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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  Fun & reliable - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Jenny - November 29 - 1:03 am

  I bought the beetle new in 2000. I was looking for a small car with good mileage. The diesel version I drive gets nearly 50 mpg on the highway - love that! Safety was really important to me as Id be driving my kids around town. The beetle has great safety ratings. What I didnt expect was how fun to drive this car would be. It is solid, hugs the road, and is super aerodynamic (I dont know what the last reviewer experienced but my beetle never even flinches in windy weather). Also, it has a great little sound system with a 6 CD changer - load it up, fill the tank, and your good for 500 miles. 150,000 miles and no major problems with this car.

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  Well Engineered - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Igmandada - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Still having the honneymoon effect with the beetle, however, we are exceptionally pleased with our 03 GLS TDI 5M. First fuel tank at 43 MPG mostly around town. Very smooth driving and top rate handling & braking. Very easy and fun to drive and gathers speed much quicker than we anticipated. Speedo shows 70mph and it feels like 60, I keep thinking it must be wrong. We love the sunroof and so far very glad we purchased it. I cannot keep the wife out of it. G. Miller

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  My Dream - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By TrevorJames - November 6 - 2:00 am

  When my yellow Beetle was driven into the showroom for me to view I said that it must be in my garage at once. Comfort, ease of driving, a sporty feel, and people look at you when you drive!. The workmanship on the car is remarkable. Solid build. Side airbags and a great sound system. Heated window washers and side view mirrors. I bought it for my Happy New Year to me present.

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  Loving It - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Mary Kilburn - November 4 - 9:03 pm

  We enjoy the maneuverability of this car. Its spaciousness is surprising, as it will even accommodate two [7 and 11 y.o.] grandchildren in the back seat. It is a diesel and that gas is expensive and not always easily available. My husband insists it is VERY safe with the steel cage construction and side airbags. I still worry a bit and in bad weather [especially at night] and prefer to drive one of our more conventional, obviously heavier, autos.

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  One Happy Beetle Owner - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By petra - November 1 - 4:56 pm

  Ive had her for 9 years now. Try to take good care of her. Change my oil every 3000 mi. Do all the other stuff too. Bottom line, for what I need in a car, this one is perfect and I shall drive her for another 10 years at least.

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  Aquarius Blue...I luv u - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Connie O - October 15 - 1:36 am

  I have owned several VW convertibles: a 90 Cabriolet, 96 Cabrio and now my 05 Aquarius Blue Beetle. This is by far the most fun to drive of all of them. Yes the trunk is small, yes the rear seat is not very roomy but we dont buy this type of car for those features. The trunk is roomy enough for a suitcase or groceries and again the fun-factor outweighs all.

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  Buy a New Beetle! You will be so happy! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Gsusfsh - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I have been very happy with my New Beetle. If I could buy a new car agian I would buy a new beetle again. The only difference might be a convertible. There are so many different surprises in the features. It says "limited cargo room" but come on! Its a 2 door car! I am impressed about the amount of room in the car. You can also let the back seat down which greatly increases the amount of cargo room. Baby car seats also fit well in the back seat because of the anchors build into the seats for that very reason. I love my car!!!

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  Great Car - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By psfriend - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This car has been the best that I have owned....very clever design features, loads of headroom (I am 64" tall) and good handling...excellent reliability. I would recommend this make/model for folks who want a fun and relatively inexpensive mode of transportation.

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  Much more spacious than I thought - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By LoveBeetle - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Beetle is one of kind. You do not need to mention VW Beetle. It looks so distinguish that it never losses in LA traffic. We all know that, but the most impressive thing is the interior space which is much spacious than I judged from its cute exterior. The fronts have the most head room, the back seats actually fit two teens with comfort. It is a fun car to drive, practical daily car and low cost to own too. How many car can offer all these?

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  A Car With Personality - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Pinkmartini - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I picked it over the BMW and Mercedes CLK convertible. It says, "Im fun and Im happy" whereas the other convertible say, "Im a snob." VW is one of the only convertible that doesnt strive to something its not. Its not trying to be a luxury car. This car has so much more personality. Being a former BMW driver, I surprised myself when I picked the VW (fully loaded). I live in California, so I have the top down all the time. I cant even begin to tell you the number of people that give me compliments on it...while I am driving my car. My whole family loves it and sometimes I find my car missing because someone else borrowed it.