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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Very frustrated!! Dont buy - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By fjklajdfkdl - July 28 - 10:00 am7 trips to the repair shop, with 9 problems and it only has 26,000 miles. 3 window problems, 3 dead batteries, oxygen sensor, air flow meter, rock shield on underside of car rips off when you go over speed bumps even at a slow speed. Drivers side mirror blocks your view of other vehicles, especially at 4 way stops. I love driving the vehicle, but just too many problems.
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Whats not to love? - 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Caroline - July 26 - 2:53 amZippy automatic, allows me to drive faster in traffic than perhaps I should! Mine is Candy White and it is an attention getter. Very comfortable, great sound system. In comparison with my 2008 mini seems much larger in all aspects yet side by side they appear the same size...I owned a Beetle several years ago, and this is like coming home! After the mini, I dont like the way the top closes, but I think part of that is my need to get used to it.
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Rattle Bug! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Buzzbuzz93 - July 25 - 10:00 amIve had this car in the shop three times for rattling in the interior. The hatch has been removed twice to fix it. When the car was built a screw was left in the dashboard which started to scratch against metal. After they removed the dash to fix it, they failed to hook up all the vents properly. There is still rattling in the doors, but I have given up that they will fix it. This will be my 1st and only VW. Where it that quality German engineering VW boasts about? Not in this car. Buyer beware!
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I cant stop smiling! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By lovemybug - July 19 - 10:00 amThis vehicle has incredible styling and performance! Not only is it fun to drive, but it rides like a dream--very smooth and powerful. The interior space is surprisingly roomy--probably not enough legroom for 2 large adults in the back seat for an extended trip, but just fine for getting around town. This car makes everyone smile!
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The car is cool!! - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By ldfuller - July 17 - 2:00 amIve wanted a Beetle from the first time I heard about them. I got my wish. The only problems Ive had with the car were not because of manufacturing it was because the dealership sold me a car that had been damaged and repaired. I absolutely LOVE my Beetle. Everyone should drive one. Okay not everyone, Just me the PRINCESS :D
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AWESOME - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By MELLISSA - July 11 - 10:00 amGREAT VEHICLE, I WILL BUY NOTHING BUT VW AUTOMOBILES AFTER MY RECENT ACCIDENT. THE SAFETY FEATURES ARE BEYOND AWESOME, MY NEW BEETLE SAVED MY LIFE!!!!!!
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Makes me smile - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By mobigman - July 11 - 10:00 amThis is the only car ive ever owned that just brings a smile to my face each time I drive it. Im a large person, and I REALLY APPRECIATE the interior room. I love the design and the sportiness.
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Fun Car / Not Reliable - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By m_dsdrc - July 10 - 5:06 amI love the design of the 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. Its the cutest car ever made. But it is poorly put together. What ever is made of plastic in that car is going to break. I have had to replace all the window switches in it. And now I cant use my CD player because the plastic switches on the radio have broken. My flex plate in the engine craked and had to be replaced. The actual part only cost $36 but it ended up costing me $800 after labor. So its not that the parts are expensive is the difficulty to replace things in the car. I had to also replace my alternator, air conditioner, and the window units. My fuel door will not open from the inside If they would just fix all these minor problems it would be an exellent car!
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Finally Happy - 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle
By NewMoonDaughter - July 8 - 1:30 amI started collecting cars when I was five. Parents thought I was strange as a girl who loved cars. Most of my collection consisted of Beetles. My mom had two growing up in the early 1980s. Ive wanted one all my life. Traded in a 2007 Honda Civic with no regrets! While the Civic was a great car, its simply BORING. The Beetle, her name is Phoebe, is totally for me. I cant wait to drive. It handles well in the rain, I fit a carseat with no problems in the back and my 19 month old has no problems getting out because of the way the seat lifts forward. The red dashboard lights are great and the trunk space is fine. I fit $250 worth of groceries plus an umbrella stroller with no issues.
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Worst car ever - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Beetle Driver - July 7 - 11:36 pmThis car has been in the dealership 12 times in 6 months for stupid things like spark plug wires and everytime it costs at least $400, if you want a car that is cute and reliable get a Japanese car like Honda/Toyota, steer clear of German cars, they are expensive and so is the upkeep. When you average out the costs its about $100-200 a month for repairs alone.
