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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  Its Just Fun! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By marty416 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I have a red/black 2004 1.8T 5spd and love it! Great looks, sporty, fun to drive with top up or down. Glad I got the manual. Love the 17 inch tires and alloys. Heated seats are super. Dont expect any trunk space. So far very reliable. Great car for the money.

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  cyn in florida - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By beetle girl - June 2 - 3:16 pm

  I love this car; but triple with the white arm rest is whacked. Could get a little better gas mileage.

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  Beetle convertible -first impressions - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Robert Skaleski - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle drives well and is comfortable. It has style and a personality. I was pleasantly surprised at the ride which was solid and controlled. It is not the beetle of old, but a new and more sophisticated car with 3,100 lbs of fun, electronic features and a zippy motor.

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  LOVE IT !! HEADS TURN, MANY COMPLIMENTS - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By JOAN YOVAN - May 28 - 10:00 am

  GREAT RIDE,SMOOTH,QUIET. TAKES BUMPS EASY.GOOD LOOKING. USE P/T IN FLORIDA.

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  I love my bug! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By tweety76 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Its quick, its fast and its a heck of alot of fun to drive!

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  Awesome - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Regina Ferrer - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is beautiful it is perfect for me!

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  Little Green Machine - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By RsWine5 - May 13 - 3:40 am

  All I can say is I love it! I went from a F150 to a Bug. It drives like a sports car, the handling is great. 2 weeks after my purchase I drove R/T from Texas to West Virginia, the gas seemed to last forever, comfortable the whole way. I had the oil changed when I returned + tire rotation, cost - 18.79. I was told to have the oil changed every 5000 miles. All in all, its a great little car! Oh, one problem: Trying to get a 100 pound Lab in the back seat for her Vet visit.

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  My New Topless - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By nataphoto - May 12 - 7:00 pm

  Great product; there is nowhere I go that this little car doesnt raise eyebrows. I have the Harvest mood/beige top GLS 1.8t; VW claimed 150hp, but it feels more powerful. On gas matters, love it.

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  I love the bug! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Laura - May 3 - 3:16 am

  I have had my VW Bug convertable for almost a year and a half and I totally love it! It drives smoothly, it looks hot, and you can get it in fun colors! I wouldnt be happier with any other car. Its fun and you will be more than happy to dirve it. Ive never had any problems with it either, never! Enjoy the car, I know you will!

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  Diesel - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By tom - April 29 - 9:13 am

  Only problem I have had is replacing the timing belt twice @ 40K & 67K. VW is not responding quickly on this one. They were proactive in the brake light recall, & that was fixed (it worked fine on mine) w/ no problem.