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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  A Guys Beetle? - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Mtman - May 26 - 10:23 am

  I bought a new red VW Beetle Turbo S recently and am very happy with it. I previously shied away from the new Beetle due to its image as a "chick" car, and its lack of power. When I test-drove the Turbo S, however, my mind was changed. Clearly, VW is trying to appeal to the male driver and they just might succeed with this car. Its quick, agile, and holds the road well even in sharp corners. Im planning a few performance mods, but even stock this new VW is very entertaining.

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  Fun car but its falling apart - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bbo - May 23 - 12:55 am

  I bought this car brand new and it was a fun car to drive. I love this car and still love this car but random parts of the car started falling off like the interior door handle, the window regulator, pretty much every plastic piece. my head lights burn every 3000 miles and my rear passenger side fixed window fell off on the freeway. The radio went out and the defroster doesnt work well. I a little electrical issues.

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  Not too shabby car - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Retoo - May 18 - 7:26 pm

  I am a travel therapist and use my car to commute. It is pretty good on gas and I love the moon roof. It also came with a sporty racing stripe design on the doors... cute! Even though she is 7 years old, I still receive compliments on her. My husband likes the gas mileage but says that he feels like the guy on the Simpsons when he drives it (hes 62). Its also a great car for wives who have problems keeping their husbands from driving their cars. :0)

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  I LOVE MY M&M - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By SANDWOMAN - May 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the very best car in the world to own. For all of you grannys out there, we have a fun car to keep us young. This car is safe, fun and the grandchildren love it. As my granddaughter says........it is a happy car. I have had Lincolns and Caddillac which can not even come close to the performance of the Beetle. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  1.8T NEW BEETLE - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By keebee133 - May 17 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS VERY FUN CAR TO DRIVE. WE JUST GOT THE LIMITED EDTION BLUE ON BLUE AND BLACK SEATS. THE TURBO ENGINE PICKS UP QUICK, AND ON THE INSIDE IT IS THE BEST IN ITS CLASS.

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  I love my Beetle - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Kristina - May 12 - 10:33 pm

  I love my car. I previously owned an Explorer, and the two are difficult to compare. The only thing I miss about my Explorer is the storage space, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much can fit in a Beetle. I dont understand why people complain about the gas mileage, I think its great but then my Explorer did have a V8 engine. Beetles are fun cars to drive, the sound system is great, and it works perfectly as a commuter car.

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  Happy, Happy Beetle Owner - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Donna - May 4 - 11:10 am

  I am very happy to have my 4th Beetle. I have owned other cars, pick-ups and SUVs, and none compare to the overall performance, affordability, dependability and fun as my "New Beetle".

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  Cute but shoddy quality - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Hollies Dad - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car new. Its cute and fun to drive, but weve had way too many problems with it. It burns at least a quart of oil every 2000 miles. The gas tank door release has been replace three times (we allways keep a screwdriver handy to pry it open when it breaks. The interior finish is pealing. The center console broke and weve had a number of other interior problems. Ill never buy another VW.

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  Dis dream bug - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Dianlyn - April 29 - 3:43 am

  I have had this car for a year now and I love that I put roughly 140 miles a week on it and only have to go to the gas station every 3 weeks.

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  my beetle - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Diogo - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I love my New Beetle and I am planning to lease a new one when my old lease ends. I love the New Beetle looks.