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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Solid, zippy, reliable, 48mpg(70%hwy) -54mpg(95%hwy) stock! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By genegenre - April 22 - 1:52 pmI bought my 2000 Beetle tdi in 10/11 with 110k. It is now 12/12 and after getting a job as a courier recently, I have put about 40k miles on it. Zero break downs. Since Ive owned it; 1. had to replace starter 2. AC compressor failed 3. Cruise control failed 4. stock speakers all blown (I listen to jazz & NPR so lil disappointing) 5. original shocks/struts really wearing out... Not perfect but damn good where it counts. The interior panels and dash are cheap and look awful but the seats are comfy. I sit in it 6hrs a day now & am very pleased with the lumbar support. Eng hums @ 70-80 and through rolling hills of Pittsburgh, I got 48mpg b4 w/ a 24mi trip to work now 50+ nearly all hwy.
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Fahrvergnugen - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By heme3 - April 11 - 2:40 amGood 2 go for a second "fun" car. Purchased used from a VW dealer, everything seems to be fine. Solid ride, little 2.0 engine runs on the cheap gas, convertible works very nicely. By far the coolest convertible you can pick up nowadays for $17K. If you want to go fast, buy something else. This car is for cruising. Almost bought the turbo version, used price is about the same, but the 1.8 turbo engine only runs on 93+ octane. Actually, the 2.0 engine seemed smoother than the 1.8 turbo with the automatic trans. 1.8 turbo with manual was best, tho. New 2.5 engine with automatic is perfect, but was out of my price range.
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Gorgeous and fun to drive - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By C.Scott - April 9 - 10:00 amI traded in my 2002 Turbo beetle, which I totally loved, for the 2003 convertible GLS 2 months ago. Absolutely gorgeous car, turns heads everywhere I go when the tops down, and SO MUCH FUN to drive! People scream "nice car" at me constantly, and I have to agree. Ive been waiting 5 years for this car, and it really is worth the wait. I bought the galatic blue with tan interior - sharp combination. I totally love my car.
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Awesome - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By JoAnne - April 8 - 8:33 pmI chose the VW Beetle convertible because my grandson loves the "Slug Bug" and wanted me to get one. Once I drove it, I fell in love with it. It is truly the BEST car I have ever had. Comfort, looks, reliability, performance is perfect. I hope we have beautiful weather here in MN so I can drive with the roof down. Love that Sun!!
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I love my bug but some complaints - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By paul - April 8 - 6:33 amI believe as a VW lover you kinda dont worry about some of the problems/I have realized after owning 3 VWs that they have a lot of electrical problems and you would think they would get the hint and fix these problems. But...I bought my 99 bug used of course and it runs great/fun little 5 speed/love the dash/hate the dang cup holders/I agree with other review they stink due to not being able to get anything in the cup holders and when you do the holder comes off with the can!/and also it just feels like it should have a arm rest/but I have 2 kids and Im surprised at how easy it is to get them in and out of the back/I do worry that it will tear up and I will not have anyone to fix it.
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#8 and still liking em - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By bigfoot16 - April 3 - 10:00 amBought it for my wife and cant get it away from her she loves it. Weve had good experances with our vws and this one is no exception. Fun to drive and the performance has picked up since getting a few miles on car and changing to synthtic oil, gas milage around 32 on highway. by the way I drive a 2002 GTI 1.8 with chip and some other mods.
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The new Bug is Incredible.... - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Brandl - April 3 - 10:00 amThe Bug is an amazing little car. Its so spacish, very clean cut, and a nice look to the car.
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A bug I love to hate - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By sam74 - March 29 - 10:00 amI love this car however the interior seats stain too easily. The paint is chipping off the interior door panels and door handles. Gunther VW repainted them at no charge. Headlight plastic cover came off for no apparrent reason while driving in Florida. The chip protectors are peeling off (cheap plastic film). Besides the cosmetic annoyances, I would definately purchase one again as it drives like a dream. Dont waste your money on the 2.0 turbo. Turbo lag, annoying sound of rear spoiler, and highprice tag. Will purchase a TDI next time around.
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Driver Found!!! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By LvMyConvBug - March 29 - 10:00 amI have owned my Vw Conv Bug for a couple of months now and so glad that I bought one. Everything about it is fun down to the cute vase. The colors are also what makes the car fun. I think everyone needs a bug.
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Diesels require expensive maintaince - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By tool cat - March 28 - 6:21 pmI found out after the purchase that this TDI engine requires special oil that must meet the VW spec #505.01 which is very hard to find. Also the lower engine plastic guard must be removed every time just to change the oil. The filter is easily accessible. This engine (PD/BEW) has had some trouble with the camshafts. Which is why the special oil. Also the cam belt must be changed according to the schedule or you risk the engine blowing up do to the belt braking. Most other vehicle now use a cam chain instead of the toothed belt. It has plenty of power with the turbo kicking in. Mileage has been 40 - 43.5 mpg
