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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  My wife loves it but I dont - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Different Opinions - December 1 - 1:36 pm

  My wife is totally happy with the car. It is a reincarnate of her 69 convertible. I find the gas mileage to be low (only 22 mpg AFTER they fixed the transmission. It was way lower) and lots of quality control issues; they left the suspension blocking in when they prepped the car, there was no heat when stopped at stop lights due to improperly filled radiator (my wife that this was normal for a Beetle), the roof boot does not snap into place, the transmission shift computer failed, and if you look at the paint wrong, it scratches. It is powerful and comfortable, and does have a distinctive style. My wife loves the car. The 10K checkup is Monday and that will be $300 for an oil change!

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  Rough around the edges but never one to let me down :) - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By koypond - November 30 - 6:44 pm

  Bought this car to go back and fourth to university with. Its a pretty good little car for one person if you ask me, it drives smooth and is easy to maneuver. the interior is a bit vexing, but easy to accept given the lovable exterior :) would never wanna sell it! its become my partner in crime.

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  Yet another lemon New Beetle - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By onclewillie - November 27 - 1:36 pm

  The worst VW I have ever owned. Hideous number of electrical problems with multiple trips to the dealer for air bags, engine indicator lights, turn signals and so on. Transmission died a few miles from expiration. I actually pulled to the side of the road, called the dealer on my cellular phone and reported the problem and gave them the mileage a told them the problem occurred UNDER warranty. The timing belt broke, roughly a 300 buck fix, but it took out all but 2 valves. Cost over 3,000 to put back on the road and then more problems with the exhaust and gaskets. Now the turbo makes a funny, and not ha-ha, noise and I am looking at my fourth set of tires. Will never own another VW.

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  Volkswagn Turbo S Review - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Claire Henrichs - November 27 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely awesome car! Fun to drive. Super fast pickup and excellent performance.

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  Not too many bugs in this bug - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By phoebelyn - November 23 - 3:13 pm

  Overall a good car. Have had 2 occasions that it needed towing - mostly electrical problems. Handles well in rain and snow (Buffalo type!).

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  Turbo Diesel has been great - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Al - November 17 - 5:13 pm

  Ive now had my turbo diesel bug for 3 years. Great commuter car. Very roomy 4 a small car. Lots of headroom. The gas mileage is outstanding (40 -45 MPG) and the car is fun to drive. Downside is key system is expensive to replace, & the engine immobilizer is tied to the battery, which has left me stranded when I replaced the battery earlier this year w/o knowing the secret of doing it. The reliance on electronics has been a minor annoyance, with the entire dash going out (under warranty) once.If you are looking for a fun car to commute with, this is probably it. No repairs needed on it between 16k & 50k. Dont buy it for short trip use. Needs 5 miles to warm up. I commute 15 miles each way.

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  Not worth it in the long run - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Dont get excited - November 17 - 1:23 pm

  A car is supposed to be a reliable transportartion and reliable it is not. Too many trips to the service department, too many recalls, too many service lights coming on worrying me about even more problems. I see likewise frustrated people at the service counter everytime I come in. Im charged an arm and a leg every time, without a guarantee that the fix will work. A 10 year old KIA has had no problems. I got too excited about aesthetics of it. But the features dont work and have to be repeatedly fixed. If only I read more reviews of long-term owners. Never another VW again. They are nice when on the dealer lot, but in reality too much trouble.

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  if only i had known..... - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By jocko - November 15 - 8:43 pm

  i bought the car with 7k miles...it now has a shade over 15k build quality is very poor...glove box door hinge came loose without any trauma..power window switch broke and cruise control went out. lower engine cover panel came loose after 6 months of driving, just replaced a faulty brake light switch now the solenoid that controls the gas cap door needs replacing....this car is truly a piece of crap....

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  Mixed Bag - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By TurboS04 - November 14 - 5:20 am

  This car is used for work purposes, and is covered in advertising. While I was nervous to purchase based on review it has turned out to be an okay car. Ive had issues with airbag and check engine lights but there is a ton of information on the internet to help out with those issues. The car is fast and fun to drive, and has a lot of nice features for the cost. Luckily, knock on wood, my issues have been small and hoping for a few more years of reliability.

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  Pain in the back - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By tac724 - November 14 - 12:56 am

  I have had more trouble with this car than I care to admit. I got more frustrated because I like the way the car drives but I have had to replace so many parts in this car from an oxygen sensor 3 times to the turbo engine at 40,000. That is ridiculous! The dealerships want to rake the consumer over the coals in price of repair!