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 it so far! - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Dangercart82 - March 23 - 9:06 am

  Just got my 1999- cyber green- 2.0 -5 speed with 82k miles. So far I love it! For a 10 year old car it looks outstanding, (Cyber green faded slightly but that is to be expected) It had one previous owner and was well maintained. I had to replace the timing belt right away because it had never been done and the motor for the window/lock on the drivers side was dead (also to be expected.) The ABS light is always on, not sure if thats a big deal or not yet the brakes seem to work fine. Other than all that she is perfect :)

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  My Blue Bug - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By DustyJones - March 22 - 10:00 am

  A lot of bang for the buck. I am a 6 foot, 240 lb male and have to say that the bug is the most comfortable and roomy car in its class. Theres plenty of head and leg room up front. This is the most enjoyable aspect of my experience thus far, but dont think for a minute that it ends there. The car has been extremely reliable and Ive found it quite a blast to drive. The 5 speed manual transmission has plenty of pep and is quite comfortable cruising at 90mph.

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  I Love my TDI - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Markusbarkus - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I went back to school and needed a more economical car, so I traded my 2000 323i sport/premium for a 2002 Platnum Grey New Beetle GLS TDI. I love to low end grunt in the city. I am shocked with the amazing fule mileage. With the BMW I had to fill up every 6 days or so, with the VW I fill up about every 3 weeks. I just had it chipped with no degredation of mileage and GOBS of Torque!

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  Dont buy a car because of its color - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Araxie - March 7 - 9:50 pm

  I saw the VW New Beetle one day in the the Harvest Moon Beige color and thought it was so cute that I had to get one. The car was purchased in early Sept., when the temperatures dropped below 34 degrees, it wouldnt start and would go in auto theft mode. The first of three months of ownership were a nightmare. The instrument cluster was replaced after the service dept. believed my story about the temp drop being the factor (after being towed there 3 times). A tail light burned out within four months of ownership. The dash board squeaks, moans and groans like it is going to fall off. There is a horrible blind spot when trying to merge into traffic with the top up. I wouldnt recommend this car.

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  NOT CUTE! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bruintoo - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Really a fun car to drive. The turbo engine makes a difference when compared to the normally aspirated engine. The 6- speed tiptronic shifts imperceptively. The body is rigid with nary a cowl share or twisting. The 10 speaker monsoon powered system is strong. The backseats are narrow but still usable. The same goes for the trunk. Its such a wonderful care that you almost want to forget that its too cute.

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  Cute, but Not Worth It - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Scarlet - February 28 - 11:46 am

  My car is adorable and I love the way it looks. Unfortunately, Ive had quite a few problems with it. The O2 sensor has gone 4 times in 3 years, the electric window motor has broken twice causing the window to not roll up, the button that opens the gas tank from inside broke making it unable to get gas (and I was on E), and now I am taking it in as we speak to replace the catalytic converter. Also, the cup holders obviously stink and I agree with a review I read that said the grill is too low to the ground. Mine ripped off from a parking space. Also, it is HORRIBLE in the snow. Ive spun out twice. It doesnt have great pick up either. Such a cute car should not cause so much stress!

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  VW NEW Beetle 2002 - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Tina Bonham - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive. So far its been very dependable, no problems with mechanics or other. Easy to drive. The drive of this car is very comfortable and solid. It is not noisy in the interior when driving on the highway. I have enjoyed this vehicle. I will have it forever, probably~ its a classic!

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  Love to drive - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ladyatfals - February 27 - 12:56 am

  From the moment I got the car it was a lifestyle change. People were just friendlier-smiling, waving, driving up and commenting "I love your car." It is as fun to drive in the winter as it is in the summer.

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  disposable car - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ruizd - February 26 - 2:10 am

  I bought a 2003 convertible beetle with 60k. one week after driving it i notice a hard shift, a few days after an oil leak was noticed. I took it a Volkswagen dealer and they did a diagnostic and confirmed what I told them, suggested that I do a transmission fluid check and it could fix the problem I said BS. I had read all the complaints about this car and my mechanic also told me that I should have never bought it, he pointed out the the transmission could not be serviced and all of the hoses are made of plastic that with heat they become brittle and break.. so I took my loss and bought a Honda accord. dont buy this car is disposable. I would never buy a volkswagen again..

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  Love/Hate Relationship - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Sarah - February 24 - 1:03 pm

  I bought this car just 3 months ago and the love of the car died very quickly. 2 weeks after having the car the check engine light came on and it needed a thermostat and temperature sensor ($600), then a few weeks after that the oil light comes on, cant figure out why, now 3 months later the moon roof has decided to pop up and down all on its own, its creepy, I have just gotten to the point that I laugh at the car when one of the lights comes on. I love the look of the car and its fun to drive, people wave at you and smile when they see you but Volkswagen did a horrible job at making this vehicle and really makes German engineering look bad. I will never buy another Volkswagen product again