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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Love that Car! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Phyllida - July 17 - 11:26 amI love it so much that I do not want to trade it in for a 2007, although I probably shall. With every New Beetle there is usually one problem. For the 2000 model, it was the parking gear, which was somehow attached via computer chip to the brake light and the cruise control. For the 2003 model, it was the alternator and the heater. The car handles so beautifully on the road that these are mere annoyances!
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LUV BUG :) - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Beach Girl - July 12 - 9:46 pmI purchased my brand new 2008 Convertible Beetle and love it ! (so far )I just traded my 07 Sebring in for it (never get a Sebring) I live @ the beach so its great to take the top down and just cruise in, very comfortable, great stereo Love the SRadio that it comes with, leather heated seats this car has it all my fav car out of all the cars i have had , I would def recommend it to anyone my husband didnt like the beetles @ 1st he said it was to much of a girl car but after he drove it he loves it too , gas is av.
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Great car - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By e - July 4 - 2:36 pmI love my car. Its been great - its got about 166,000 miles on it at this point, same clutch! Needs only the basic maintenance, nothing special. Fun to drive. Paint still looks great, still running strong. Will easily make it past 200,000. No doubt.
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overall a good car - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By bigd - July 3 - 10:00 ami bought the car used with 58k for 10k. My mechanic at 60k changed the belt for 600 bucks.The maintenance cost are high at the dealer.The Dealer replaced the headlight assembly 425.54.The fuel door was sticking so back to the dealer. Total parts with labor 204.30.I also had to change the battery about 75k.The bulb or light for the a/c panel doesnt work either at night.Also a new set of pads front and back 80 bucks and 4 new tires from discount. Basically this is a very good car.I have put 42k 1yr the car with no problems.It does handle very well.I have heard stories of people going over 100mph but mine just wont quite get there.
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Love My Bug - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By brucebuggy - June 20 - 2:00 amI love my Volkswagen New Beetle, and I am thinking about buying a new one when I graduate from college this May. My parents and I bought the car used almost a year ago, and I have few complaints so far. I love the cars styling - very distinct and has a nice, techno feel. It offers a lot of luxuries that most cars in its class do not. Overall, it is pretty reliable, too. I have, however, had one very significant problem: my A/C system just failed, and it had to be replaced. I have an awesome independent mechanic, though, and he fixed it for about half of what the dealer quoted me.
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My Red Bug - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By jbm - June 19 - 10:00 amThis is our third car. I drive a Cadillac Seville and the husband drives a Chevy Tahoe...actually it is our 4th car...we also have a 1973 Super Beetle Convertible. I have so much fun in this car. I dont drive it much...only 16,000 miles in four years. Ill keep it forever I guess.
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2008 Convertible - Fun fun fun - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Belaircarguy - June 3 - 11:06 amBought a beautiful black with cream interior SE model a few weeks ago. Purchased this mainly for my daughters to drive, although I have to admit the old man likes it too! Havent had a VW for a number of years, but they were always a fun car to drive, and this convertible is no exception. The SE comes with a power top, so makes it much easier for raising and lowering the roof. The car has plenty of pep and the Tiptronic 6 speed manual / automatic transmission is a pleasure. I also like being able to set it to "sport mode", where the transmission holds the shift pattern to higher RPM setting. Good handling as a touring vehicle and sure stopping brakes. Great little car!
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Perfect for ME!!! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By kmck1083 - May 26 - 9:06 amI bought the car from a dealership in 2005. It had one previous owner, and that was a lease. The car had 28,000 miles from the three years of ownership. Ive taken this car on road trips and drive it mostly back and forth for work/school and I LOVE it! Im an average sized, young female and it fits well. Its easy to drive and shifting is a breeze. No sticky gears or clutch problems.
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Love my bug! - 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Susan - May 24 - 4:56 amI owned 2 bugs back in the 70s in California. Wow, has the bug changed! This car is a joy to drive. I dont feel like I am sitting lower than other cars. I also have a truck and thought that the change to a bug would leave me feeling "low!" Not the case. I put the top down and my 100 pound mutt and my 150 pound St. Bernard go for a drive. Plenty of room for us all.
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This car is amazing - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Karrie - May 11 - 4:20 pmThis car is amazing! When I drove it I was sold. Actually I drove a manual turbo frist, then I drove my top of the line tiptronic transmission convertable. Now I am a proud owner. Great on gas. Fun fun fun. I drive it everywhere. It can tackle any hill, mountain or weather. Dont forget it can handle California freeways.
