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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  My bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Nativegrl918@gmail.com - February 6 - 3:01 pm

  Love this car

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  2006 TDI Tiptronic - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Brett F - February 4 - 2:00 am

  We scrambled to find a TDI Beetle with package 1 options including sunroof, heated seats, and leatherette interior. My wife drives it about 420 miles a week and is averaging 36-38 mpg in mostly city use. The car got about 42 mpg hwy the one time we had it on the road at 65 mph with A/C on. The 6-speed auto transmission can be shifted manually or fully auto. It shifts smoothly and quietly and the 1.9L turbodiesel spools very efficiently. The ride is a bit stiff, but it is smooth. The seats are a bit of a pain to adjust but the controls work well. Dont expect the luggage room of an SUV, but it is good for groceries and weekenders. We liked it so much we went out and bought a 2004 manual TDI too!

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  Best Convertible on the Market. - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Jane - January 27 - 5:03 pm

  This is a fun car. Ive had convertibles my entire life but there is just something about a convertible New Beetle that is more fun than any of the rest. It has a lot of power and something about the angle and shape of the windshield gives you the illusion of being in a much larger car. Front seat is wonderfully spacious and roomy. Backseat, as Ive stated below, is the major drawback. Im also not delighted with the gas mileage. Im averaging less than 25 mpg .... I was hoping for a little more but even so Id buy the car again in a heartbeat.

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  I want more TDIs!!!!! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Kyle - January 17 - 7:30 am

  We bough this car with 92K on it. It had some minor damage to exterior but love that Gecko Green!!! I have 180K currently on it and have had the following problems: 1. Alternator - $900.00 2. Undercarraige Protector fell off. Did not replace. 3. Serpentim Belt Pulley - $500.00 Not bad for the abuse I put this car through.

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  My Beetle - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Spongebob - January 16 - 12:46 am

  This is the third Beetle I have owned since 1998. The improvements are obvious from the styling to the dropped outside mirrors for better visibility. This car isnt for everyone. Its for fun loving people who like a car that looks like no other, handles great, and performs flawlessly. it fits me to a T and I wouldnt even consider another car on the road today. It is unique.

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  Fun To Drive and To Own! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Heart Of Living - January 16 - 12:10 am

  I have had a few problems with the VW, but most were covered by VW. They replace the window clip, the trunk latch and I replaced the timing belt, brakes, and regular scheduled maintenance. I cant complain. In 5 years and 80K I have spent maybe 2K. That is in line with the cost of car repairs today.

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  WOW! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By valeriee03 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my new beetle. its practical, efficient, and reliable! its the best quality car out there. I feel safe with all of the safety features and the bonuses are a joy.

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  Great fun! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By redbug04 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Its the fun car! im 16 and it is just an awesome car to have. I always feel safe and just am always laid back.

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  very fun car for a diesel - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By arice - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Surprised how fun this car is to drive. Never dreamed that I would be driving a diesel. I have a long commute and this is the perfect fit for me.

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  Commuter Car - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By NorthBUG - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Had some problems with the car but they were resolved. Bigest problem was with the oil ligt. but not much more than with other cars. The TDI is a winner in my book. No problems starting in the coldest of weather, and it has never left me stranded. Always had the maintence done on schedule, which is important. Still on the orginal tires and brakes with 83000 miles. Cant wait for the convertable to come out with TDI. Will have one when they do.