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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  Never ever going back again - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By notlovingmybug - January 30 - 10:39 pm

  I consider this car a lesson learned in poor decisions. I purchased this car new in 2008 and have had numerous problems. So many in fact Im not sure I can list much less remember them all. I will make this short (as possible) and sweet(as possible). The passenger side window motor stopped working, the radio buttons stick, the console top has broken twice, the compressor is barely working therefore I have almost zero air conditioning and the transmission is failing. Not to mention the car has an odd odor that I cannot get rid of. A light continually stays on that I was told needed a computer upgrade but the dealership never seemed to have the "disc". Too many problems to list.

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  Fast easy riding and driving Fun Bug - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By zcarid - January 30 - 11:36 am

  Each year the GLX has pleased us with the performance on long trips averaging 2500 miles. Cruises easily at highway speeds between 80 and 100 mph. Will go a lot faster but so will the police. Quick responsive steering and at end of long days feel like we have been treated to an easy ride. Visibility is great all around. Acceleration with the Turbo is a real safety feature in itself. Have had a few problems all easily fixed by family mechanic. Not a fan of dealer maintenance who seem to be way too expensive and eager to replace assemblies when an adjustment or a minor part is all that is needed.

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  2000 New Beetle GLS - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ADubinLA - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Given all of the problems weve had, I still like my car. The New Beetle is great to have around town ... great styling, easy to maneuver in crowded parking lots, reasonable power. The key problems weve had, however, are with the electrical system. Weve had to replace a CD harness, ignition switch, side airbag harness, among other things. Id get another Beetle, but definitely would keep my fingers crossed about the build quality.

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  Love It ! Coooool Car - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By New Beetle Lover - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Love the car, its cute as can be! After 4 years Im still getting compliments on the look. Have had no negative problems. Some parts can be expensive, but that true on any foreign car.

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  Disappointed!!! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By BaaadJenny - January 19 - 2:00 am

  I thought I was buying a good, reliable car and ended up instead with a lemon. Its a 1.8 GLS turbo and has 21,500 miles on it. I like the look and the way it drives, but problems? Lets see...Gas door will sometimes open/close, sometimes not, trunk usually does not open with the remote or the inside switch, the screws fall out of the window levers, the drivers side window got stuck and the regulator inside the door broke, the passenger side door lock malfunctioned and had to be replaced. Shall I go on? Oh yeah, and the service from the dealer sucks!

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  Yes, it is fun to drive but not comfy. - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By buggy tag - January 18 - 1:53 am

  I bought the car for the fuel economy and the looks. I have a large SUV and wanted something else to run around in to save gas when I am not hauling tons of kids. I get around 29 mpg both highway 60% and city 40%. I cant get the fuel economy that is stated. I am not a lead foot either. Check this before you buy one. This car is really meant for no more then two people in terms of comfort. I would hate to take a trip in this. The seats are not comfortable at all. They need to build them like domestic seats are built here. Teens hate the back seat. Up to 13 years is O.K. but isnt comfy. Also my dash and handles are peeling the top layer already, Im not hard on vehicles.

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  Buyer Beware - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By heartbroken - January 17 - 11:50 am

  My beloved dream car has an engineering flaw that apparently comes to light after 60,000. The auto transmission becomes erratic clunking into gear, screeching off, staying in 2nd gear. After months and hundreds of dollars of investigation and fixes, the only cure is a valve and electronic trans. replacement to the tune of $4000-$7000. VW will not admit to any problems or pay for a fix. The government car safety website (safercar.gov) has 28 complaints registered about this issue. I would not recommend any VW product to anyone-new or used.

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  Reliable and Fun - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By kayjay75 - January 17 - 4:16 am

  This is the best car Ive ever owned. I bought it new and have never had any problems. Its fun to drive, is a rare model, and overall takes good care of me. Ive driven Japanese cars before but found them to be boring and average. This car has more personality than 100 Japanese cars combined. Its definitely not for everybody but if you truly enjoy driving then a Volkswagen is undoubtedly an excellent choice. I plan to hold onto this car forever. Happy driving!

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  Great Car - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By janet brown-wooten - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I love my VW Comvertible Beetle, I own the Turbo, black,cream interior. This car has great pick-up speed, comfortable, reliable, and very sleek looking.

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  Power Buggy - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Gunnerdd972 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Purchased 00 Red Beetle w/ manual at 39,000 miles. I checked the car out on Carfax, and the cars history came up clean, and no major defects. Ive had the car over a year, and still no problems. Gas mileage is a huge factor in this car alone, plus overall exterior and interior perks such as heated seats and leather. Dependability and longativity of the vehicles engine was also in the back of my mind before purchase. No matter which make or model you buy now days. Some tend to be more dependable than others, its like playing Russian Roulette. I highly reccomend the New Diesel Beetle for gas mileage and power.