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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Absolute top fuel economy - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Ernie Rogers - August 10 - 2:00 amDont believe "experts," EPA on fuel economy. The TDI outperforms any other on the highway. My mileage: 52.5 winter, 57.1 summer, at 65 mph. Nobody can touch that, even a 5-pas. hybrid. (Except VW Beetle, Jetta, Golf manual TDIs) I drive 800 miles on one tank, any day of the year, any place. I drove Provo, UT to Fresno, CA and refilled in CA for $25. Eat your heart out, Prius. These TDIs have power. Handling is very smooth. You want something that needs improvement? Okay, the body style is just not as good as the old bug, but not bad for German engineers. (The original peoples car was designed by Penin Farina, Italian, the best that ever lived.)
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turbo 5 speed fast and great MPG... - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By cali guy - August 4 - 1:58 amIts was my sister car at 79k miles on it. It look and drove great. I was impress with MPG and Yes at 30 plus plus mpg!! Now at 100k and moved to the horrible south Texas! With humility and very Hot I noticed the door panels are pulling back-off like, there leather and its anoing! It has cute looks thats what girls and women like but really its a nice car. With the 1.8L turbo and 5speed manuel...its a Fast little sleeper...hehe I love it at stop lights with big trucks or mustang even the 320z it just leaves all of them at the light! And the drivers look as they only see my tail lights!! Ha!! But as the car it has one of the Best n World engine top 10... But with the window regulator(drivers side was out!) and door trim pulling out...and headlights work great but fade to fast... It has problems....Sad cuz its actually a good little Fast great MPG...car. I drove PCH highway for those that dont know that the twisty road on the west coast...and with the top down..it was a fun fun little car to drive...and I drive spiritly quick to I may add. So for a safe and good MPG and a Fast car with manuel n turbocharger its great. But some quality built materials would be appreciated.
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WATCH OUT! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By bobthesnob - August 1 - 2:00 amMy car had a fair amount of miles on it when I purchased it so I assumed that maintenance would be a bit more expensive. Little did I know that everything on the car self-destructs at 50,000 miles. The interior is made entirely of plastic that breaks without notice (window switches, glove compartment, and arm rest compartment). Even the plastic brake light switches affiliated with the transmission release break (Ive replaced FOUR in one year!)! Watch out for this car! Its been in the shop about once per month in the 14 months that Ive owned it.
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Couldnt be better - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By toconnell - August 1 - 2:00 amOkay, so I bought a "new" Beetle in 2001. I have enjoyed every mile I have driven, from commuting in the city to long trips. It holds an amazing amount of equipment with the back seat folded down, and gets super mileage. Even loaded with my best friend, her dog, my dog, and gear for a weekend camping, the car can pass anything going uphill. A marvelous machine!
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Cutest car ever!!! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By trekster - July 27 - 2:56 pmI love my car! The sports seats hug you when you drive. It corners easily, and I fit into any parking space. It is so cute, people actually watch it go by, especially when I have the top down! I just love it. It also has a lot of power, so I dont have to worry about getting up and going when I need to. Best car ever!!!
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Fun but Poor Car - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Sean - July 18 - 9:40 pmBought the Beetle in August of 2002 with 6 miles on it. 4 days later, the climate control went out and it was 6 months before they could fix, so we were with a broken moon roof. The oil pan has busted twice and the transmission wont go directly from park to reverse, without first droppin it into 1st then going slowly back to reverse. The dealer says nothing is wrong. The driver side seat had to be replaced and cost $500. The windows go up when you want them down, and the drivers door only opens from the outside when you ask it nicely. Other than that, I love the car. But Im not sure the good cancels out all the bad.
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The Money Pit - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Diana - July 16 - 8:40 pmAll my daughter wanted after she turned 16 was a VW Bug. We found one in Albuquerque, New Mexico where we are originally from and my husband drove it back to Texas. The night he arrived the clutch went out. ($2000) Repairs were delayed due to the engine hood latch broke and couldnt open it. It is now in the repair shop again with a busted oil pan which we are finding is very hard to find without the sensor hole in it. These are the major expenses that have incurred in the very short time of ownership. The little expenses are endless. I am so disappointed in VW I thought they were better car manufactures than this.
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Booboos Cool Ride - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By boo-boo - July 16 - 10:00 amThis is the best car I have ever owned! Great comfort, excellent fuel mileage and all around fun to drive! This car made for an outstanding 10yr. anniversary gift...husbands do get it right sometimes!!! :-)
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Fun on the road! - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By WinsletRose - July 8 - 1:26 pmWow! As a Ford driver for many years, I was really hesitant to purchase a VW. But my husbands encouragement and only one test drive, I fell in love with the 2006 VW Beetle. It handles like a true sports car, with very zippy driving (5 cyl. automatic) curve hugging turns, and overall just fun to drive. I thought that it would be very whimpy after only driving 6- & 8-cylinder vehicles, but I was wrong! Its a true sports car! The tiptronic transmission is awesome too, you can feel the car shifting, which is a trip if you are not used to driving stick shift. Its a true stick feel, but with all the ease of an automatic. We have two kids and the whole family is comfortable in this car as well. Overall this is a fun vehicle!
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good for the price - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Cinders - July 2 - 10:00 amThis was a 1999 leftover with only a few miles on it. Ive been very happy except for the very, very squeeky brakes. The dealer, after a few visits, told me theres nothing they can do, breaks are fine, and gave me a pamphlet explaining why they squeek. The noise is so bad I cant drive with the windows open and Im trading it in. Also, the side view mirrors are too high. I see thats been redesigned in the new models.
