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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  Beetle Turbo S (Spicy) :-) - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Siman - November 10 - 5:03 pm

  I just bought it today and I drove it around the city with heavy rain. The performance is top notch! Very nice interior and exterior as well. Love the whole Turbo S Package. I got the dealer came down $1K below the sticker price! :-) YIHAA!

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  No where to go - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Slugbug flu - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Problems from the start. The gas cap will not release. Battery died just after 2 years old. Dont ever jump start! A/C fan is dead. Starter dead. Brake cover fell off as did the mirrow button. Now the car has been in the shop 5 times for a over heating problem that they cant even seem to fix. The car has been a problem from the start. I have so many other things just no more room. VW hirer better engineers.

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  Think before you buy this car - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By thinkagain - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 01 Beetle GLS Turbo for the past three years, and found it unreliable car. Not to mention there have been numerous recalls which my local dealer can not fix properly, there have been many breakdowns such as 1. driver-side door hinge cracked within 2yr, 2. headlamp lightbulbs out 3. a portion of dashboard lights out 4. can not roll down passenger-side window due to major defect in window kit 5. rear breakpads wornout before 15K (I am not an aggresive driver). I strongly advise potential buyers to think before buying this car. Remember beauty is only skin-deep (some may disagree this is a beautiful car) !!

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  Beetle Cov. 1.8T 6 speed auto - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By 1carnut - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I think the 2004 Beetle Cov. has a nice ride and has good room for its size. The power top is one of the best made in any price range.The 1.8 turbo has good seam less power mated with the 6 speed auto. The a/c can handle any thing you throw at it and the wind block helps keep everything calm. The things I would change a larger pass through the trunk (cant get my golf clubs in),some kind of help reaching the seat belt in front seat (they dont stay on you shoulders very well) and can they make the door not sound like you broke it when you shut it! All in all I like most things about it and would buy it again (I have had six new Bettles).

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  Cute Car!! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Merrie8831 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  So cute with and without the top! I love it and I think I might keep it forever!

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  new beetle - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By lori - November 4 - 2:00 am

  awesome and super fun to drive. im a teenager all over again ;)

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  Best Car - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By katja - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Best car that I have ever driven...period.

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  I love this car!! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By jkghee0 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I love this car!! Its fun to drive, and the colors great! If you get this car be prepared to be stopped by a lot of interested people!

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  Exploding Windows - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By gretche - November 4 - 12:20 am

  We have enjoyed driving our New Beetle, we have been VW owners since the late 50s and our daughter still has her first car, 1971 Beetle Convertible. We will be forced to get rid of our car because the window on the drivers door has exploded twice. Our car is almost out of warantee and VW has told us that if the window explodes again, it will be our expense. We feel this is a danger but there has been no recall or service notes on it. VW of Americas answer to us is, "we are very sorry." We feel we will have to get rid of the car before one of us loses an eye. Our dealership has admitted to having several cars with similar problems, sometimes it is the passenger door.

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  Dont buy a 99 Beetle - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By kymm costa - November 2 - 10:00 am

  Stay away from the 1999 Beetle. In a span of 4 months this 3 year old car has been in the shop 9 times. The dealer told me that I am "not an exception to the rule" when it comes to this year and model. The following are the problems consistant with other model problems: window mechanisms, front seat handles, break light switch to get out of park, engine light over- sensitivity, trunk not sealing appropriately, radio/cassette replacement. I have also had issues with door handles (actually getting out of the car)and door lock mechanisms. Additionally I have had to replace the entire engine. I do not recommend this car at all. Although fun to drive, not worth the headache.