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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  Gotta love the TDI, 1yr later still loving it!! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Long Range Customs - February 17 - 7:35 am

  At 66", the little VW Beetle has absolutely the most comfortable seats my wife and i have ever been in for long road trips. A few years ago i made a 5400 mile trip in 84 hours flat, yes do the math on that one! I certainly was tired when i got to my destination and returning home but was no where near as sore as every other vehicle i have ever been owned! Gotta love the VW seats and interior design! The fuel mileage of the little 1.9L is incredible. At 80 mph for nearly the entire trip with severe side/head winds at times i still averaged 45MPG for the entire trip!!We typically see 42 city and 48-50hwy. I use light weight synthetic oils in the engine and tranny. I run my tires at their max on the sidewall giving me nearly perfect tread wear across the entire surface of the tires. My best tank was 760 miles on one tank! I spent a lot of time nursing it to the top both times. INCREDIBLE!! My only complaint however, is that VW used flimsy "Rivets" to hold the third member together that the ring gear bolts to in the little 5 spd transmission. A couple of the rivets flew out and punched a 3"-4" hole in the lower side of the transmission housing. At about 156k we removed the tranny to install a new clutch and much to our surprise we found the "inspection hole" they caused when they flew out. Costing us an unnecessary case replacement/tranny rebuild! We drilled out the remaining rivets and installed the recommended API bolt kit and all is good! It has absolutely ran like a swiss watch before and after that. Cant say enough about the little TDI beetles, loveem!! We liked it so much i am heading to purchase another one as ours was just hit in the front end by another driver and was totaled. All occupants we completely safe thanks to the Beetles design!! :{)

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  Have Loved Every Mile Driving My Bug! - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Cheryl Tamburri - February 7 - 8:08 am

  My 2006 VW NEW BEETLE 6 speed A/T came with everything available, clear down to convertible top boot, wind screen, leather everything, seat warmers, satellite radio. Arctic Blue with a gray top has been a rarity out here in CA, but that top has been down a zillion times in CA weather. 10 years and 80,000 miles later it still drives like the day I bought it; but it has been lovingly maintained and service schedules followed - the key to any cars longevity. Turbos were standard in this model and this little car kicks gas, so fun to drive. Having said that, its a Bug, low tech as they come but efficient and with usual German sensibility everything is where it should be in the cockpit. Time to part company with the old girl, not easy, as she still looks like the day she left the dealers lot. Hope shell make somebody else as tickled to drive her as Ive been ~ truly, best cat ever.

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  This car rocks! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By El Guapo - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Just got the new Lifestyle package in Blue Lagoon. The blue and black leather seats are awesome and the turbo eats up these hills in Austin. Owner of a 1972 beetle and it is amazing how far these cars have come.

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  I love it! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bugsy - February 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Volkswagen and I am so glad I bought a bug. A yellow one at that. Everyone says it is so perfect for me and it is so much fun to drive.

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  Almost 1 year with not a single problem - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By sailflorida - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Still love it after 10 months. Have still not found anything wrong with this car. I have looked since day one for build defects and found none. As a perfectionist it has given pride. I am however waiting for window problems because I hear alot of complaining about it but so far OK. I am sorry my warranty is the old 24 month one because I hear bad stories of dealer charges (and ineptness) where I live. I am hundreds of miles from selling dealer and that is a bummer.

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  Wake Up USA - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By capemaycruiser - January 21 - 10:00 am

  The VW Beetle TDI diesel, pervasive in Europe due to really high fuel costs and forward looking regulations, is a pleasure to drive, easy to maintain and much less stressful at the pump than a comparable gas burner. The high torque (and low rpms) of the TDI makes it quiet and powerful on the highway while demonstrating the hill climbing strengths of a goat. And burning high cetane, low sulfur fuel or better yet a 20% blend of biodiesel, keeps the emissions low. In 18 months and 34K miles, my TDI Beetle has performed flawlessly and has been a hoot to drive past a bus load of school kids instigating a punch buggy frenzy!

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  Cool Car - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By slug bug red - January 18 - 2:30 am

  Weve had our Volkswagen Beetle Convertible for a couple of months. Its a cool car. My wife loves to borrow it from me. We bought the base model with the auto transmission and satellite radio, mainly because of worries about the semi-auto top breaking during the life of the car. Inside, everything is easy to operate and clearly labeled. The console redesign is nice - two cups fit with room for a cell phone and iPod. The radio has a jack for iPods or MP3 players. The engine is peppy and has plenty of power for freeway passing. The car easily hits triple digit speeds but its attitude is that of a cruiser. Im a bit disappointed with the gas mileage, 21-22mpg freeway / city on 89 octane.

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  turbo s - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By the drake - January 15 - 10:00 am

  I love my bug. It has been a blast to drive and very reliable.

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  It is my Sunshine!! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Clara Worley - January 11 - 2:00 am

  My yellow TDI is like a pet! It is fun to drive and VERY economical. No troubles just fun to drive. Took it on our 25 anniversary trip to Niagra falls and turned a lot of heads with our Beach Boys CD (in our changer). I wlll be buying 2003 convertible TDI (if possible). Have owned VW diesels since 1980. Took Amtrak 500 miles to Atlanta to buy this one (in an ice storm).

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  Not all Bugs are bad - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By PalisadesBug - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Whats this headlight BS? I change my own! The bulbs cost between 8 - 15. And I burned out 3 in the years Ive had the car. Yes, I know plenty of people with VW products. Some are nightmares, only made worse by incredibly poor dealer service. Even so, another New Beetle is a possiblity for me. The car has some great features, and the interior is comfortable, and capable of carrying quite a bit. Even with a Kayak on top I get over 30mpg. Try to do that in an SUV. The car is a personal expression. But be forewarned there are some genetic throwbacks out there who have adverse reactions to the little bug...screw them! Have fun, drive safe and alert...