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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  Seems like its falling apart...=0( - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bridge89 - March 26 - 11:33 am

  I love my Beetle, HOWEVER little things keep breaking. Cosmeticly inside the plastic materials used were just cheap... the visor mirror cover broke off completely so now the visor light is always on, the hande to the glove box completely broke off, can not access glove box, pieces of plasitc from the drink holders have chipped out, even in the backseat which is rarely used. The CD player stopped working, the sensor inside the drivers side door is on the fritz, I have to unlock the car door, then press lock on the remote to lock the door. When it rains, the trunk will not shut, now the door on the gas tank wil not open, had to pry it.. my list goes on...

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  Fun for the first 40,000 miles - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Chelsey Raden - March 16 - 10:00 am

  Its fun to drive but once you hit 40,000 get out your checkbook. Multiple electronic/sensor repairs, recalls and broken gadgets (fuel flap, armrest compartment latch etc...). When talking to other Beetle owners the same complaints were made. Would I buy another-no. Not reliable.

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  Fun fun fun cheap cheap cheap - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ARE - March 9 - 11:26 pm

  I love to drive my Beetle. Great handling and driving dynamics. Very spacious up front but only enough room in the back for small kids (they love to ride in a bug). Huge cargo space in the trunk with the rear seat down. Great ergonomics, every single control is with in your fingertips. It is a car for people who love to drive. Some may say that it needs more rear room but the Bug is what it is a small sporty car, not a family car.

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  Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Buggin Out - March 8 - 2:00 am

  My car did have some problems with the window motor, but the dealer fixed with no problems. Even provided a rental when it was kept overnight.

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  Not quite sure - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By MeeToo - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this bug with 24K miles on it. teh previous owner kept excellent care of it. Ive had it a month and the window regulator needs replacement...$317.00. As I look through the records, she had some things fixed which werent mentioned...sunglass case didnt close, windshield leaked, passenger mirror didnt work. The transmission (auto) takes 2-3 seconds to grab, which the dealership says is normal. Difficult to believe. Car is a lot of fun to drive, had a Civic before. BUT, not sure if it is built very well...my Honda went 150K with only one mechanical repair besides maintenance. Next time, Ill buy a HONDA!

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  Fun to drive. - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Louise Wilson-Erb - February 13 - 12:20 am

  The VW convertible is fun to drive, fast, and easty to operate. However, the drivers seat does is not comfortable and provide lumbar support for the older nostalgic drivers.

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  Cute on the Outside, Cheap on the Inside - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Brina - January 27 - 4:26 pm

  I have wanted a Volkswagen Beetle since they came out, and I finally got one last year. I admit it is a fun car, but having to replace the turbo already (before I made the first payment!) and having strange transmission problems, I dont know that I would buy another one. I would absolutely reccomend buying from a dealer, and spending the extra for the extended warranty! The inside is incredibly cheap and easily broken, but the cute flower holder makes up for part of that! It is still fun to drive, but its going to my husband to drive the commute in, and Im getting something different!

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  Gotta have one... - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By JSP - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is pure fun. I used to drive a 91 Saab, but the body style got boring on the newer model... so I defected. My friends thought I was nuts when I was considering this car, but the review once they rode in my Bug was "this is the coolest car I have ever been in." The pep of the turbo rocks and the luxury features on the GXL are a great value. I got everything I wanted for $22,600 vs. $30+ for everything else I was considering. Picture a sunny day, sunroof open, stereo cranked, leather wrapped wheel in hand, turbo kicking in on a straight-away... sounds like a beach day to me. F-U-N!

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  Love my Bug - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By be - January 23 - 5:53 pm

  I adore my bug, buuuutt, it has had a few "bugs" of its own. I have had 3 headlamps go (they are super hard & expensive to change out...even for mechanic). My window button broke with the window down of course. I took out my oil pan, which was my fault, but found out from mechanic they are "fragile" aluminum and low. Dealership service is way pricey (arent they all?) My paint is chipping on the interior door panel. It has great pep even on long uphill (not your mamas bug!...I had one of those too.) Great air and heat system..not like old Bugs!! Lots of room...you could do ballroom dancing on the dash! Great safety features, bags on front & sides too, roll bar, drop away engine.

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  Beetle Turbo S - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By captgw2 - January 7 - 7:36 pm

  I bought my Beetle Turbo S for my girlfriend to drive. This replaced a 92 Taurus, so there was no where to go but up! Its been a good car, but has required several trips back to the dealer for warranty issues (emblems peeling, trim falling off, floormat anchors). Its fun to drive and Id buy another as long as it had a warranty in effect.