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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  My dream bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By topdownbug - June 10 - 2:00 am

  This is the most enjoyable car Ive ever owned in my almost 40 years of driving. It is so stylish and although I like many other cars - nothing says pure fun better than a bug and when you add the topdown to it - its the best!! I have a second car that I drive in the winter - so my BUG is truly a great toy for me!

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  2002 Volkswagen Beetle - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dumb buyer - June 8 - 9:20 pm

  We have never bought a new car that had so many problems in such a short mileage life, the window fell out in the first month it was purchased. The brake lights went next, then the a/c, it had a hesitation from day one on take off and after 2.5 years the mass air finally failed, there are no turn signals on the dash gauges [intermittant]. The latest is the dealer said the fuel pump failed and they wont replace it because it had bad gas. They want $600+ to fix it and the car is under warranty. Im a mechanic and I have never seen a electric fuel pump fail because of so called bad fuel, a defective part yes. I got a different VW dealer to agree to repair it.

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  Never again... - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Mandys - June 8 - 10:00 am

  If you are considering it, dont. At this point, I doubt that anything more could go wrong with it...4 power window switches, 2 Oxygen Sensors, 1 power mirror switch 1 uncontrollable dead battery right after crappy 2 year warranty expired, knicks all over fenders after 1st week off lot, no warning when I leave lights on, when locking doors w/ remote the car beeps, but the doors do not lock, brakes replaced by VW, they now squeak, and apparently nothing can be done about this, it is terribly embarrassing

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  Beauty! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Leonine - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Read the other reviews, problem is crappy dealers not the car. They should be able to have them fixed the first time or so. Mines been very reliable since 1999, only a few minor glitches. Would I buy another? I am. Two New Beetles. Love em!

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  Beetle Convertible Punch Buggy - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Berni - June 5 - 8:20 am

  Great fun car with space for 2 adults and 2 children. Easy to open/close top. Lots of extras.

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  So sad about my bug - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By nomorebug! - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I should have done a little more research about this car before I bought one... I fell in love with this car the moment I saw/drove it. It was beautiful, roomy, and a very comfortable drive. I loved the seat warmers too! But Ive had nothing but problems since I bought it. The window control broke off, the gas door doesnt open all the time, the hatch doesnt open al the time, the turbo was having problems, etc. Im so glad I bought the extended warranty. The gas mileage is also very bad, 14-18 mph and it needs premium gas. I might as well own an SUV. I finally got rid of it last week.

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  I love my new beetle! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By nicknmanda - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy driving my New Bettle it is so much fun!

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  Over Powered Go Cart - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By johnrushing - June 2 - 8:19 am

  Ive owned my Turbo S for almost 6 years and have loved every minute of it. I love the power the little 1.8t makes and how smooth the power comes on. I left mine stock up until last year and then started modifying it. I love the look on Mustang drivers when a little beetle pulls ahead of them. The handling is great, like its on rails, and the fuel economy is good. Before modifying the engine I got my best mpg of 32 mpg by driving no faster than 65mph and not doing any jack rabbit starts. With the mods I am still getting 29mpg. I plan on keeping the beetle and seeing exactly what type of performance the 1.8t has in it, have seen a few putting out over 350hp and still very drivable.

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  Counterbalance to bad reviews - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By zenpuppy - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I had my bug for over 2 yrs and I still love it! It is almost the most comfortable car that Ive been in. It picks up on the freeway 60 mi in 10 sec. Its like driving a sportscar without being crammed in. Its extremely user friendly and has a personality of its own. You wont believe how much will fit in this seemingly small car. Ive had the power window stuck while it was still on warranty. You should check users website and read how much most people love their beetles. Just drive one and you wont be able to walk away from it.

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  Great Commuter - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Robert Alyea - May 27 - 8:36 pm

  My first beetle was purchased in 1966 that was a great car but this one is even better. I drive 150 miles a day back and forth from work. The comfort and ride are exceptional and the car actually has a passing gear. The car has excellent pick up and I am experiencing a little over 30 mpg. I get a lot of looks and have referred many to the dealership. Thanks for providing such a wonderful vehicle it is what I need and also fun.