership in Dalton Georgia. I Bought the yellow concept which they only made 2000 of. The concept has the ricarro seats they put in the turbo S, yellow and black seats, yellow stiching in the seats and wheel, and yellow wheel inserts.I recentaly blew away a 2002 Boxter while it was trying to pass me, boy they looked suprised. This is a awesome car for the money and would suggest it to anyone looking for a nice car that is sweet,fast,and reliable.