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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LOVE THIS CAR! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Halvorson - April 17 - 10:00 amWe love this car. It drives like a dream and is a real head turner.
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Very Reliable and Fun - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Barronae - April 11 - 11:40 amI have had this car now for 5 years and am just now going to get rid of it due to my growing family and needing something bigger. This car has been WONDERFUL! Ive never had to do anything other than routine maintenance!! I hate having to sell and I recommend this car to anyone!! LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!
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An Excellent CAR - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Dwest21 - April 8 - 4:03 pmI love this car. Its awesome. I feel safe in the b\Beetle. Its quiet, it comes with an enormous amount of standard features, and for about $20,000, you can get a really decent vehicle. This is my first VW, and Ive heard horrible rants about their warranty department, so hopefully everything will go smoothly, and nothing major will go wrong. Ive only had the car almost a month, and as of right now, I couldnt be happier! It has a great sound system, great air conditioner, great interior, is extremely comfortable, has beautiful new head-lights, the list goes on.
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Why I regret buying the 2005 Volkswagon New Beetle - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By javidiaz - March 30 - 9:21 amI made the huge mistake of purchasing a 2005 Volkswagon New Beetle last year. This was a used car meant to be a small retirement gift to myself, and a year later, after 4 visits to the mechanic, $2500.00 dollars in repairs and a looming transmission problem, I am now faced with having to trade this blue nightmare in for a more reliable car. Any smile I had on my face was wiped off by the pure unreliable nature of this vehicle and what this year of driving what I consider the worst vehicle ever made has been to me. I have owned Ford, Dodge, Honda, and never experienced a poorly engineered vehicle until I drove the 2005 VW New Beetle. Heed my review and stay away from these cars.
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Awesome bug! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By paw - March 29 - 2:43 amThis is an awesome car. Yes it has itsmoments, like trying to figure out the additive ratio for the diesel in the winter. Once that was done--that was all that was needed. As for being economical--well I get 550-700 miles on a tank of fuel. I have nothing else to say!
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Runs great...BUT - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By l8dybug - March 28 - 10:00 amI havent had any of the electical problems mentioned in the other reviews. My complaints are about mostly cosmetic problems. The interior door handles are peeling...Im told its from the lotion I use (?), the antennae is getting corroded, the gas cover has broken 3 times, Ive had to replace the pegs on the hatchback twice. Also the doors are causing nicks in the paint on the front fender. Irritating little things, but overall I like the car.
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Bug Time - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
By KJ - March 27 - 1:06 amI have the 5-speed, and do enjoy the cars drive and handling. 150HP is plenty in car this size, and I have no complaints about acceleration (Go Bug, Go!). The ABS braking system and anti-skid functions seem to work well. I had several opportunities to drive it in the snow this year, and it seemed to handle that challenge quite well. Though it presents some restrictions, I do appreciate the Bugs styling, as it sets it apart from other cars its size,
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Im the envy of 8 year olds =) - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By ranchboat - March 25 - 10:00 amI love, love, love this car! The kids are grown and gone and I gave the Expedition to the hubby and got a red/cream leather Turbo. I smile just looking at it. From the low price and good mileage (well, that I should get...if I didnt drive FAST everywhere..). The stereo rocks, and I love cranking the tunes, opening the sun roof and zooming along. It is solid and dependable and the 8 year olds on my street lined up for rides the day I got it. Who needs pretentious when you can have fun?
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Dont get one - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By RollTide - March 24 - 2:00 amMy VW is fun to drive howeever I am not sure I can afford to drive it... Although I did purchase an extended warranty I am out over $1000.00 in one year. Knobs fall off, lights go bad, 27 miles to the gallon, Radio Sux, Poor workmanship
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My beetle - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By A E Pearl - March 24 - 2:00 amHave always driven, and bought expensive cars. I can not say that I have as comfortable or as happy with a new car as this Beetle Conv. Bought the turbo, and love it. By the way, my wife are not light weights either.
