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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At the crossroads with this vehicle.... - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By scottx25 - October 28 - 2:00 amThe diesel engine purrs, gets great mileage and will probably last forever. Great seats, handles well. Now for the negatives (at 40,000k): Sticky rear hatch, replaced, still sticks. Plastic window clips broke, dealer replaced with metal clips, supposedly warrantied 10 years. Buzzes and rattles that come and go. CEL light, replace glowplugs and relay, $500.00 Rear pads and rotors, plus one of the calipers froze and needed to be replaced, $800.00 Front door sags when opened - a bolt BROKE OFF on the inside of the door for no reason, $300.00 sunroof shade broken... Gas latch opening by itself... Blah, blah....
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My dream car! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Florida Nancy - October 21 - 6:36 amIve wanted a Bug since they came out in 1998, but was scared away by the bad repair records. I finally couldnt stand my 03 Camry anymore (what a lousy car!) and traded it for my little silver Beetle. Its terrific and has exceeded my expectations. Dont be afraid of those earlier years bad reviews. The 2005 is perfect. And many extras are standard on this car.
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Zoom Zoom!!! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Evan Weiner - October 20 - 10:00 amThis car is great. it has wonderful turbo power. mine did 0-60 in 7.1 seconds. there is a straight away across the street from where i live. thsi car is very luxurious and fun. the premium sound system rocks. its just a great car!
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The not too bad, the good and the great! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By ruzzeld - October 19 - 4:05 amThis is/was our 2nd VW New Beetle TDI. Both 2003s. I can say that Ive been very happy overall with both cars. The only downside is the maintenance expense compared to Toyotas (zero unscheduled maintenance expense with every Toyota Ive owned). But kinda boring. BOTH Bugs: FUN to drive! More comfortable (Im 63"). Great road trip car, for my wife and I with plenty of room for luggage with the back seat folded down. GREAT mileage (never less than 43 with everyday driving and up to 55mpg on road trips). We used it as a 2nd car and whoever had to drive the furthest that day.. WANTED the bug. Fun and cheap!
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Worth my money - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By luvmybug - October 18 - 11:13 amI purchased this vehicle as a Certified VW. This vehicle has been excellent, well worth my money and time. Jump in and drive. Love the Sunroof, the power and the fuel economy. This automatic produces nearly 28 MPG highway and 24 MPG City. Handles well and gets out it own way. Highly recommended.....
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2005 Volkswagen Beetle - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By arlene - October 18 - 1:50 amI love this car. But here are the negatives in order of importance: Poor visability when backing up. Paint chips off easily inside and out. Problems with flaps and windows (recall).
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2 bug household - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Candace2068 - October 17 - 10:00 amThis is the most wonderful car I have ever owned. My husband liked mine so much he got one too.
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Sad to Say Its a LEMON! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By PinkBambi - October 16 - 5:40 pmThis was my dream car, and it makes me sad to say that this car stinks! I got it for my high school graduation present and it was a dream for the first year I owned it. Then things started breaking left and right. Im not hard on my car but the plastic inside started peeling, things started falling off etc. Then the timing belt snapped leaving me stranded in the middle of nowhere and the whole computer is being replaced...THE WHOLE COMPUTER! AHHHHH! This car is junk and it makes me so sad :(
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Cute, Charming, and Economical - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Megan - October 15 - 3:00 amMy 2002 VW TDI bug has been wonderful since the day I bought it. I have only had one minor problem with a valve in the engine. My car is fun to drive and very reliable. Not only are TDI bugs cute, but they also have great gas mileage. I have done a few modifications to my car, such as chipping the engine, which definitely increased the power. I recommend this car to anyone looking for something eye catching, easy to drive, and economical. This is truly a great car.
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The New Beetle is Falling Apart - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Mike Cleary - October 14 - 10:00 amI am in my late 40s, the "Only" driver. Hood latch broke. Dealer said - "Never saw that before." Hmmmm Cable to shifter broke. Dealer said - "Never saw that before." Hmmmm # 2 Window switches - will be replacing again. Just a plain Hmmm from dealer. Interrior is comming unglued; hand brake button gone. Very disappointed with the quality of interrior. Replacing front headlight bulbs requires the dexterity of a surgeon. Now have a serious rattle coming from underneath when it is started.
