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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ode to a new beetle - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By lansing - October 7 - 2:00 amWhile it was love at first sight, the affair turned out to fade with higher maintenance costs than my second wife. The Dick Dean has a shabby, little practice of adding 10% more to the overall price as a market adjustment", which since cured me of ever buying a VW from them again. Their only saving grace is their service department, which treats customers as if they matter. The only problem with the service department, is I see too much of them. After 32,000 miles, every thing on the car started falling apart, or needed replacing at $92/hour. Now that the romance has faded, I will never fall in love again with anything on the lot at Dick Dean VW.
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Love My Bug - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By TTopper - October 6 - 10:00 amI bought my bug during the Beetle Maddness of 1998. Ive owned it for 4 years and have really enjoyed the experience. This is my 5th VW, and this one hasnt disappointed. The car is roomy, spacious, good on gas, handles well and great on a long trip
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electronic issues - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Heidi - September 29 - 2:53 pmVery disappointed in the electronics of my bug - it has had so many "bugs". Ive had the seat belt/airbag sensors replaced, various other sensors, the catalytic converter and every time I get in it theres seems to be some dash light that comes on indicating a problem. The car has 75,000 miles on it and is a lot of fun to drive, but Im not recommending purchasing a Beetle because of the issues it has had. Ive written a letter to the headquarters regarding the issues along with receipts from my repairs. Every time I take it to the dealer they want to charge $80+ for diagnostics. Im at the point now that Im looking to purchase another vehicle because of the problems Ive had.
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Expect Big Bucks for Problems - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By bcbirdie - August 26 - 2:00 amSo far (1 month of ownership of a 1st complaint: the cup-holders are TERRIBLE!!!!!By far the worst design ever. Clearance is poor, the holders twist out, the rubber rings come etc. COMMUTERs BEWARE! 2nd, Expect costs to repair things to be outrageous! Headlights $94 minimum. 3rd complaint - To replace the key and the transponder, get this, $175+tax! ARE YOU KIDDING!?? Just a valet key is $125! While security is nice, for 2 sets of keys and a valet key at $500 buck this is ridiculous!
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Turbo S is fun but watch your wallet - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By warpalien - August 26 - 2:00 amI bought a used 02 Turbo S with 3200 miles on it, from a dealer. This used to be a corporate car, used by someone at VW in michigan. VW will NOT cover the transmission under warranty unless I sign a piece of paper saying its ok to check the transmission for problems. My clutch has been giving me problems since I got the vehicle. Now they say if the clutch is bad, its my problem. So much for a 4 year, 50,000 mile warranty. This is coming from VW of Americas corporate office stating this, not just my dealership.
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beetle disapointment - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Carrie - August 12 - 10:00 amI was very excited about my New Beetle. After it hit 30,000 miles, total disapointment. Window controls broke off, trunk open light stayed on, battery died, speedometer stopped working, and dash light went out. At 35,000 miles the window support gave out and window got stuck inside door. Poor interior electrical everything.
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Out-of-touch Car Manufacturers - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Mr. B. E. Etle - August 9 - 10:00 amUncomfortable back seat because of headroom; car much too low to the ground for pot holes and poor roads, interior falls apart (fourth beetle owned) colors boring - this is a fun car, and the same colors over and over, or shades of the same do not sell cars. But...... best design exterior appearance, excellent handling, best most comfortable seats. Also,hate unmovable new console, seat belts very hard to use. Most of the improvements on these new models stink. Who is designing these anyway? Why did they mess with a great car? Pay attention to my comments because I am a very loyal Volkswagen customer!!!!!
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our 98 Beetle - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By ourlibby - August 6 - 8:53 pmWe like ours, runs great, good on gas, inside is a joke ! But for a good sound,,, take off the muffler just run the cat :)
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Over 315,000 miles and still getting 49.5mpg! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By twincitytdiguy - August 5 - 4:15 amI bought this TDI Beetle from a customer at 300K. He had it from new. The car is in great overall condition, original clutch, rustfree, and still gets an amazing 49.5 mpg highway at 78mph in the summer. I bought the car a little over 4 months ago and managed to put on 15,000 miles. I go where I want. I am not afraid to take this car across the country, I am planning a trip to Florida in the spring for some baseball action. Very fun car to drive. Gotta go with the folks upset by the cupholders. They seem to be an after thought. Germans cant understand why we drink beverages in our cars. If you are a taller person, Im 67", This car has a lot of room. I can nearly straighten my left leg.
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Nice Ragtop - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Kayemtee - August 4 - 10:13 amMy wife chose this car to replace a Sebring convertible. Wanted a clutch again before we got too old. Performance is adequate at best; acceleration reminds me of my old bugs of my youth. Clutch is not as smooth as Japanese cars. Great head and leg room (Im six-two). Very quiet with top up at high speeds (much less wind noise than the Sebring). Heated seats (with five settings) are great! Gas mileage is poor (24 mpg) for a small car with a clutch with weak acceleration. Nice, solid build quality, pretty looking, but it is a chick car. Oil change is very expensive due to synthetic only and a non-standard filter. Trunk holds a lot but small opening. I like the car but glad we lease.
