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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  I love my car!! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By tehj151 - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for just three months. The only thing I can say negative is that the seats are not very comfortable to sit in for any length of time. I keep a pillow in the drivers seat behind my back to help with back pain.

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  Cutest piece of junk on the road! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By LPKAY - July 16 - 9:50 pm

  This car has been in the shop 4 times for window motor replacement, countless times for various electrical and sensor problems, the convertible top motor broke,bad headlights, impossible to clean seats, etc. Ive had every problem that everyone else has had. This is the least reliable, most poorly designed car with the worst customer service Ive ever had; its also incredibly cute and very fun to drive! I would never spend another penny on a volkswagen, especially if it was my only car. We have other cars so it wasnt a problem that has been in the shop almost 20 times.

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  Love my Beetle! - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By karmagirl7 - July 13 - 2:51 pm

  I absolutely LOVE this car! The only weird thing is the crayon smell in the car, but everything else is awesome! I love the entertainment package and the MP3 option, when I am bored wtih everything else. This car handles like a champ - I feel like I am in a true high performance vehicle.

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  Convertible Bug - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By sherri - July 12 - 5:33 pm

  The GLS automatic tiptronic 4 cylinder convertible Bug rocks No comparison to the reg beetle, its much more of a car in the way it rides as well as being loaded with the heated seats and outdoor mirrors, air, stereo, etc. It beats the hard top. Im hoping it will last. I love the top and I wish the seats were a bit better, like real leather and with heavy rubber footing throughout instead of carpet. Other than that, its cool. No problem yet with light on dash coming on like the past Beetle I owned, hopefully never will. VW is known for engine sensor light on a lot so the mechanics tell me, and through my own experience as well. Its great in the snow!

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  lemon beetle - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By verna portugues - July 10 - 8:53 am

  I have spent over $8,000 trying to get my beetle to stop jerking without avail. Now I have to spend another 6,000 to replace the transmission. And I still owe on the car. the beetle is a pretty car but not worth the hassle.

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  Dont use the word "engineered" - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Keith Henson - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Have been very disappointed in basics on the car. Headlights constantly burn out. Center brake light intermettent. Fuel lid operator failure. Dealer is great until after you buy the car, then arrogant, not willing to assist at all. Routine service items like lightbulbs are ridiculous. Can barely see fuel filter that requires regular draining, but cant reach it. Have to dissable the car to access items. Should never be able to use word "engineered" in referring to it. Just mechanical stuff slapped into a bug shape! Stick with Japanese.

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  I love my convertible - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By CK - July 1 - 4:46 am

  Looking for a fun car thats sure to get peoples heads turning? The Volkswagen new beetle convertible is it! This is the best car Ive ever owned. It is reliable, sturdy, gets great gas mileage. Ive had no problems with it. I would highly recommend this car! If youre thinking you see a bunch of bad reviews--try it for yourself, it may surprise you with how great it is. Thats what I did, and it was the best choice. Good job Volkswagen!

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  cute but dont buy - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Cheer Chick - June 14 - 12:10 pm

  I loved this car when i first bought it, but then after I had it for a week it was back in the shop. Ive had the transmission replaced twice on this thing. The light bulbs keep goin out and the window buttons always break. My window broke while it was down which was horrible. The dealer always is really expensive too. My brake light switch went out too and I couldnt move my car. This car spends more time in the shop then it does on the road! VW seriously needs to rethink some ideas on the Bug. My interior door handles are pealing and the cup holders stink. I cant even put any drink besides a can in there. It also needs more horspower. It has horrible acceleration! Dont buy a new Beetle.

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  Broken Dreams - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ashellris - June 13 - 11:17 am

  When VW re-released the Beetle in 98, I had found my dream car. I was 15 at the time, about to get my license and sent away to VW for an information packet that I used in a presentation for my parents in hopes of receiving one. Needless to say; it didnt happen- Until 2005 when I purchased a used 2002 VW Beetle. I purchased the car for $15k and have since put at least $8k into it (Not including maintenance). The check engine light is always on, and repairs are never ending and expensive. I was able to get almost 400 mi per tank when I bought it; now I get just under 300 mi. This has nothing to do with neglect, this was my dream car. Be prepared for expensive repairs with any VW.

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  Problematic bug, unhelpful dealers - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Trevor Hirst - June 11 - 10:00 am

  My bug has had many recurring problems from the day I took delivery. I have had problems with the roof mechanism, the rear lights (both turn signals and brake lights) and the passenger-side window, which shoots back down when the window is raised. I have asked VW to buy the car back as a lemon. I have taken the car to two dealers for warranty work, neither of whom are particularly helpful. I never got a call from the dealer advising me that an ordered part arrived - I always have to call them. When the car itself was on order it was the same. I not buy VW again.