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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  Breaks down every other month - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Jessica - December 27 - 4:34 am

  Ive never experienced so many problems with a car before. The engine coils break every 4 months as well as the spark plugs. Ive gotten the battery replaced multiple times in the past 3 years. The interior cloth and leather seats are falling apart so easily. The radiator and water pump had to be replaced. I feel like ive replaced and have fixed everything in this car and yet i still have problems with it. Reading all the other reviews im starting to think maybe i just got a bad one or the owner before me didnt do crap to maintain it!!! its a shame though because it really is a unique and fun looking car to drive.

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  Last of the Breed - 2010 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By swarfer - December 24 - 11:56 am

  Top down motoring the way it was meant to be. An older design, the execution, detailing and features easily exceed the Fords Ive recently owned. Its been almost 40 years since I had a convertible, and it was worth the wait. Forget the pundits, they probably dont have the guts to go top down anyway. Yeah, yeah, you can go techno, aero or battery, but youll loose your auto soul in the process.

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  Seriously in love - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By arlene - December 23 - 10:00 am

  It was love at first sight. I bought this Harvest Moon VW covertible with beige leather seats that heat up for prolonges weather changes/ convertible riding. It gets alot of positive attention on the road. feels safe at 80 miles per hour. only downside is rear visabilty. But I highly reccomend it.

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  Fun, but not worth it - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By James - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, but cheaply made. Interior isnt thought out well, and is almost funny in its badness. Interior peels off, switches and knobs break very easy, and forget about getting a drink and planning to fit it in the cupholder.

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  The best car ever - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Shari - December 15 - 7:20 am

  This is the best car ever. All my friends love it. It is easy to drive, and a smooth ride. The interior is spacious, and you dont feel cramped at all. It was the best buy I made. When my Beetle is done with, I am definitely going to buy another one.

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  Too much fun! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Ann - December 13 - 5:46 pm

  I have to admit it...this is a fun car. The turbo gives it a lot of pick up, especially when youre merging into traffic. You cant help but feel young and happy when driving it. It sure does beat my mini-van!

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  VW - look what you made me go through - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By E - December 11 - 10:06 pm

  Bought this one brand new, first week the wiper blade motor failed on a rainy night on fwy 101. 13 warranties were done on first two years of ownership. For the past 4 years, I had 20 visits to the dealership including oil change, recall, warranties so I am always there every 3 months. I had an oil change done on the 50k mileage and took it back to the dealer when i found oil leaks. They changed the drain plug but after 2 days I need to bring it back to the dealer for more oil leak. Brought it in the morning, then they cant find the source of the oil leak I was told to leave it overnight. Spent so much money for regular maintenance all done through dealers. So unfair, VW. Youre so unfair.

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  Can one car be this fun? - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By BillyT - December 6 - 10:00 am

  This has been my favorite car ever. The retro stylings of the VW were my first attraction, then being the ragtop, and lets not forget the gas milage! Its a say something car with practicality in mind. I am a tall guy and was concerned about comfort, not a worry, believe it or not its quite roomy! (I wouldnt put a tall person in the back seat for any lengthy amount of time, as the back seat area is limited) It comes with a lot of standard features, a definite plus! If you like to get noticed, this is the car for you! What kid didnt dream of owning an orange bug? LOL! PUNCH BUG! "ouch"

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  Dont Fall Under The Cute Spell! - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By harvestmoon - December 4 - 8:40 pm

  Fell in love with the cars look and would be a happy camper if it werent for all of the little hiccups the car had. I owned this car for 6 months. In those 6 months the top stopped working, the door locks and the cd player malfunctioned, the inside started rattling and squeaking, and the gas gauge broke. This was a 2007 NBC! If you are thinking about buying this car, please keep looking. Maybe a mini? Believe me when I say HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT! If you already own one...good luck!

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  VW is great to me! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By I LUV VW! - December 3 - 11:43 pm

  I bought it used but the previous owner only had a slight problem with the moonroof. Ive put tons of miles on it and very few problems. Something got in catalytic converter, and a radiator support thing snapped when I hit a 35 degree angle at 40 and bottomed out suspension. Great reliable car! Never fails to start (if you dont run down battery), very fun to drive, doesnt burn oil, sturdy trans! Great car!