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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Too many repairs! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By lvnlyf - July 4 - 12:56 amIm upset about the repairs Ive had to have done. First the door handle, then the windows, then the convertible top, then another window. The list goes on. The interior is not impressive either. The door handles plastic coating wore through. The cigarette lighter pop out (I dont smoke) wont shut properly. They said they just glue them shut (!). It looks great from afar, but the quality isnt there. But what really makes me mad is the $$ it has cost me to repair all the stuff. Dont buy one! No matter how fun it is to drive or how cute it looks with the top down, you might be looking at a lemon.
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Fun the Second Time Around - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By steven kadsand - June 28 - 2:20 pmThis is the second Beetle that my wife and I have owned and we enjoy the fun and preformance that it offers. The 2.5L engine has as much punch as the 1.8 turbo that we had the first time around did without the turbo lag.
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My poor Beetle - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Brian - June 27 - 11:46 amI bought my TDI brand new back in 1998. loved the car but boy it did not take long to start sinking shop time and money into it. from headlights to window motors, to dash lights. I have had this car to the shop so many times they told me that all these beetles were doing the same thing. I have done a mass air flow sensor, I sill have the engine light on. timing belt and by the way its like 1100.00 for that at the VW dealership. they have to change all the parts on the front of the motor so they will stand behind there work. 2 cd players 2nd one is still not working. I paid 17,500.00 for this car and prob will have 8,000.00 in repairs soon. great idea for a car but a money pit......
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Junk Mobile - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Dont buy VW - June 24 - 11:20 pmIve had nothing but problems since the day I bought this car. I had to eplace the battery three times. It gets 17mpg - which makes it a gas guzzler. The fuses actually burst into flames in the engine! My car always jerks when I take my foot of the gas. Every time I need to get the car serviced, I have to take to the dealer because they have the special tool needed to fix it. Garage mechanics wont touch the Bug, its a waste of time to them, and they lose money from it. Im waiting for the day the engine falls out of the car! I will never buy another VW again.
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Happy Fat Man - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Chanman - June 23 - 2:00 amOur Beetle is a 2003 Convertible GLS with leather and a six-speed automatic. This past Fall my wife and I took our 2003 Beetle Convertible on an 18 day, 5000 mile excursion to Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon and most points in between. We packed a weeks change of clothes for warm and cool weather, plus a cooler packed with drinks, food, and cameras, ect. NO PROBLEM!! I am a big, big man, pushing 400lbs. Yet we were both very comfortable and the car performed without flaw. Let me tell you...there is nothing like the Rockies in a rag-top!!
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A Slice of Heaven in every Ride - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Ireland3 - June 22 - 9:50 pmI purchased the yellow SE in July and have been driving it everyday just smiling. The handling is great,and the seats are comfortable. I just love all the fun it is to simply go anywhere now in my new "Sunflower Yellow" bug. Gets tons of compliments and fits in the smallest spots. I updated mine with "daisy" steering wheel covers, flower vase, license plate, and seat covers for an even cuter look.
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Never Again - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By AmigaMan - June 18 - 10:00 amThis is the most unreliable car I have ever owned! If it could go bad or break it has. I first bought a 1998 New Beetle because of the looks, it had so many problems I got rid of it within one year. I figured that by the 2000 year models, they would have the bugs worked out, WRONG. Same problems as the 1998 model plus some. I cant believe it, what a piece of junk. It is so unreliable I will not let my wife drive it, I am afraid she would get stuck out somewhere. The dealer and VW of America are NO help. Never, Never again, no more V.W.s for me!!
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good looking poorly built - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By hodad - June 18 - 10:00 amThe car breaks down incredilby easily. My starter failed as did my airbags.
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Most recognized shape in the world! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Bug Me - June 16 - 10:00 amMy 2001 Beetle TDI has 47K & not one single problem solid car! My Beetle is Cool White; loaded, with gray leather & every option I could order. I had the rims chrome plated; it has the Monsoon Sound system and WOW, talk about LOUD & clear! (It will blow you away) Very fun to drive handles extremely well & always gets attention from all ages. I cant go anywhere without having people approach me about the car. On the road I get the thumbs up, the peace sign, (better than the finger) people wave and kids jump up and down. A continuous 4751 mpg. I commute daily 120mi round trip I figured with the fuel savings the car will pay for its self in 10 years.
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Low Quality but cute - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Ed Rooney - June 15 - 1:33 pmWe purchased a 2008 "S" with automatic about 3 months ago for my wife, with the intent of passing it on to our daughter next year. I was reluctant to purchase this car based on customer reviews of previous model years. I should have listened, because this piece of junk has been in the shop 4 times to fix various squeaks and rattles and we havent even had the first oil change yet. So far gas mileage has been in the 22-24 mpg range, mostly suburban driving. While its within the EPA estimates, its still low for a car this small. Did I mention that it requires synthetic oil and a filter not carried at any quick lube establishments?
