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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  Few Complaints - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Jillian Kennedy - December 21 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my VW for nearly 4 years now and it has only recently started to give me problems, but most of my complaints about that would be with the local VW dealership and service department (Moffitt Volkswagen in Bossier City, Louisiana; my advice: do yourself a favor and go elsewhere). Other than that my VW has been an absolute joy to own and drive!

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  Electric Gremlins - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Fernando alemany - December 12 - 2:00 am

  We had ro dipose of the car (trade it in), at 46,000 miles even though we had purchased the aditional 100,000 mile extended warranty. It started giving us too many problems with the electric systems. Oue dealer was less than friendly in dealing with us. We sold it at a loss just to get rid of the headaches.

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  Sooooo Much Fun! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dsax - December 12 - 12:56 am

  More people come up to me and say how much they like my car. It really has personality and is displayed through its design. This is a second car for me as I do need a larger car for family trips. But I use this one for work and play - and nothing makes you feel better than a cool breeze blowing in your face after a long day at work. This car is very easy to maneuver, rides great, is relatively quiet, has a great stereo and all the amenties one really needs. Small trunk space but surprisingly holds more than you would think, and the backseat is small but fine for kids. These are things I knew prior to buying the vehicle, though. Would recommend to everyone!!

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  The inside/outside of it all - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By carrot soup - November 23 - 10:23 pm

  Interior needs much improvement. Cant set taller cups in cup holders and cup stabilizers keep getting lost and drinks spill over. I purchased it as 3rd owner. Would love to have a diesel with convertible top but the diesel smell needs to be controlled somehow. Michelin tires look good on it. Love the shiny finish.

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  The Bug that just kept Going... - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By javbw - November 20 - 11:33 pm

  I have a 1999 (2/24/99) GLS bug with 200,000 miles on it, and I drive the heck out of it. I drive it fast, hard, and occaisionally offroad. (get the sport springs). Im very hard on the things I own, and the fact my Bug is still with me is a testament to its inital design and early warranty recalls (window switches and a couple sensors back around year 2) - all the "bells and whisles" worriers can forget about it for their next car - and get auto door locks and windows already! All of my issues have stemmed from things thrown at my car on the freeway (rocks, ladders, etc) and as long as you keep up with the maintaince, shocks, and a failed engine sensor every year, youre good.

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  2002 New Beetle GLX Turbo - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Stephanie Ross - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I was interested in this car because of the retro design and the performance of the turbo engine. Its an eye-turner car; however, Ive been having continual problems with this Beetle. With less than 30K miles, I went through two transmissions, new A/C unit, and defective power windows (suddenly fell inside door and broke). Im not impressed with VW and was really disappointed with this car. Its not reliable and Im anxious to sell it before the warranty expires!

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  The Bug I Had To Have - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Meillasdad - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I kick myself everyday for buying this car. It was so cute, that I didnt think before purchasing. It has given me problem after problem. My interior is peeling too. I have replace countless sensors. I now have a EC... sensor going bad. My gas cap release only periodically works. The paint chips easily, however, it still looks really nice with red colour wax. I needed a new throtle assembly last month, $1000 installed. I have put $3000 in three months. Time for new car, eh?

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  new owner and loving it - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Buggy Bob - November 7 - 3:13 am

  We just bought this car and we love it. The ride is solid and smooth. The interior feels really spacious when your inside but when you look at it from the outside it looks smaller. Optical illusions....very cool.

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  Cute retro looking car. - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By lovebug05 - October 16 - 7:55 am

  Ive had my 05 Beetle for about 2 years now. I got it with 116k miles and 17k miles on it with no major issues. Although Ive had to replace my battery twice within a year and & half. Major pain to take out and re install. The h1 bulbs for the headlights & fog lights burn out often. Major MAJOR pain in the a** to take the headlights out to put the new bulbs in. The interior dash scratches very easy and the car always smells like crayons in warmer weather. I had to put 1k in replacing the timing belt, water pump, belt tension er, serpentine belt, new tires, brakes just for preventive maintenance.

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  So Far, So Good - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By david85m - October 7 - 3:20 pm

  Well, after swearing I would NEVER own another VW after my experience with my 2000 Beetle, I had to get a new 2006 model. I bought the Gecko Green Beetle, and so far, Im THRILLED with the car. The small changes theyve made to it (cupholders, chrome around vents, exterior lights, 5 cyl engine) have made all the difference. It is like no other car on the road...I just cant stay away from it! It does kind of stink that Im always scared it wont start due to previous experience, but so far so good! Ive had just a few small issues, the rear hatch sometimes takes two tries to open, the speakers rattle pretty badly and the gas mileage is way worse than before.