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 New 2006 Beetle is Much Better! - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Brandon C - March 15 - 10:56 pmWhen compared to even the 2005 VW Beetle, The New 2006 models makes a world of difference in both features and handling. The new 2006 has a far more powerful 2.5L in-line 5-cylinder engine that gets GREAT fuel mileage and also produces more power than even the 2005 1.8T Turbo! I have owned a 2003 Beetle and would say my new Salsa Red 2006 Beetle beats it by far! The new interior design tweeks like chrome rings, a redesigned speedometer, and an MP3 player input really gives it that extra kick! I hope this review helped you! You must see one of these in person! this is the best VW ever!
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extreamly pleased - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By W. Bowman - March 13 - 2:00 amThis vehicle is addictive if one enjoys driving. Ouite and clean running with more room than you might expect. Excellent for the long runner and snappy for the sprinter.
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only a bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By marthap - March 8 - 2:00 ami love my convertible bug. i have had 3 bugs in my life. a 72 convertible that was really hard to get worked on so as much as i hated to i sold it. then in 2001 i bought a new bug and then in 2003 when having the oil changed in my bug i bought a 2004 convertible bug - mellow yellow. i havent had alot of "without" top time yet since i bought it end of fall early winter but im looking forward to summer fun. i am counting on this being my last car.
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The Piece - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Honey4Duke - March 4 - 10:00 amI Love it! All my friends can go and take a ride with me.
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Love My Convertible - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Funmaster7 - March 4 - 10:00 amI have had it now for a month and love it. My friends no longer want to drive their cars anywhere. It is a real attention grabber and very practical compared to other convertibles. I previously owned a Jetta for 5 years before the Beetle and never had any problems that why i decided to stick with VW!!
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My little green bug... - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By cher - March 4 - 10:00 amI have dreamed about owning a VW Beetle ever since they came out with the new ones!! So, last Christmas my husband got tired of hearing me go on and on about getting one, so I received a beautiful gift box with the keys inside to my new Green Beetle!!! I was soo shocked and just love it to death!! I am the happiest gal in the world driving it!!
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A Great Little Car - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By happyowner - March 2 - 10:00 amI bought my red 1999 GLS 5-speed used with 17,000 miles on it. The car has been nothing but reliable. I now have over 61,000 miles on it and it continues to drive and run flawlessly. Nothing has broken on it other than two headlights. The bulbs cost about $7.00 and are easy to replace once you figure out what youre doing. Everything works, none of the switches have fallen out or broken and the power windows work just fine. The air conditioning works great. I guess some cars are lemons, but mine has been every bit as reliable as my wifes Honda Civic (she sold the Honda and bought a Cabrio).
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Exellent Car!!! - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By nubugman - March 2 - 10:00 amI dont know what these other people have done to there car, but I have 90000 miles on mine and very few proplems. I had to replace the window regulator at 84000 miles and it only cost my $100 plus 1/2hr labor. Other than that is has run perfect. Fun car to drive.
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A Great Little Car - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By HappyOwner - March 2 - 10:00 amI bought my red 1999 GLS 5-speed used with 17,000 miles on it. The car has been nothing but reliable. I now have over 61,000 miles on it and it continues to drive and run flawlessly. Nothing has broken on it other than two headlights. The bulbs cost about $7.00 and are easy to replace once you figure out what youre doing. Everything works, none of the switches have fallen out or broken and the power windows work just fine. The air conditioning works great. I guess some cars are lemons, but mine has been every bit as reliable as my wifes Honda Civic (she sold the Honda and bought a Cabrio).
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Nothing Like It - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Salley - February 22 - 6:50 amThis is one cute car. It doesnt feel too big or too small. It gets fairly good gas mileage compared to others. Do expect a blind spot, it is a convertible. The top sits on the back to give that nostalgic look and feel. They tried to keep the old look but offer modern features as well. The top is easy to put up or down. The stereo is as good as you can get in a car of that size. Once you have one it will be a must for your family.
