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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Experience!! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By JHILTON - September 25 - 10:00 amSurprisingly the vehicle handles like a much bigger car. It hold the road very well at top traffic speed. It is a flashy, fun to drive big car in a little car body.
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2008 VW New Beetle COnvertible - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
By JonF - September 23 - 5:16 amThis is a fun, stylish car that is a "blast from the past"! It has the classic Beetle lines with the luxury of a Mercedes. This car is fun to drive, inexpensive to operate - I have been getting 33 - 35 MPG - but the AC kills the mileage - down to about 24 MPG with the AC running). It has lots of "get up and go" with acceleration onto highways rapid and sure. Interior space is great - I am 61" and fit quite comfortably in the back seat. I had two Mazda MX-5s prior to this VW and the VW wins hands down - for value, for comfort, with comparable handling and VERY much better when the roads are slippery. This is a delightful car - My wife liked it so much, she bought one for herself!
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No Problems with This Beetle! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By BlueBug - September 23 - 2:16 amAfter reading about all the problems on the New Beetle Convertible, I had to review mine. After nearly 20,000 miles its been flawless except for a turn signal issue that the dealer addressed. Dealer told us to ALWAYS use the top cover or risk having the top torn away at highway speeds.
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Style AND Substance - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Darin - September 22 - 6:43 pmAfter considering a number of convertibles including the Ford Mustang and Mini Cooper, I decided to go with the VW New Beetle. The Mini was just too small and the Mustangs interior had a cheap look to it that really turned me off. I hadnt considered the VW until riding in one last fall. I thought that is was too much a chick car. Well, I was amazed with the amount of headroom and legroom it had. The interior also seemed very well assembled with high quality materials. I also was intrigued by the new, more powerful 2.5 engine. Although I had read about VW reliability, it seemed the best choice for a convertible priced at less than $30,000. Five months into owning it, I have not had any problems.
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Pretty but Dumb - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Pretty but dumb car - September 21 - 2:00 amI bought this car on impulse during a sad time in my life. It cheered me up for about two months. Unfortunately it has had four engine repairs, a broken hatchback door, battery died three times, and the a/c had to be replaced twice. I also replaced the clutch, air filters, and multiple electrical components. Its a beautiful, fun drive vehicle, but its reliability stinks. I am trading it in for a Toyota Corolla. I forgot to mention how lame VW dealerships are.
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Go Diesel - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By 02 White Diesel - September 16 - 10:10 amPurchased new. Average mileage has been 40, mix of highway & city driving. Have had problems with headlights burning out. Had to replace the horns. Have had to replace several brake light switches. Trans. wont shift if defective. So far engine & trans OK. Low fuel light is on all the time. $600.00 to repair. Ill live with it. Overall, I love the car. Good mileage, easy on tires and easy to do my own oil changes. Well see how long the engine/trans last. Diesel should go 250,000 miles easily. Im using Stanadine Fuel Additive.
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Top Down Fun!! - 2010 Volkswagen New Beetle
By michaelpaul1 - September 9 - 11:07 amI love my Beetle. Lots of power, great looking, and a real pleasure to drive. Gas mileage is ok, but that isnt the reason I bought this car. I recommend this car to anyone who wants to enjoy driving.
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Luv, luv, luv my dream car - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
By jik - September 8 - 7:00 am4 of us carpool 1 way 30 min. Backseat ok for normal size. Gas mileage could be better but luv, luv my dream car. Someone is always commenting about it as I did for many years b4 I bought it. Coworkers are happy I finally bought it because they were probably tired of me talking about it for about 5 yrs. I dont have a garage, unfortunately, but it is great in the snow. Havent had any problems to date. Love to go riding on beautiful days with the top down.
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Stung by the bug - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By humbug - September 8 - 12:16 amOh the beetle and its quirky electronic issues. Yes, that is the joy of owning one. You never know what light will come on or when it will just quit-even when it is brand new. An adventure in driving! A leaky sunroof, a dead transmission, faulty cluster gauge, bad starter, vac leak, oxygen sensors out. The list is so long. I grow weary of it all. Suffice to say just dont take the VW trip unless you want to spend $$ and time at the dealership. P. S. They told me not to worry if the check engine light was on-only if it flashed. A great comfort indeed.
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Most fun Ive ever had - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By prettygood - September 2 - 10:00 amI wasnt looking to buy a Beetle when I was shopping for a car. But after buying one, I dont know if I can go back. The engine is amazing, the interior is very comfortable (the heated seats are a must, and the overall interior look is addictive. Strangers smile and wave at you just because of the car. Most people would not consider a bug because of the looks, but everyone I know has become a fan of my car.
