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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  I love this car - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By I Love my Beetle - October 12 - 6:53 pm

  Since I got this car, there was only one problem with it and it was EZ Lubes fault. Took it there for an oil change and the next day oil was on my driveway. I recommend getting a Beetle. Its one of best cars I ever had and I think its really reliable. All these other people who had problems with it probably didnt really take good care of their Beetles. My Honda Civic had more problems than this car.

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  Most fun to drive car - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By L. Phillips - October 5 - 10:50 pm

  This car has brought us more complimentary comments than any car we have ever owned before. It actually seems to smile at you when you are looking at it head on. The seats are very comfortable, wonderfully heated in the winter months, and are suitable for long drives with many hours of sitting. It is very easy to handle and takes to the highway like a pro. We are never nervous about driving it on the highway because it has a wonderfully fast pick up to it that is valuable if one should ever get into a "sticky" situation and makes us confident in our driving. We like the view from the windshield. I heartily recommend this beautiful little car for its reliability, fun and comfort.

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  My Orange Bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Doug in a VW Bug - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I have a Snap Orange Beetle. All I get is people staring at me. No major problems. Rear hatch lock would not unlatch and a non-heating passenger mirror. Cant complain though. Dealer fixxed me right up.

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  Experience!! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By JHILTON - September 25 - 10:00 am

  Surprisingly the vehicle handles like a much bigger car. It hold the road very well at top traffic speed. It is a flashy, fun to drive big car in a little car body.

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  2008 VW New Beetle COnvertible - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By JonF - September 23 - 5:16 am

  This is a fun, stylish car that is a "blast from the past"! It has the classic Beetle lines with the luxury of a Mercedes. This car is fun to drive, inexpensive to operate - I have been getting 33 - 35 MPG - but the AC kills the mileage - down to about 24 MPG with the AC running). It has lots of "get up and go" with acceleration onto highways rapid and sure. Interior space is great - I am 61" and fit quite comfortably in the back seat. I had two Mazda MX-5s prior to this VW and the VW wins hands down - for value, for comfort, with comparable handling and VERY much better when the roads are slippery. This is a delightful car - My wife liked it so much, she bought one for herself!

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  Style AND Substance - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Darin - September 22 - 6:43 pm

  After considering a number of convertibles including the Ford Mustang and Mini Cooper, I decided to go with the VW New Beetle. The Mini was just too small and the Mustangs interior had a cheap look to it that really turned me off. I hadnt considered the VW until riding in one last fall. I thought that is was too much a chick car. Well, I was amazed with the amount of headroom and legroom it had. The interior also seemed very well assembled with high quality materials. I also was intrigued by the new, more powerful 2.5 engine. Although I had read about VW reliability, it seemed the best choice for a convertible priced at less than $30,000. Five months into owning it, I have not had any problems.

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  Top Down Fun!! - 2010 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By michaelpaul1 - September 9 - 11:07 am

  I love my Beetle. Lots of power, great looking, and a real pleasure to drive. Gas mileage is ok, but that isnt the reason I bought this car. I recommend this car to anyone who wants to enjoy driving.

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  Luv, luv, luv my dream car - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By jik - September 8 - 7:00 am

  4 of us carpool 1 way 30 min. Backseat ok for normal size. Gas mileage could be better but luv, luv my dream car. Someone is always commenting about it as I did for many years b4 I bought it. Coworkers are happy I finally bought it because they were probably tired of me talking about it for about 5 yrs. I dont have a garage, unfortunately, but it is great in the snow. Havent had any problems to date. Love to go riding on beautiful days with the top down.

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  Most fun Ive ever had - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By prettygood - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I wasnt looking to buy a Beetle when I was shopping for a car. But after buying one, I dont know if I can go back. The engine is amazing, the interior is very comfortable (the heated seats are a must, and the overall interior look is addictive. Strangers smile and wave at you just because of the car. Most people would not consider a bug because of the looks, but everyone I know has become a fan of my car.

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  Life in a Bug - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By kgirl - August 28 - 10:00 am

  My bug is a problem free vehicle as long as I perform all of the maintenance exactly on time. It knows when something is late and will then cause problems. Local repair places wont deal with it however. www.newbeetle.org has a very active community that has taught me much about the car. I also have a Vag-com from Ross-Tech Industries to read my cars computer and save trips to the dealer.