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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Bugbug - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Greta - April 17 - 10:00 amFun to drive, not enough power, dash too long.
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Love this Car / Hate the Cost - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By m dahl - April 13 - 9:00 amThis car was made for me! Everything about it fits someone under 5 feet tall. I love the turbo motor, but the electrical problems have been very costly. That makes me regret this purchase. A VW rep told me they had subcontractor supply problems from 2000-2002. I could not find any info along those lines before buying the car and I certainly wish I had!
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excellent car - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By luke m. - April 10 - 2:00 amno problems got 50,000 mil. now what a car. Get it. No problems at all. Just small break problem but that`s my own fault for buying cheap breakes.
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Well I had enough - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By lemurees - April 7 - 10:03 pmJust got rid of my brand new(when I bought it) 2006 Auto Beetle convertible and I am relieved. Powertrainwise everything was great, but I just wanted to forewarn anyone that you will have lots of small problems. And off warranty I am sure these problems will cost $$$. Lets just say an oil change was $80-120. Over a 2 year period I added that it cost me over $400 in oil changes and PM. The dealership was a rip-off and the only reason I had the oil changed there was I ALWAYS had something to have fixed, including the conv. top not coming back up. I can go on. I traded it in with a broken headlight! Anyway I bought a new car with PM included. The beetle is nice if it is not your only!
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There are Pros and Cons! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Rumz - April 4 - 2:00 amPros: Great if you are considering the car for just two people, Nice head room and leg room. Attractive, I have had a lot of people stop by and compliment my car. Never had this experience before with other cars. Easy drive and park because of small size, Helps if you are living or commute to big cities. Decent mileage. Cons: Too little space in the back seats if you have extra riders. Cup holders (Yr 2000 model) are terribly placed. Cant fit in a medium size drink!! I have had frequent problems with engine "check" indicator turning on often. Heard of similar complaints from other owners too. Over all, a great second car for a small family!
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Poor Milage - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Jeff - March 19 - 4:20 amI was told when I bought this car it would get 42/52 MPG because it is a deisel I have never even gotten 40 MPG ever! I felt ripped off! by the Dealer! They told me to write to VW, even though the salesman told me and repeatedly told me about the high MPG the best Ive ever gotten is 35 MPG city and highway, which isnt bad, but its not 42 or even 52 as promised by the salesman! I will never buy another car from this DEALER ever again! I feel ripped off every time I fill up.
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Fun car with personality - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By ptuchinda - March 11 - 1:23 pmIf you want personality and style this is the car for you.
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No more VW ANYTHING! for me!! - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Peppi - February 21 - 10:48 pmI dig my car a lot! I have had my car for about 11 years now and I never used to have ANY issues with my car. However, this will be THE LAST! Volkswagen vehicle of ANY kind for me! They used to make Beetles to where they lasted for decades, but not really anymore. I know that vehicles are machines; therefore, they are going to have some issues, but come on!! One thing after another!! When one thing breaks- here breaks something else. The air bag light came on allegedly having to do with a code, but then I needed a newer battery that I had just bought not even quite 4 years prior! I was told that little things like the air bag will come on so it will bother you to take it do the dealership to get it repaired- they will find something the matter. After so many miles that you drive, little things like the light to something will appear among other things, too. I have also learned that when you buy a vehicle, make sure that you will be able to afford the parts- VW parts are WAAAAAAY to expensive! The car is expensive enough! When I see people driving down the road with a new Beetle, I think to myself that they have no idea what they have just gotten themselves into. The interior can be of better quality and material given fact that the car is very expensive. I have also learned that if you buy a Beetle convertible, keep in mind that the convertible top may be of very poor and of cheap quality; you will most likely need to replace the convertible top eventually and they are NOT cheap. I am done- NO more for me!
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Displaces Mosquito as Most Annoying Bug - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Wolf S. Berg - February 10 - 10:00 amThe four sources of Beetle mega- annoyance: The non-negotiable light switch; the auto locking system that cannot be overidden for more than 15 seconds; the keyless remote that requires a flashlight to operate after sundown; the BIG ONE -impossibility of removing dust from the fly paper- surface dash and cloth upholstery. what a mess! All unimportant but a constant pain.I only have 5K miles for Cs sake.
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Good, Solid Fun - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By xbeetle driver - January 26 - 9:43 amMy 2001 New Beetle has proven to be reliable, stylish, and economical. I get a steady 26 mpg in my dail commute. It cruises easily above legal limits showing it was designed to run German autobahns. Great seats - no bun or back aches after a day of driving. Excellent German engineering at a rock bottom price.
