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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The convertible beetle I own - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Tom Ratliffe - November 21 - 10:00 amhandling, manuevability excellent. Gas milage not outstanding but satisfactory. Overall, a fine car for roaming around the island.
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A great addition to my family! - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Christopheroh9 - November 5 - 4:33 amI took delivery of my new Ghecko green VW New Beetle 2.5 automatic in February. I love this car! Ergonomically speaking, it fits most of my needs in being a well constructed, German engineered hatchback. So far, after driving 600 miles, no rattles or squeeks have surfaced. The 5 cylinder gasoline motor provides a great amount of performance- you may find yourself exceeding your local speed limits. Having grown up with other earlier VW models, the 2006 is the tightest in respect to fit and finish. I consider my New Beetle "my poor mans Porsche". Forget everything that you recall about the Bug...this car will make you look more than twice at its value. I cant wait for VW in 2010.
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Its the Little Things" - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By AngiMen - October 24 - 10:00 amI purchased this in the end of 2000. Although I find it adorable, this model still needs a little tweaking. I have had problems with the windows (passanger side broke), fuel tank lid, ignition, radio/cassette, oil is used up fairly rapidly and the oil sensor never went on. Will be taking it in for an oil consumption testto see what is up. If it werent for the little glitches this car would be perfect! Its just the little things. Id still buy another one, but a Turbo.
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Good car with a few problems - 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle
By JIm Goekler - October 22 - 6:00 amMy wife and I purchased our 2009 VW beetle with anticipation of giving this car to our granddaughter when she turnes 16 in 2012. However a few problems changed our mind of giving this car to a begining driver. Changing Headlamp is very involved and not recommened for car owner. The procedure for this process is 8 pages long. Ground clearance is so close to the ground that 3 inches of snow ripped front skid plate from the car. The skid plate is made from very thin plastic and is not much use. I also struck a small wooden object approx. 3 inches tall while moving less than 2 mph. while parking the car along side of the road. this knocked a hole in my transmition.
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fun for awhile - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By caprice2 - September 5 - 10:00 amThis is a great car for about a year. After that, expect it to be in the shop about every 6 months to replace the shoddy power window mechanism. You should also beware of the engine light, its super sensitive. Mine has been on for about a year and the dealer cant figure out why it wont stay off. My AC is now going out and Im trading it in. Cant survive in Texas without an awesome AC. Avoid adding fancy wheels, the brake dust is terrible. The numerous blind spots in all models is really bad.
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Never Again - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By txjules77 - August 30 - 11:36 pmIm just waiting for my lease to end. This is my 2nd VW (I leased a Jetta previously, similar problems). I refuse to take it to the dealership for oil changes bc it would cost me $80+/oil change! This car has lived in the shop. Ive had constant electrical problems, including the traction light staying on (and waiting a full day for the new part to come in), the seatbelt light coming at random (they said they "couldnt duplicate the problem" so they couldnt fix it), back latch doesnt work. Im fed up with VW in general. And customer service sucks. With all the repairs, they dont offer a free rental car. The only way I got on with the last repair is the guy who drives you home was not in.
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Best looking car ever - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By cpapakon - August 13 - 10:00 amNo problems until 30,000 miles Everythings works like new. Awesome car.
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volks - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By richard coughlin - August 10 - 9:13 pmso far I like the car. The car handles well and is fun to drive. It is good in the snow. The fuel mileage is not impressive. I got around 26 mpg in mixed driving. There are a lot of rattles when driving over potholes. I bought the car for the fun factor. Im waiting for the spring so I can put the top down. Also I plan on wintering in the sun-belt starting next year so I bought the convertible. I hope gas prices do not rise a lot more. To early for a fair reliability assesment
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Great Car! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Gabe - July 30 - 6:16 amTremendous value. I put in an InMotion stage 2 kit with chip remapping and injectors .216. I had to put in a VR6 clutch because of all the extra power. I had a few electronic problems (instrument cluster replacement, a few recalls). Best car Ive ever had!
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Reliable Engine, Cheap Interior Finishes - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By VW_Convertible - July 14 - 9:06 pmI am generally happy with the reliability of my VW engine but am disappointed with the quality of the interior fittings. The Front Power Window mechanism (was faulty) broke several times when the car was nearly new and had to be replaced with re- designed motors and chains (very expensive if car is out of warranty) The rear power window mechanism breaks often and is expensive to repair.....The Car overall is beautifully designed and finished on the outside, has very comfortable front seats, and has a quiet, smooth, stable ride with a well appointed dashboard and easy-to use controls. Automatic transmission started to jerk & stick at slow speeeds > 75,000 miles...Keys cost > 350$ to replace
