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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  In Love with My Beetle - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Liz - May 7 - 1:16 pm

  I went from having a Ford Explorer to my 2006 Volkswagen Beetle, so the change in what I was spending on gas was fantastic. I also went from having a 6-cyclinder to a 5, honestly you cant tell the difference. And dont think youre going to feel like just another person with a Beetle. The new lights and lines make it look noticeably different. It is so fun to drive, so really get the dealership to let you test drive it. If you get the harvest beige, the Mr. Clean magic erasers are awesome at getting left over adhesive and little skuff marks off the car :).

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  good car if u get a good one - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By my buggy - April 22 - 4:43 am

  i bought my beetle used with 12k on it and it has 122k now, i love it ive had small problems like, driver window relay went out, water pump replace last week my brakes r great the were replaced at 100k, it drives like a high quality car and brakes like no other car ive had i love it and plan on getting another soon, its to bad so many people have had alot of problems out of them b/c they r a great car for the price

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  The New 5-speed Diesel Beetle - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By jsbach2 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 5-speed stick shift VW Beetle diesel has gotten me 52.1 mpg, average is 49.0 highest of any car I have owned. And more fun to drive than the 2003 4-speed auto model which never got over 40 mpg.

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  Its sooooooooo cute - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By beeralert - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car almost 3 years ago and I want to hug it every day. This is TDI GLS version with an automatic transmission. Suprisingly good acceleration off the line (even with the automatic). I test drove a 5 speed and as expected the performance was more lively than the automatic.....but the automatic is good. Aside from regular oil changes (synthetic only) and a new set of front brakes, there have been absolutely no mechanical problems. (I think the TDI engine is bulletproof). I would highly recommend this car. I am getting about 530 miles out of a tank of gas (with a heavy foot).

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  2nd Beetle! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By reflexpdx - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Loved my first one so much I had to get another!

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  A Little Fun! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Warren - March 18 - 12:40 pm

  We find the New Beetle Convertible to be one of most exciting vehicles to drive that weve ever had. The turbo is definitely the way to go to increase performance and fun. The vehicle has a solid feel and it cruises down the highway like an expensive sports car. I would recommend the New Beetle to anyone that is looking for a fun, safe and reliable sporty car.

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  A Little Fun! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Warren - March 18 - 5:10 am

  We find the New Beetle Convertible to be one of most exciting vehicles to drive that weve ever had. The turbo is definately the way to go to increase performance and fun. The vehicle has a solid feel and it cruises down the highway like an expensive sports car. I would recommend the New Beetle to anyone that is looking for a fun, safe and reliable sporty car.

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  Fun Car - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Catherine - March 3 - 6:53 pm

  Nice fun car - gas mileage could be somewhat better. The triple white model is really fun. I like the solid feel of the way it drives - tight. I especially like the blinker system where the blinker is also on the outside mirrors. Outside lighting of the car is well done as well.

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  Mooses VW 411 - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Knoxville Moose - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive had an amazing experience in the 98 Beetle. Its my first car and is an excellent option for the teenage driver. Its incredibly safe! After being rear ended in a nasty collision that left a Stanza totalled, both passengers in my car walked away without a scratch. The car took quite a hit and was driveable; however, it is especially hard to repair because of the build of the car and its low level. The Beetle has rarely failed me or even let me down in the least. Its fun, its safe, its reliable, and it gets the attention of the opposite sex;)

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  great car - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By beetletest - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Fun car. Great to drive on highway. Good value. Very good guality. Would buy again.