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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Most Fun Lemon Ive ever had - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Husky44 - February 26 - 7:30 pmBought my 2000 Volkswagen Beetle as a certified used vehicle for my wife to replace her 1999 Passat wagon (the 1st VW lemon we owned). I swore Id never buy another VW, but she loved it, and this was a manual, instead of an automatic transmission, which gave us so much trouble in the Passat. This car is an absolute blast to drive. Unfortunately, VW quality is poor, and VW service is abysmal. We have had numerous electrical and drivetrain problems with this car. We have thorougly described and documented all of the problems, and have been told by the dealer that they dont exist. We have replaced too many parts to list. When I complained about the turbo spoiler not working automatically at 90+, the dealer told me not to go that fast (then why offer the feature?).
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Mixed Feelings - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By eeyoremc - February 24 - 4:44 amI bought the car used from the VW dealer in Manchester NH. Started off ok. But last week had to replace the coolant system which was about $500. Now THIS week car disengaged from gear while driving (clutch not pushed in) and first mechanic (not dealer) says I need a NEW transmission? Its only got 85K on it and I have never, ever needed a clutch or transmission in an of my manual trans cars. And I drive - often. Now at the dealer but Ive now been without a car for almost a week and Im disillusioned. This is my 2nd Bug, I do love them, but if its the transmission it was a build issue for sure. Be wary.
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Great Little Car - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By jerry - February 21 - 9:46 amGreat car fun to drive
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great little car - 2010 Volkswagen New Beetle
By SRQFL - February 12 - 2:04 ami traded a 2004 Z4 for this new beetle convertible as i needed to have seating for 4 people. yes i miss the Z, but this beetle is well built, solid and has the germanic driving characteristics i have grown to love. the car has plenty of pep, easily seats 4 and has exceeded my expectations.
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Good stuff - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Robert94114 - January 13 - 10:00 amI have not had any problems with this car. The only pet peves I have is the cup holders and the reverse takes so long to shift the gear on the automatic.
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How i love beetles - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By klassic - January 13 - 10:00 ami lovethe cute , groovy, sence of it
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buggin in USA - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By mike RICE - January 8 - 10:00 amwE HAD A BUG WHEN i WAS YOUNGER. ALWAYS WANTED ANOTHER. THIS CAR HAS BEEN AN EYE CATCHER. EVERYONE SMILES WHEN WE DRIVE BUY. WE LOVE THE CAR OVERALL...RIDES NICER THAN MY MAXIMA. ONLY THINGS WE DONT LIKE, THE RADIO IS TERRIBLE FOR RECEPTION DUE TO SMALL ANTENNA. NO CD PLAYER STANDARD. HAD EVERY OPTION UNDER THE SUN AND NO CD..COMEON.
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Great car but dont expect perfection - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Erin - December 7 - 8:33 pmI have been driving my Beetle for about four months now and love it. It is my only car and has been great even on roadtrips, less then 500 miles. It is a little jumpy when you give it gas but has good pick up. The only problem I had was the front blinker coming out and the door molding popping up. BUT I was forewarned by reading up on the car before purchased so I wasnt too surprised. So dont expect a perfect car with great quality. I too had bad service at the VW dealer, not purchased from, and hope I dont need to go back anytime soon. The top down rocks and the little features make up for the cheesy interior. I am SO glad I didnt purchase an everyday Sebring. this car is great to drive does not have great quality.
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Fair, but fun to drive! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Bob The One - December 1 - 2:00 amThis car has been un to drive, and we got a killer deal on e-bay for it. But the engine light came on at about 32,000 miles and it has minor mechanical problems from time to time. But it sure is a cute car, and my wife loves to drive it.
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My Turbo - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By RRB - December 1 - 2:00 amA few too many recalls for windows & electrical. But the service from the dealership has been great. When looking at this and other cars, I was looking for something fun to drive and I had to stay under a $50K budget. There were no other requirements. This was one of the most exciting to drive and it came in at less then half the budget. The gas mileage might not what youd expect, but I can handle 27 city, 31 hwy. Dont get this one with an automatic, what fun is that!
