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:

• 

  What a lemon - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Valerie - February 24 - 5:00 am

  As cute as this car is, I cant explain how horrible the last 11 months have been with it. With my two previous cars we had zero problems, I suppose I made up for all that time with my Beetle. Thankfully, there have been no major mechanical problems. However, random reflectors have just fallen off, and if Im lucky, both turn signals work. The seats could be more comfortable, and its difficult to adjust the angle with the round "knobs." I dont drive much at all and I fill up two times a week. My car gets terrible gas mileage. Ill be selling the car before its a year old.

• 

  I love this car! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Ron Bruce - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I just sold my Audi 4000S which I had for 19 years. I was nervous about getting this New Beetle, but I took the plunge. Three months and 5,300 miles later, I am so delighted with it. Even though it has plenty of power, people do not expect it to be a hill climber or a speeder, and so I think it is cut some slack surveillance-wise.

• 

  Mellow yellow - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Missy - February 17 - 4:49 am

  I love my bug, I have one constant problem the head liner pops out from the back window every time I put the top down .Has been to the shop numerous times

• 

  Nostalgia--gotta love it - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By SpottedOne - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Due to a long drive to work and the fact that mom had a Beetle when I was a kid, I now own one too. I have had nothing but complete satisfaction with my Beetle so far. Im averaging about 39 mpg. Some people are put off by diesel due to the smell and I gotta say, its a different smell, but it is not as bad as what you might think. It is a bit louder, but again, not that of a semi. For anyone thinking about it, I would highly recommend taking one out for a drive and talking to your local dealer (or unlocal, I drove over 75 miles for mine) and doing some research. What it will save me in fuel cost a year, will make a couple of car payments.

• 

  A Responsible Mode of Transport - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By W Benson - February 6 - 11:23 am

  This is a "poor mans Porsche." It is really fun to drive. It accelerates uphill like a scared rabbit (pardon the unintended reference to another VW model). Plus it is VERY economical on fuel.

• 

  Beetles Suck - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By vwbugkelly1182 - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I am tired of having my beetle because it goes to the dealership every 3 months. i have had to replace the radiator, water pump, the window switch 3x, the back brakes 6x, the headlights 3x, the speedometer went out, the check engine light comes on all the time, and i have replaced many oxygen sensors. There are a lot of other things that have went wrong on my beetle, but there is too many to remember.

• 

  Good, but not great - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By York - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I was expecting more from VW. Though my Beetle was a fine car by all standards, it didnt offer much that was great. The second row was very cramped, and the side-view mirrors were a pain-- they gave a blindspot. It was, however, quite interesting to own.

• 

  Fun to drive - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Terry Comstock - January 30 - 10:00 am

  Weve had no problems!

• 

  Beatle Review - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Robin Tauchert - January 30 - 10:00 am

  Good looking, fund to drive, rides almost as good as my Passat. Feels like a much bigger car. Love the ease of putting the top up and down. Like the higher bucket seats instead of your legs straight out in front on you with the low bucket seats in most sport cars.

• 

  Fun for me! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By suzzyq - January 30 - 10:00 am

  This is the most fun car I own. Also have a convertible Mercedes SLK and a Mercedes M Class. Would not have as my only car. But as a fun second car you cant beat it. I get more compliments, waves, grins and conversations than any car I have ever had and I have had a lot.