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 Beetles - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Nancy - September 19 - 7:53 pm

  I really enjoy this car. I was hesitant at first to get one, but now am so glad I did! It is great on gas, fun to drive, and very comfortable. There is much more room inside than one would expect in a small car. I have the 1.8 turbo. It is a great performer and so fun to drive. It handles really well. I would highly recommend this car to anyone looking for better gas mileage without sacrificing fun and performance.

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  I LOVED this car, just too small... - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Nicolle - September 16 - 5:06 am

  I absolutely adored this car. She was gun-metal grey and I named her Judy, after Judy Jettson. Also lovingly called her the bubble-mobile because EVERYTHING inside is round or rounded. Super fun to drive, very reliable, very comfortable. But it did some weird stuff, as do all my vehicles. The overheat light kept coming on, even when Id first start it up. Then it would go off. Then come back on. Eventually I was driving on the highway and it severely overheated, melted the head gasket and there was anti-freeze in the oil. Ridiculous. I had thought the light was malfunctioning, not the cooling system. Only complaint about it is that any time something went wrong, it was EXPENSIVE to fix!

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  What a Surprize! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Moab - September 14 - 10:00 am

  I compared the New Beetle TDI with the Mini Cooper. The Beetle won out as to ride, handling, and economy. The panel instrumentation was also better. What won us over was the ease of getting the Beetle it serviced. The dealer also gave a deal on oil changes that was less than Jiffy Lube quoted for 100K miles. I wish the low fuel light didnt come on with 125 miles left on the tank empty.

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  in love with my Beetle - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By birulo - September 10 - 3:42 am

  Bought this car new from the dealer and its given me a couple of problems but overall I dont regret the purchase. Its sole appearance makes me happy every time I look at it. I seriously love my car. My only complain is that the parts, oil changes and even the coolant are very expensive. To be objective, I have to mention that entering its 4th year (2011), little things here and there started to break down, for example the interior roof liner is coming loose on the edges, antenna broke when covered the car with an ordinary car cover and one of the windshield washers seems to be clogged. My compressor died this year too ($2000)... and the battery and the headlights but thats to be expected

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  New to VW - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Tierri - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I really like driving this car. I switched from a larger gas taking car to this auto. Im also 64 and have plenty of head room in this car. Since Im the only one driving the car I dont have to worry about people sitting behind me. The car is very distinctive and has some get up. Definitely fun to drive. The included i- pod was a feature I didnt expect.

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  Two in the garage - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Bob Lykins - August 24 - 1:50 am

  My wife and I can afford any type of car made, but we both bought new VW Beetle convertibles late last year, and we absolutely love them. I have a 2005 turbo, whereas my wife picked a 2006 2.5. The car is solid! It is amazingly quiet with the top up, and is extremely comfortable (Im 63 and have more head and legroom than I did in my Toyota 4Runner!). We both get excellent gas mileage and we feel very safe on the interstates. I havent had this much fun in a car since high school and college!

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  The Only Car Ill Ever Drive... - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Jason Roberts - August 20 - 4:50 am

  This is my second New Beetle, and I love it just as much as the first! I love the new paint options, (mine is Salsa Red) and the new interior refresh. It is easy on gasonline, and reliable under the hood...this car is again, a winner! The front seat passengers enjoy large amounts of leg room and head-space. The vehicle is safe and incredibly fun to drive. I always wonder if people on the road are looking at my car and wishing they had it :)

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  great car - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dd - August 3 - 10:00 am

  yesterday i got a 2000 vw new bettle but it is the same as 2003. i love that car you feel very comfortable when in it and the back seat really isnt that small two people can fit in it easily.

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  Great Time Travel - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By OBX NC - July 30 - 5:03 pm

  Love the car, brings back super memories, makes the day fun and exciting. . My fuel mileage averages 25-29 mpg without pampering. Have owned a Miata, will take the Beetle any day,anytime.

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  Perfect Car - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By I Love This Car! - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I am a new drvier and student and I absolutley LOVE this car. It is very practical for my busy life, and fun to drive! It holds all my sports equipment when I need it to, and when I fold up the seat I can load in my friends and get to where we need to go. I havent had any problems with the car and absolutley love it. And I have been reading other comments and seem to think that maybe it is the user and not the car. I have also noticed that people seem to be having problems with the manual trans. Mine is an auotmatic and it is going just fine.