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:

• 

  watch out for roof problems - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By retailgod - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my Beetle for a little over 3 weeks and the dealership has had it for 10 of those days. There has been a problem twice with the roof not closing completely and freezing. Have had to have the motors replaced for the top. Hopefully that is the last of it. Otherwise, a real head turner and alot of fun to drive.

• 

  Luv my Convertible - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By cathiem - January 14 - 12:13 pm

  I have had the Beetle convertible for about 1 year (not driving it in the winter months). I totally love it. It is fun, reliable and has enough pep for me. I was surprised by the amount of room in the trunk, as I expected virtually nothing. Just really really pleased. I do miss a change holder, as there is no easy place to put a few dollars.

• 

  Bullet Proof!!!! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By 2000vw - January 11 - 12:08 pm

  i purchased my vw 2 years ago with 133,000 miles on it and have had no problems with it ...took it to florida on spring break doing 85 mph all the way made it from indiana on 1 tank getting 52.3 mpg love it:) its got 204,000 on it now bout time for water pump and timing belt replacement just normal wear...i love my car:)

• 

  2003 GLS Convertible is a winner! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By MNBeetleOwner - January 9 - 2:00 am

  VW has done a fantastic job with this new model! Great handling, fun to drive. The rag top roof is a feature I have waited for since the New Beetle introduction. Cant wait for the first Spring day to pull back the roof and let the sun-shine-in.

• 

  Old Faithful - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Stephen H. - January 4 - 4:49 am

  At 243K, still going strong. Needed new transmission at 230K but likely because I overuse the 5th gear at low speed to improve mileage and wore it out. My only complaint is the interior parts. Rear seat fell apart in the first week. Center console fell apart shortly after. Surprisingly rotten and cheap parts on such a worthy vehicle. Diesel needs to be treated with anti-gel for 3 months of Northeast winter and I had a pre-heater installed after the glow-plugs cooked and were too rusted in to replace. This diesel car had real trouble starting below -10F with glow plugs working and below 20F after they died so a heater really protects battery, starter and engine. Check engine light has been on for last 100k miles but that’s just something you deal with in the age of science and technology. That crap never functions right for 1/2 the life of a vehicle. Still my primary commuter as it gets 45 mpg.

• 

  New Beetle - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Casey B - January 3 - 10:00 am

  WE bought this car used with just under 20,000 miles on it.We had a hard time finding the automatic trans. ,but really tired of shifting. This is my wifes car and I dont drive it a lot,but handling and comfort are very good and it is very quiet at freeway speeds.We already replaced a window regulator and oxygen sensor under warranty no real complaints.

• 

  Buggy about my bug - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Rich Palatini - January 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Turbo New Beetle because I considered it to be a great fun drive when I test drove it. And 3 years of driving it hasnt disappointed me. The ride, power and handling continue to impress me even to this day. I love driving a rolling piece of sculpture. Especially something that looks unlike anything else on rhe road. About the only problem I encountered was a short that appeared as a warning light in the instrument cluster. It seems that 3 times in the first two years the air bag indicator light came on. Each time my dealer indicated that it was an electrical short and replaced the cluster under warranty with no charge to me.

• 

  go bug go - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By hotmomma - January 3 - 2:00 am

  kids love it ...easy to get in and out of the car.

• 

  a baby TT at an affordable price - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By amalone - December 29 - 10:00 am

  I have traded in a Corvette Z06 for a Turbo S and I am not sorry I did. Of course, I cannot compare horse power with a Corvette, but this baby TT does not disappoint anyone. With some modifications (sport springs and rear sway bar, lower profile tires and larger rims) I can compete for curves just like any sports car out there. And the different exterior does stand out in the crowd. Overall, I get a cheap car that is fully loaded and unique. Well worth the trade.

• 

  2005 Beetle Conv 1.8T Turbo - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By xcrytonx - December 28 - 2:16 am

  Very surprised at this car after we bought it. Wife wanted a cute conv with a little get up and go but what we got was one of the funnest cars we have owned with good looks and more than enough performance in the city and on the freeway.