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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At 168k, heres hoping for 200k+ miles - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By ThunderBunny - January 8 - 1:26 amThis review is for an 01 1.8T New Beetle (Auto), GLS trim with 17" rims, sports suspension, leather (heated) seating, steering wheel & shifter, and sunroof. At 50k miles, the ECU was chipped to 1 BAR. Now at 168k miles I must say my NBs been an excellent vehicle. The only items fixed under warranty were coil-packs and a MAF sensor. I replaced the Cam Chain Tensioner, 2 Oxygen/1 MAF sensors, valve cover gasket and a few hoses at 154k miles. Otherwise, everything else works! (Knock on wood!) I guess Im lucky as the NB is not rated highly for reliability. But with my other cars, I do my own maintenance/repair and follow the scheduled maintenance very closely. Hope itll go beyond 200k miles!
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love bugs - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By mssktty18 - January 7 - 2:00 amIts wonderful fun to drive,You dont have to worry every week about filling your gas tank.its great!They drive quite and run wonderfully.
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Step on this Beetle and it goes!!! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Nancylb50 - January 3 - 10:00 amWe purchased this vehicle used with 53,000 miles on it as a daily driver for my wife. She travels 46 miles per day round trip. We both love the car. It is easier for me to get into and out of than my 1997 Cadillac Sedan DeVille! Im buying a convertible Bettle this year to replace the Caddy.
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I know others complain about VW but... - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By eli1172 - January 1 - 4:23 pmI love my Beetle! I have had no complaints in the 4 years I have owned this car. It is so much fun to drive, and feels like a more expensive car. My husband is trying to talk me into a new one, but it is so hard to find something of equal cost with the same features. The only concern: the transmission is sealed and the fluid cant be changed. They say its lifetime fluid, but I dont buy it. If not for that, I would drive this baby till the wheels fell off!
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What a fun car! - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Alice - December 26 - 8:00 amI love my Beetle. It is fun to drive...like driving a big go cart. I have had to have the transmission replaced and a new starter. That is all that has been replaced and it has almost 91,000 miles on it. If it had better gas mileage that would be good. It is a great little car. I will definitely buy another...only it will be a manual with a sunroof or convertible.
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Fun the sun - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Peach - December 25 - 6:26 pmI just bought my first convertible...I have always bought vws so i thought i would try out this NEW convertible vw...What a wonderful surprise...Its so much fun to drive and handles like a dream...The new colors are classy and i dont go anywhere without some telling me what a beautiful car it is ...Something tells me THIS ONE is a keeper... Thanks Volkswagen ...It going to be a FUN summer... Lee Anne
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love my bug - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By sam fam - December 18 - 4:56 pmI love my bug ! I have driven an suv for seventeen years. This car is fun fun fun and fast..... Takes off like a rocket and sounds like one too in turbo. We get smiles from passing vehicles and beetle owners are the coolest and love to live life for all that its worth. I plan on buying a another bug for a special family member in the near future !
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Excellent - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By brit_008 - December 16 - 7:33 pmI absolutely love my bug! Ive had it for almost 2 years. Never really had any problems. Except for the rear brake lights. In case other 98 owners didnt know, the brake switch was recalled on all 98 bugs. (lights stay on, etc.) my lights had been staying on and I searched it out and found out thats what it was. Im the second owner, and the first never had any problems with it. So, I took it to my local vdub dealer and they fixed it right up. Never had any trouble since. Great car, love they way it handles. Very fun to drive.
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Perfect - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Bug Lover - December 14 - 4:36 pmI love my Volkswagen! Sure I have had a few problems with it, you have problems with every car. I highly recommend VW and I am currently searching for my newest addition, a Bug Conv.
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Fiesty with no pick-up - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By zaharrah - December 8 - 10:00 amI love my care truely love it. If I had 3 things to change i would make the cup holders more accessible, increase the trunk space and the pick-up on the car. The engine is the same as the Jetta and due to increased safety weights the car goes 0-60 in 10 minutes! But I dont need the speeding tickets. I love everything else. Its a fun cute car.
