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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Just a cute car, not worth it! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By shannon - March 27 - 1:33 amFor once in my life I wanted a cute car. I got it. Used 2005 GLS lt Blue with a gray top. Yes, I got thumbs up and smiles from perfect strangers. It fit my personality to a T. I made it through the 1st yr, then the back side window broke. right after the warranty ran out! $600 to repair! The other window broke late 2008. Ive just dealt with it. The top has now messed up and as I was was hand washing it I saw the top material has pulled away from the back window, water leaking in! Grant it I have 94,000 miles on it. They just dont make them like they used to. I decided its time for a GOOD car and bought a 2010 Kia Forte Coupe. Yep still FUN, but worth it!
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A Solid Vehicle - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By dsiddle - March 15 - 10:00 amI have found my New Beetle to be a solid performer. Pickup is adequate and the ride is very comfortable for a small car. Interior room is surprisingly spacious and the instruments/controls are well laid out. Power windows and mirrors have worked without difficulty. My only problem has been AM reception on the radio which the dealer says is in the radio itself.
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dont buy!!!!!! - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By nothinggood - March 15 - 10:00 amI will never buy another VW again, something is always going wrong with my car!!! Dont buy one!
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it is a shame VW doesnt care - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By scarabo - March 15 - 10:00 amnone
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I love my bug. - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By nancyg - March 15 - 10:00 amThis turbo diesel does have some get up and go while getting awesome mileage. Its fun to drive & as small as the car is, I somehow feel safe inside it. I will buy another Bug. I just hope they keep making the TDI.
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Love my used bug - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By cy - March 11 - 9:40 pmWell this is my first VW I swore I would never buy or drive a bug, but I love my bug. I got real lucky I found her in the newspaper one owner a folder of her records oil was always changed on time, new timing belt, brakes, water pump new sensors all leather int stick turbo heated seats mirrors, only thing is high miles all highway 20,000, but with all the new parts and its in mint I jumped on it for $2,300 cash I replaced the cat did the work my self ordered one on line and the clutch, so I have like a new car, I love her shes good to me to, to everyone that had problems sorry maybe your car was made on a fri or mon, they say those are bad days so dont buy a car that was made on that day, thanx
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Turbo S - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By wkuhl - March 11 - 10:00 amGreat fun to drive. Roomy in front seat. Turbo S interior styling is great.
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best car - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By meagan - March 9 - 10:00 amget it youl like it
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Great Retro Car - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By DrGarfield - March 9 - 10:00 amThe big (+) here is the TDI Diesel. I just finished a trip through the NC mountains and this car handled almost as good as my A4 Audi Quatro. The torque is amazing, pulling four adults up 15% grades in 4th gear at 60 mph is nothing to laugh at. This car is well balanced and the rear wheels stay right behind you where they belong. The car is solid and well built. Its a VW Beetle and should last for years.
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Dont do it............ - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Kozso - March 2 - 4:30 pmLooking to buy a VW Beetle? Dont do it! We have had our Beetle for 1 1/2 years. We bought used with 60,000 on it. Shame on me for not doing my homework. It has been a nightmare. OK, it is fun to drive, gets 43+ mpg and we have put 50,000 miles on it. But the frequent costly repairs out weighs the savings at the pump and the fun of driving it. VW has an electrical issue. I get the thing fixed, and try to sell, but another indicator lights pops on: check engine, ABS, brake pads - you name it, it has been broken. At this rate I will never get rid of it.
