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:

• 

  watch out for roof problems - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By retailgod - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my Beetle for a little over 3 weeks and the dealership has had it for 10 of those days. There has been a problem twice with the roof not closing completely and freezing. Have had to have the motors replaced for the top. Hopefully that is the last of it. Otherwise, a real head turner and alot of fun to drive.

• 

  New Beetle - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Casey B - January 3 - 10:00 am

  WE bought this car used with just under 20,000 miles on it.We had a hard time finding the automatic trans. ,but really tired of shifting. This is my wifes car and I dont drive it a lot,but handling and comfort are very good and it is very quiet at freeway speeds.We already replaced a window regulator and oxygen sensor under warranty no real complaints.

• 

  Buggy about my bug - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Rich Palatini - January 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Turbo New Beetle because I considered it to be a great fun drive when I test drove it. And 3 years of driving it hasnt disappointed me. The ride, power and handling continue to impress me even to this day. I love driving a rolling piece of sculpture. Especially something that looks unlike anything else on rhe road. About the only problem I encountered was a short that appeared as a warning light in the instrument cluster. It seems that 3 times in the first two years the air bag indicator light came on. Each time my dealer indicated that it was an electrical short and replaced the cluster under warranty with no charge to me.

• 

  go bug go - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By hotmomma - January 3 - 2:00 am

  kids love it ...easy to get in and out of the car.

• 

  Fun, but not worth it - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By James - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, but cheaply made. Interior isnt thought out well, and is almost funny in its badness. Interior peels off, switches and knobs break very easy, and forget about getting a drink and planning to fit it in the cupholder.

• 

  VW is great to me! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By I LUV VW! - December 3 - 11:43 pm

  I bought it used but the previous owner only had a slight problem with the moonroof. Ive put tons of miles on it and very few problems. Something got in catalytic converter, and a radiator support thing snapped when I hit a 35 degree angle at 40 and bottomed out suspension. Great reliable car! Never fails to start (if you dont run down battery), very fun to drive, doesnt burn oil, sturdy trans! Great car!

• 

  My wife loves it but I dont - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Different Opinions - December 1 - 1:36 pm

  My wife is totally happy with the car. It is a reincarnate of her 69 convertible. I find the gas mileage to be low (only 22 mpg AFTER they fixed the transmission. It was way lower) and lots of quality control issues; they left the suspension blocking in when they prepped the car, there was no heat when stopped at stop lights due to improperly filled radiator (my wife that this was normal for a Beetle), the roof boot does not snap into place, the transmission shift computer failed, and if you look at the paint wrong, it scratches. It is powerful and comfortable, and does have a distinctive style. My wife loves the car. The 10K checkup is Monday and that will be $300 for an oil change!

• 

  Rough around the edges but never one to let me down :) - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By koypond - November 30 - 6:44 pm

  Bought this car to go back and fourth to university with. Its a pretty good little car for one person if you ask me, it drives smooth and is easy to maneuver. the interior is a bit vexing, but easy to accept given the lovable exterior :) would never wanna sell it! its become my partner in crime.

• 

  Not too many bugs in this bug - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By phoebelyn - November 23 - 3:13 pm

  Overall a good car. Have had 2 occasions that it needed towing - mostly electrical problems. Handles well in rain and snow (Buffalo type!).

• 

  Turbo Diesel has been great - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Al - November 17 - 5:13 pm

  Ive now had my turbo diesel bug for 3 years. Great commuter car. Very roomy 4 a small car. Lots of headroom. The gas mileage is outstanding (40 -45 MPG) and the car is fun to drive. Downside is key system is expensive to replace, & the engine immobilizer is tied to the battery, which has left me stranded when I replaced the battery earlier this year w/o knowing the secret of doing it. The reliance on electronics has been a minor annoyance, with the entire dash going out (under warranty) once.If you are looking for a fun car to commute with, this is probably it. No repairs needed on it between 16k & 50k. Dont buy it for short trip use. Needs 5 miles to warm up. I commute 15 miles each way.