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...with lots of problems. - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ytaK - November 19 - 10:00 am

  The VW Beetle is, without a doubt, a fun car to look at and drive. I love seeing the smiles on other peoples faces as I drive by. Thats not the only reason to drive a car, though. Just six days after buying this car, I stalled out in a parking lot. After 3 days of arguing with the manager of my dealership and the service department, they finally figured out that the air flow meter was nonfunctioning. Both power window switches broke within 6 months. The cap to the parking brake fell off just a few months ago. The A/C doesnt run cool enough, and makes a loud squeaking noise, which no one can seem to correct. This poor car is falling apart piece by piece.

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  Great Car, Poor Volkswagen Quality - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Kaye - November 1 - 2:00 am

  When I first got in my Beetle I smiled but after 1200 miles I had a frown. The front seats bolsters had premature wear on them!! I took it to the dealer they replaced them under warranty, but they are still showing some wear. The ride is smooth, it handles great(it is a little heavy) I love it. I am noticing that when you open the door and the window lowers a 1/4 inch it somtimes hangs on the roof when I close the door.

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  Fun, Functional, but Not Perfect - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By manray - October 27 - 7:50 pm

  I was thrilled when the New Beetle came out. I finally purchased a loaded used, 2001. I love driving it! The fuel economy is good, comfort is great, styling is nearly perfect, and the stereo is fabulous. Some small complaints that I have are the poor design of the cup holders and the peeling door handles. I have not had any mechanical issues, except the ongoing mystery of the temperature and oil gauges coming on randomly. They chalk it up to a "VW quirk" (this is my 4th VW and all have had some kind of quirk).

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  Has been great! - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By eldaino2 - October 11 - 8:40 pm

  My wifes 08 beetle has been pretty great. its a fairly smooth riding car (an impressive feat considering its based of the mkIV platform and thus has a torsion beam rear suspension) and is a a great long distance cruiser. the stock tires are not the greatest and in typical stock fashion has grown loud and tiresome, but the car itself is very quiet, peppy with great low end tq, and style my wife loves.(and i actually dont mind it either.)

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  Coil Packs, Coil Packs, Coil Packs. - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Dozier450 - October 1 - 5:46 am

  Purchased this 2003 Beetle with 39k on 12-31-08 for daughter. Ive had to replace three coil packs, the 4th was already replaced when the car was purchased. VW had a problem with issue, but told me this car was not covered under the recall back during 2003. I was also told that I could take this car to the dealer and pay $100.00 to get the codes read and if I keep the receipts and if they ever do recall this issue, then I could send in for a refund. I decided to use the $100.00 code fee and purchase new coil packs. I did buy a code scanner off of eBay for less than $30.00, it reads and clears the Check Engine Light after you make the repair. This car has the 1.8T engine.

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  VW Beatle TDI - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By doctour - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The TDI is a great performer and a wonderful car for everyday and for traveling. My wife and I are very happy with the 40 miles per gallon, and weve really enjoyed the trips weve taken in it. Ive been driving Mercedes for the last 15 years, so this was a real change, but Im glad I made the switch. Weve had very few problems and none mechanically.

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  Faster Than It Looks - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Tim Bob - September 15 - 10:00 am

  Our 2001 Turbo Beetle has been a real hoot since day one! Ours has special limited-edition Vortex Blue paint, which seems to get noticed a little more and looks great with its black leather seats. The 150 hp 1.8 liter turbo motor and 5-speed manual really gives the car some punch, to the point that it seems to surprise some other drivers with its quickness. Its especially responsive while at highway speeds and the need to pass or speed up for a traffic opening happens. Response is "right now" in any gear. There no real turbo lag. Its been reliable and is now at 40,000 miles with no major troubles. My wife drives it most and she loves it, too.

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  In for a surpise - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Superchiqa - July 26 - 10:50 am

  I bought this car, wanting a car with personality - and I got one. A bad personality. The car is fun to drive and is great to fit into places but it has its share of problems. 1st started having check engine lights come on (all the time!) for a "loose gas cap" then electrical problems that would come and go - chip in door latches "burned out" and the car would re-lock itself as Im trying to turn it on, causing the alarm to go off. Then started having oil and gas consumption problems - thats just the main problems too! If you have money to keep up with the cost of VW repairs, then you could enjoy one of these cars.

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  Second Childhood / Cool car - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Dottiegarrison - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for anything but another minivan. My sons all have their own cars now and my daughter and I were looking for something fun. Shes 9 and I am 45. I remembered my fathers VW bug and it brought back many good memories. We bought a mello-yellow VW (2004) convertible bug. The car is fun, handles well and we love the car!! The VW stero/radio and CD player in the car is fantastic! I drive a lot for work and now I can blast the beach boys on the CD player with the top down/work/save on gas (the milage is great)/all with a smile on my face. I would buy the car again! Even my 18 year old son says the sound system is awsome!

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  Lemon? - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By HAKOSAMA - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car (with 40 miles on it) because it was a VW and Ive been hearing about the wonderful quality of VWs. 3 days later the Clutch went out. If I ever get it back, its been 2 weeks, Ill let you know if I still like it. I did talk to a friend who has had one for 4 years and his turbo has gone out twice. Lets keep our fingers crossed or Ill have to go back to Kias and Mazdas.