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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  Lovin my Red Bug - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By RedBug - April 27 - 9:40 pm

  I traded in my SUV for this cute ride. The back seat is roomy enough for my two kids and I have even driven around my adult friends in the back seat. I love the way I can feel the road and take drives with the top down for pleasure. It is great for girlfriend trips to the beach and just having fun. Roadtrips are okay, just be sure to stop for the rear seat riders to stretch their legs. Ive had RedBug for over a year now, and the only minor problem was the interior was separating from the clips holding it to the back glass. It does have a blind spot, as most convertibles do.

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  b a vw bug - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By debra e - April 11 - 2:00 am

  4 words...I love my bug...If you like attention...buy this car. I am stopped at least once a day by someone telling my how cute it is.

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  VW Turbo GLS-Bad Resale Value - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Rob Tarbell - April 6 - 2:00 am

  excellent power, but continual mechanical problems which will cause lots of trips to dealer for repairs. Sold vehicle due to continual problems & resale value was extremely low... Car was purchased for $23k and the best bid out of 9 wholsalers was $16. If you purchase this car, you had better plan on keeping it for 4 years or more to offset low resale.

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  Pretty Good Car - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By roscoegas - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable car. Performance is fair, but gas mileage is only mediocre.

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  Good Car, Bad Electronics - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ncskibum - February 27 - 6:16 pm

  I love the way the Volkswagen Beetle handles. The seats are infinitely adjustable and the steering wheel tilts and telescopes. Everyone can find a comfortable position. Add to all that, the 45 mpg around town that it gets and there should be no more to say. However, VW electronics are trash. Everything links into one central processing unit so if there is a problem with a door lock, the car may decide not to go! I typically spend $500 on non-routine maintainence items a year. Routine maintainence adds another $400 - 600. I am starting to do more of my own service as an effort to save money and keep my Bug rolling down the highway.

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  Great fun-to-drive automobile - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Patrick - February 3 - 7:06 am

  I have been driving for more than two years and this is my favorite car. The authentic volkswagen sound, the internal computer, and the comfort level are amazing. The ECU could use some work however as it limits the revs and it changes the shifting pattern too often (due to adaptive transmission). The winter driving is ok as long as you do not give it too much gas, and you can even drop it down into 1st or second gear for better stability and torque. The flaws I do not agree with are the window motors, as they wear out quite easily. The O2 sensors go quite quickly as well, we have had the car for about 8 years and it has gone through over 14 O2 sensors. The handling is very good on turns.

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  Overall, A Good Little Car - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By punch_bug1020103 - February 1 - 2:06 pm

  At first glance, I thought this car was cute, but would not perform well. I then proceeded to test drive it. There I got my first taste of its "spunkiness". Its acceleration is a little slow, but it is adequate. The interior is very well designed, except for the cup holders locations. I think the indigo glowing gauges are cute. The room from the front seats is quite bigger than one might think. However the rear seats are cramped. Mechanically, this car is designed well. I personally love the transmission, and its gear ratios. I find that the ratios come in handy on hills when the car doesnt roll back for an automatic. Overall, I think that this car is great; it turns heads.

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  Love It for Style and Safety - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By NLH - January 28 - 10:06 am

  While other people are choosing BMWs, my husband and I decided it was time for some fun. We are thrilled with our VW purchase. My 62" husband is plenty comfortable on short and long rides. The front seating is styled so you do not feel like you are in a compact car. When you put down the top, people cant stop smiling at you. The world is your friend. Now the key - it is much tougher than it looks. I was in an accident where the Beetle got hit from the back while at a stop, by a Bonneville traveling at 40 mph. The Bonneville was totalled. My VW and I drove away with less than $3,000 damage and no injuries. The police could not believe it. This is one sturdy car!

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  A lemon in the making??? - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By RyanS - January 24 - 10:00 am

  After the long wait for the Convertible Bug. You would think that they could get the top right! I mean afterall the car is approaching 30K and yes its a BUG! I purchased this car in April 03. Since then the car has been in for service 4 times. From the top jamming/breaking, to the Transmition and tiptronic failing. THis car has been a nightmare. VW service and parts is a total disaster. They dont even carry as much as a cigarette lighter that isnt on back order. It was so exciting to get this car only to be a great disappointment. you might spend more time with a service rental.. then your own vehicle.

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  Better than expected - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By wingate - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car at the insistance of my wife who spent her teen aged years in a VW bug. I expected a crampled interior and poor performance but was plesantly surprised. Get the turbo!..just dont look under the hood...this car can only be serviced by a VW electronic engineer!