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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  my next car will be another "new beetle" - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Jose Diogo - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I love this car so much that my next car will be an organe new beetle 2004. (maybe convertible...)

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  Pams Bug - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Pamela Ross-Fogel - September 21 - 11:03 pm

  This is my favorite car that I have ever owned! I am 59 years old and love to drive this car! It is comfortable, easy to get in and out of, smooth in handling, has plenty roomy, and is just plain fun.

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  Love my bug!!! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By wtchhazle - September 15 - 10:00 am

  Well, to be honest, Ive only owned it for about a month and a half, but I have never loved a car like this one. Its just sooo much fun to drive. Im just thrilled with the purchase of this car. Its a peppy little turbo and simply a blast.

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  "I love my bright yellow beetle!" - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Holly Fry - September 12 - 10:00 am

  My first car was a 79 volkswagon bug, and now Ive moved up in life to the 99 volkswagon beetle. I love it! Like my 79 it is a lot of fun to drive, but it has so much more room than the 79, more get up and go, and a lot smoother.

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  Love my Bug - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By deb - September 10 - 4:46 pm

  I am enjoying my car so much. I havent had any trouble other than my CD player not working, but it was still under warranty so it was replaced. I feel like Im driving a sports car and it definitely turns heads everywhere I go. VW service depart has been great, always very friendly and helpful. I am very glad I purchased this car and look forward to years of driving it.

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  VW stands behind their work :) - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Chris - August 30 - 12:23 pm

  I bought an 04 2.0 litre convertable that was a piece of junk but VW stood behind their work and replaced it with an 05 turbo for a very very small contribution from myself and I could not be happier this car is awesome and so far has been trouble free :) for anyone buying one they are very low profile and I would suggest the 17 inch rims, they give you a bit more ground clearance, the 04 had 16s and drug her butt everywhere the 05 has 17s and never bottoms out. I would also recommend the turbo over the 2.0 litre it performs much beter and doest use any more gas than the slow 2.0 litre.

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  LUVMYBUG - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By M3Cats - August 25 - 10:00 am

  New Beetle Convertible is fun to drive. Not the most powerful convertible on the market, but definately the funnest to drive. You cannot drive this car without someone rolling down their window to tell you how great the car looks.

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  car4os review - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By car4o - August 21 - 10:00 am

  buy a beetle because it is great! it drives nicely and it definatly saves gas. it is fun and cool. i love my beetle

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  Best car I ever owned! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Gravel Gertie - August 15 - 3:16 pm

  Husband & I bought this great diesel auto on a whim . Traded our 4 Runner in on it and Ill drive it till the wheels fall off. We get 50 MPG and will pass anything on the road. Has a manual tranny and that makes it more fun !! AND I still get 50 MPG with the A/C running! Why they stopped making them is beyond me! I love this car --- and it still has the original battery, going strong.

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  More room than you think - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Collin - August 7 - 10:00 am

  People think this car has nothing to offer on the outside, but all you have to do is take it for a drive and see just how much headroom you have that you wont find in other cars. Plus what is truly amazing is just how quite and and deceptively fast this car feels. Youll find yourself driving down the highway thinking you are going 70mph when in actuality you are going around 90 or more. And when it comes to a quiet ride, it is amazing. Its nice riding and quick responsive when turning or switch lanes. This car handles just like a little sports car and as such i find myself driving it that way. Take it for a test drive, you will not be disappointed at all.