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 on the road! - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By WinsletRose - July 8 - 1:26 pm

  Wow! As a Ford driver for many years, I was really hesitant to purchase a VW. But my husbands encouragement and only one test drive, I fell in love with the 2006 VW Beetle. It handles like a true sports car, with very zippy driving (5 cyl. automatic) curve hugging turns, and overall just fun to drive. I thought that it would be very whimpy after only driving 6- & 8-cylinder vehicles, but I was wrong! Its a true sports car! The tiptronic transmission is awesome too, you can feel the car shifting, which is a trip if you are not used to driving stick shift. Its a true stick feel, but with all the ease of an automatic. We have two kids and the whole family is comfortable in this car as well. Overall this is a fun vehicle!

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  good for the price - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Cinders - July 2 - 10:00 am

  This was a 1999 leftover with only a few miles on it. Ive been very happy except for the very, very squeeky brakes. The dealer, after a few visits, told me theres nothing they can do, breaks are fine, and gave me a pamphlet explaining why they squeek. The noise is so bad I cant drive with the windows open and Im trading it in. Also, the side view mirrors are too high. I see thats been redesigned in the new models.

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  I love this car! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By kimwk - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Beetle. Got rid of a 2000 because of 3rd child on the way and hubby insisted "I" needed something bigger. I have a 2004 BMW 325i wagon that he now drives. I dont miss it a bit (well, maybe a little). I LOVE this car! So do the 3 kids!

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  Not my wifes car! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By - June 26 - 10:00 am

  When it was time to replace my 95 GTI VR6, much beloved for its power and utility, my goal was 4 seats and at least as much performance. My kids wanted a "punch buggy." My wife loved the snap orange New Beetle. I test drove the 1.8T but felt it was a step down, and had a rubbery shifter. Then I test drove the Turbo S and fell in love with the noticeable increase in power, 6 speed shifter, and great seats. My wife can get an orange one next time; mines a black Turbo S!

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  LOVE MY BEETLE - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By khlv - June 7 - 1:50 am

  I traded in my Red 99 for my new Sunflower yellow (GREAT COLOR) 07. Talk about a GREAT deal! Great price, and they fixed all (but 1) of the features that bothered me in my old beetle. Cup holders were moved, both seats can be raised, and a LOT more power! that extra .5 in the engine REALLY makes a difference. SO FUN TO DRIVE!

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  LOVE THIS CAR! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Melina - June 5 - 8:26 am

  The VW Beetle was my dream car, and I finally was able to find one, which I purchased used from a dealership. There is the possibility of some electrical issues, but I keep it well maintained and absolutely adore it. I still just like looking at it, and driving it every day. Repairs can be costly, again the key here is maintenance. I get compliments on my car almost daily. Cup holders inadequate, as are the sun visors, but other than that I really cant complain.

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  What a great little car - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Ms. Shawn - June 3 - 4:36 am

  This car is fun to drive, gets great gas mileage, and is easy to park. People should take a closer look at this little shuttle, they would fall in love with them also.

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  realy is fun to drive! - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dave - May 18 - 4:46 pm

  nice looking really fun to drive! great acceleration fantastic breaking wonderful power top quietest convertible i have ever been in roomy and not cramped even for a 62" man not much room in back seat for adult (but who cares!)

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  This is a great car! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bug owner - May 5 - 10:00 am

  We love this car! It makes us smile and whenever we drive it other people smile and wave. It is great with the top down and quiet with the top up. We put one of those hood covers (used to be called a bra) on it and it looks even sportier. .

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  Fantastic Car - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By teamster151 - April 27 - 10:00 am

  What a great overall experience!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!