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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2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By bigdaddy - November 4 - 4:13 pmId seen the first Concept One in 1994. After exhaustive research and MANY test drives, I purshased a 2005 New Beetle TDI on 1/12/2005 (or VW NB GLS TDI with ESP and XM(radio). The fuel mileage is GREAT - over 400 miles on a fill up with 99% city driving- I look forward to a very long relationship.
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Im sold on the Beetle - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Ellen - November 1 - 4:36 amThe Beetle has been an unbeatable vehicle for me. As a college student, I needed something reliable and relatively inexpensive. The Beetle requires little maintenance and is fuel efficient. It even has enough space to move ALL my belongings between dorms/apartments, even running well hauling a UHaul across the country to move me to my first job after graduation. My Beetle now takes me around the city during the week and into the mountains with my bike on the weekends. I cant imagine driving any other vehicle.
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3939329209 - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Ayana - October 21 - 10:00 amthis vehicle is great for everyone from teens to adults excellent car A++++
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Ethans Bug Forever! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Sherry Trail - October 21 - 10:00 amI bought my VW about a month ago. My son just loves it. Its new name is Herbie. Its his favorite car in the world. I just love everything about it. It rides like most luxury cars I have rode in. Its very comfortable to drive. Im a small person and I just love to ride and drive it.
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Great Car - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By L. Bruce - October 18 - 5:36 pmI just bought my VW Beetle for my 120 mile round trip to work each day. It is already paying for itself. It provides great performance, fuel economy, and styling. The back seat is cramped but the front seats are very comfy. I got it with a 100,000 warranty, I will probably do that many miles in it in two years, and will then rate this vehicle again. So far, I love it! I plan to do 40,000 miles a year. This is the car for it.
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2004 Bettle V.W. - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By bobw007 - October 16 - 10:00 amWhat a fun car to drive! The built in flower vase is too cool! A step back in time to the era of the original V.W. I am 65 and a big man! I have more room in the front seat than a new cadillac! The seats lower and raise, go back and tilt. The dash lighting at night is just unreal! Purple and Vibrant red colors! The motorized roof is way too cool! Not only moves back & forth but up! Lots of power in the standard engine, smooth shifting and fantastic handling on corners and turns. Very stable. These come loaded, I like the 4 air bags and seat belt ratings- a very safe car!
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Great Buy - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By hstanleys - October 8 - 10:00 amLooed at mini,but did not want to pay sticker price.Also concerned about reliability.Drove new beetle and knew it was the better deal.
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UH HUH - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By YA MAMA - October 8 - 10:00 amTHIS IS A REALLY GREAT CAR! I LOVE IT!
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Great Little Bug - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By vance - October 2 - 10:00 amJust traded way down from my Porsche Targa to my new 03 Beetle Turbo S. We LOVE it! Goes like the dickens and I feel like a better citizen as well. Nobody hates Beetle drivers...EVERYBODY hates Porsche drivers.
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Fun loving car - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By tigger - September 29 - 5:03 pmGreat car. Love to drive it and enjoy all of the smiles I get from people on the streets. Very reliable and very comfy.
