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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Cut My Losses - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Crazy for Buying - October 14 - 9:43 amI bought a 1999 Volkswagen Beetle for my daughter and the car was OK for 50,000 miles. Then it started having major repair bills. It overheated and cost $1,200 to replace the heads, after which it still did not work right. New brakes cost $300. We had to replace three headlights at $45 each. The motor kept giving her trouble. We spend another $1,200 on it and then it died. We put in a different motor had all kinds electrical problems. Eventually the car caught on fire and was totaled. Dont buy this car unless you want a money pit.
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beetle review - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By streetracer2345 - October 13 - 3:16 amit is ghetto , it looks and handles poorly and you would do better buying a civic, they r cheaper.
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Love my Bug!! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By KariF - October 11 - 10:00 amThis is the best car I have ever owned. It is fun to drive, has a lot of power for a small car and gets great fuel mileage. I wasnt sure that I wanted a diesel at first, but now Im so glad I did. I visit the gas station once a month. This car makes me happy every time I get into it. It is also so comfortable to travel in. I love that you feel like you are sitting up very high. I never feel like Im in a small car. I will be keeping this car for a very long time!
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2006 Volkswagen Beetle - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By sam - October 9 - 6:00 amMy 2006 Volkswagen Beetle is a great, fun to drive, the engine is peppy with plenty of power, you get a lot for your money in this car. I have only a few concerns, the wind noise. With the CD going youll never notice it though. Also, the cars ride is a bit stiff and it doesnt take bumps well. There is an engine (drivetrain) rattle/noise about 1,500 rpm that seems to get better the warmer the car gets. Overall this is a lot of car for the money. The base price gets you air, electric locks / windows, cruise, and more.
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The Worst Car I Have Ever Purchased - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Beth A. Donovan - October 9 - 12:20 amThe top hit the back head rests. VW of America had to come in twice to fix this issue and it still does not work perfectly. Also, my cars windshild wipers had to be replaced at 10,000 miles. The air conditioning leaks on my feet. The headlight fell out after the second week. The alter light does not register when the top is down and the alarm sounds, 8 out of 10 times.
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Great Car, who needs a hybrid - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By AJM - October 8 - 2:10 amI was surprised by the features and how solid the car is. We have gotten over 50 mpg on the highway but mostly see 44 overall avg. The TDI powerplant runs well in the WI winters and offers power that few gas engines can offer. I purchased used for under 10 grand with heated leather seats, sunroof, 6 disk, 5 speed, alloys, etc. Why waste money on a hybrid - TDI is a "green" alternative.
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HATE IT - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By MichaelJ - September 27 - 10:00 amIf you loved the old beetle You will hate the "New" beetle. This car is a nightmare. Gas door Cable,Pwr windows,very poor. Quality of build is terrible.Most problems seem electrical in nature. Heated seats Change their control switchs at will? Throttle is dangerous it ignores your foot and does what it wants, another computer marvel.The transmission needs reset frequently as it learns driving habits according to the service people. My wife and I cant figure out who it is learning from.
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VW bug = fun - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By MindyKae - September 27 - 10:00 amI have had my car for almost 4 years and have had no major problems. I did have to have the trunk latch replaced and have the windows worked on, but all was under warranty. Overall, I have really enjoyed the car and I would recommend this car to someone who wants a somewhat unique car with a practical side. I think the turbo would be a nice touch, although I have never driven one.
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1ST FUN CAR - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By YOUNG 68 GUY - September 24 - 3:50 amMight be oldest bug buyer of 04. Enter/ exiting very important for this senior; tested many small size convertibles, by far my volks the winner. The quietness with top up (not a rattle) is sedan like. Goose the turbo, wind in my face, smoothly hugging the road...thrilling. Old guy/gal friends are very comfort impressed. Purchased 10 new cars but never before went for a drive just because it was fun !!!
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Maine New Beetle - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By VW Flashback - September 24 - 1:43 amBought new, my daily driver for almost 11 years. Great headroom, & visibility except on some corners the "A" pillars are a massive blind spot. Car has too many plastic bits, started falling off early e.g. overhead bin button & the fuel cap. Recurring check engine light the past few years, garage clears it on oil changes & its OK for a few months. Lousy in the snow (Maine), use studded snow tires to deal with that. Still Id rather drive the Bug than anything else in the yard.
