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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  Mixed Bag - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By TurboS04 - November 14 - 5:20 am

  This car is used for work purposes, and is covered in advertising. While I was nervous to purchase based on review it has turned out to be an okay car. Ive had issues with airbag and check engine lights but there is a ton of information on the internet to help out with those issues. The car is fast and fun to drive, and has a lot of nice features for the cost. Luckily, knock on wood, my issues have been small and hoping for a few more years of reliability.

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  Exploding Windows - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By gretche - November 4 - 12:20 am

  We have enjoyed driving our New Beetle, we have been VW owners since the late 50s and our daughter still has her first car, 1971 Beetle Convertible. We will be forced to get rid of our car because the window on the drivers door has exploded twice. Our car is almost out of warantee and VW has told us that if the window explodes again, it will be our expense. We feel this is a danger but there has been no recall or service notes on it. VW of Americas answer to us is, "we are very sorry." We feel we will have to get rid of the car before one of us loses an eye. Our dealership has admitted to having several cars with similar problems, sometimes it is the passenger door.

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  Love to drive it, but tired of problems. - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By SunBear - October 19 - 3:40 am

  When I bought this car, it had about 60ish thousand miles on it. Has transmission problems, doesnt like to go in reverse or it slips around the third gear. (Automatic). And VW wants 3k+ for a replacement! Even rebuilt ones online are over 1k. Replaced the water pump twice, the timing belt once. The headlights have both gone out, and take forever to replace. We have done all of the work at home, to save money, and it is a pain to do work on it, things are hard to get to. Car burns oil Recently replaced the starter and battery. I love driving this car, I can take corners at 45+ with no problem. The CD player it came with never worked, and my seat heater stopped working- but its a sturdy car

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  Like marriage - its the little things - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By behamsa - October 7 - 9:43 am

  I still love my bug after 8 yrs, but there are definitely some little & not so little design flaws that cause $$ and growls. Frequent headlamp replacements costly. Plastic "butter tub" under front of car gets thrashed regularly due to ridiculous clearance (Replaced several, lost count. Also the oil pan went with it 1 time!) Paint and rubber continues to come off door panels. Anything interior plastic is subject to break/replace over & over. (Window & climate controls, cup holder, gas door cable) And I have replaced so many cheaply glued hub cab emblems that I finally gave up! The devil is in the details on this car. Dealer service is $$$. But all said I still love to drive this baby!

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  Volkswagon New Beetle - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By jamiebug04 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I love driving my Bug, however I have had many problems with the electrical system..The windows have been fixed 5 times, the gas door has been fixed once, the Oxygen Sensors have been fixed twice, the trunk wont open with the electric switches, and the CD player wont work. However, I have had no problems with the engine. I would not recommend others to buy this car because of the annoyances of the problems.

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  Save your money!! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Heather Boyd - September 22 - 2:00 am

  This is the worst car that I have ever owned. Repairs are as follows: Headlights 2 times,Disc brakes and rotors (at 30000 miles), Check engine light on constanly(costing $90.00 every time) EGR valve,Air dam,Brake switch,Fuel line freeze up at 25 degrees. Not to mention the 24/24 warranty.Dealer is tired of me coming back all the time. Save your money!!! Also... At 50000 miles it will cost you $500.00 to replace the timing belt.

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  Over Priced Niche Car - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By fuscia - September 11 - 11:50 am

  bought used in 2002, Im so disappointed. Ive literally watched my car disintegrate around me. Im a fastidious car owner and keep my cars clean. Ive had electrical issues, the interior has been disintegrating since the day I bought it used. The window switches break, the weird rubber dash coating scratches easily, the vinyl interior is coming away from the door, hatchback wont close properly,fog light bracket broke,water pump melted, the suspensions shot after 7 yrs normal driving, speakers are starting to crackle after normal volume levels, the emergency brake rusted thru within 3 yrs,the brakes stick and wear the pads down. The car is meant to be looked at not driven on a daily basis

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  Too Cute Not to Love! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By R. P. - September 4 - 6:10 am

  I fell in love with the New Beetle when they first came out and I have wanted one ever since. Owning one has been a dream come true! I love my Bug!

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  Poor Electrical System - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Duder - September 2 - 4:50 pm

  We purchased our 2000 Volkswagen Beetle new in November 1999 and traded it in today because we need to make room for our new baby. All in all I would say that owning this car was a positive experience and I would be happy to continue driving it if we didnt need more room. Our biggest complaint is the electrical system. We had to replace the mass air flow sensor at least once per year and the trouble lights on the dash would come on and turn off for no reason. The cost of unscheduled yearly maintenece was high, at least $800 per year. We did not consider another VW because of the electrical problems. Were gonna miss you little buggy. We all had some great times together and I loved smokin those Hondas just as much as you did! Sorry bout all the curbs.

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  The car is cool!! - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ldfuller - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive wanted a Beetle from the first time I heard about them. I got my wish. The only problems Ive had with the car were not because of manufacturing it was because the dealership sold me a car that had been damaged and repaired. I absolutely LOVE my Beetle. Everyone should drive one. Okay not everyone, Just me the PRINCESS :D