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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fun car all aroun - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By bobby jo - August 28 - 10:00 amunique car; interior is fun at night; fun to drive
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Cute Car, Fun-to-Drive - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By JessAshley - August 28 - 10:00 amIve had my New Beetle for 4 months. No complaints, thus far. Lots of power for such a little car. It is very fun to drive; its like my car knows me and how I drive. Its a very attractive car too!! Good deal.
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Would buy another - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Kshobe - August 27 - 6:16 amI drove the car from Arizona to Mississippi and back. I got 24 to 30 MPG on the trip driving at an average speed of 75MPH on the interstate. I get 23 - 24 MPG driving around Phoenix on a daily basis. I love the torque. It is hard not to spin the tires from a full stop. I get some strange looks from the Mustang owners when that happens. I am 63" and have lots of head room but I had to remove the center arm rest to make room for my elbows. Now there is a big hole in the console but Im comfortable. The road noise is the one thing I wish was better. Thankfully Phoenix put rubberized asphalt on all the freeways. It is very fun to drive.
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Pili, Fun in the Sun - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Esther P Dumenigo - August 16 - 4:50 amI purchased my convertible a year ago and so far has been great, a pleasure to drive all year around. I was a little concerned about all the negatives reviews from other owners, but my experience with VW have been positive. The car feels very solid and offers a very quiet ride. The Beetle comes standard w/lots of standard safety features that other convertibles dont even offered. If you are looking for a solid, safe and fun to drive convertible, the Beetle is the one. It has the feel of a luxury car w/o the high sticker price.
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Nice bug baby! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By donnawnc - August 10 - 2:00 amGreat fun to drive. Sunflower yellow is the best color. I am wondering why there are no ashtrays as a standard feature.
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Classic VW - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By grantp - August 10 - 2:00 amVW has done it again,,, the return of the retro VW convertable is better then the old and still finds its style rooted in the past classic..... all the mordern convience that technology has brought to autos in a retro package,,,,, great job VW
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Absolute top fuel economy - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Ernie Rogers - August 10 - 2:00 amDont believe "experts," EPA on fuel economy. The TDI outperforms any other on the highway. My mileage: 52.5 winter, 57.1 summer, at 65 mph. Nobody can touch that, even a 5-pas. hybrid. (Except VW Beetle, Jetta, Golf manual TDIs) I drive 800 miles on one tank, any day of the year, any place. I drove Provo, UT to Fresno, CA and refilled in CA for $25. Eat your heart out, Prius. These TDIs have power. Handling is very smooth. You want something that needs improvement? Okay, the body style is just not as good as the old bug, but not bad for German engineers. (The original peoples car was designed by Penin Farina, Italian, the best that ever lived.)
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Couldnt be better - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By toconnell - August 1 - 2:00 amOkay, so I bought a "new" Beetle in 2001. I have enjoyed every mile I have driven, from commuting in the city to long trips. It holds an amazing amount of equipment with the back seat folded down, and gets super mileage. Even loaded with my best friend, her dog, my dog, and gear for a weekend camping, the car can pass anything going uphill. A marvelous machine!
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Cutest car ever!!! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By trekster - July 27 - 2:56 pmI love my car! The sports seats hug you when you drive. It corners easily, and I fit into any parking space. It is so cute, people actually watch it go by, especially when I have the top down! I just love it. It also has a lot of power, so I dont have to worry about getting up and going when I need to. Best car ever!!!
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Booboos Cool Ride - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By boo-boo - July 16 - 10:00 amThis is the best car I have ever owned! Great comfort, excellent fuel mileage and all around fun to drive! This car made for an outstanding 10yr. anniversary gift...husbands do get it right sometimes!!! :-)
