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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  Awesome Car!! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By lah572 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I love this car!! I have wanted one since they came back with it. It is very reliable for me and never have a problem with it. Everything works and my kids fight over who sits in thr front seat!

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  2005 VW Beetle - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Becky Hunter - February 23 - 1:50 am

  My first car was a 1957 Beetle and when fuel prices began to rise, I sold my Honda Passport and purchased my 2005 Beetle. I love it, we live in a mountainous region and with four adults in the car, all I have to do is switch my Tiptronic transmission from auto to manual, shift into 5th and I scoot right up the mountains without skipping a beat. It hugs the road and is so much fun to drive, I feel like a teenager again! My 74 year old Father loves to drive it as well and is looking at getting one for my Mom! We are considering another one for my husband, so I can keep him out of mine :) He was surprised at the pep when he drove it for the first time.

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  Love it even with problems - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Monifa - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Love the car. Had a bunch of electrical problems with the door windows and trunk. Very expensive repairs. I had a accident in it and was extremely safe. The accident could have been deadly in another car. Fun to drive, great handling. Dream car forever!

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  Blast to drive, and a looker too - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By neonneon23 - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I took a couple of friends to test drive a new beetle turbo S. It was nothing short of a great time. The turbo spooled up quickly, and left us longing for more. Since a salesman didnt join us, we were really able to drive this car. Favorite part was the performance from the beetle. Ergonomically, the rear seats are useless, however they do fold down for ample storage. Also, it bothered me that the car was all but silent. Small pet peeve that may bother performance enthusiasts. Worth a test drive, so take one, or two or three....

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  Love my bug - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Margaret - February 12 - 7:23 am

  I bought my Bug in 2002 because the price was right and, after driving an SUV, I wanted a fuel efficient car. It has been a fine car--reliable and trouble free. Its fun to drive and I never get tired of it. I did not get a turbo, but got a 5-speed and it is plenty fast enough for city driving and on the highway. We will keep this car for our children to drive when they get older.

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  Best Four Seat Convertible for the Money - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dave - February 11 - 11:20 am

  We just took delivery on a 2006 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible automatic. The car handles like a dream, is loaded with stock safety features, and puts a big smile on our face when driving. Its fit and finish are excellent. We have had no early onset problems. The 2.5 liter engine has great pickup. The car provides a sturdy and fun ride and has no cowl shake. Our first impression is great!

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  New Beetle Turbo GX - 2000 - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Tom C - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Is fun to drive and still gets attention on the road. The few problems so far have mainly been minor annoynances.

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  AWESOME - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By amber_korn - February 8 - 10:00 am

  loving it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! it is a really awesome car i love it it is awsome

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  my awesome bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By mybluebug - February 8 - 10:00 am

  When I got my VW Beetle Convertable in September, I was a little skeptikal about having to go through a "Jersey Winter" which can be pretty harsh at times. This car performed great in the snow and ice! Now that the weather is nice, you cant keep me out of my bug! I used to be jealous seeing other people in convertables, now other people can be jealous of me in my Aquarius Blue "PUNCH" Bug Convertable!!! (and its a great color!)

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  Baileys review - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Jim Ragan - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I love to drive it and am very proud of the little guy. It feels like Im driving a much heavier and larger car.