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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Love it!!!!! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Randal1000 - December 8 - 9:16 pmI just finished a 5000 mile trip with my wife and couldnt be happier. Were not small people either. The vehicle is as advertised and a real attention getter.
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I finally got one! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By roniraes - November 19 - 2:00 amI have wanted a beetle for 19 yrs and I finally have it! It was worth the wait. I love the way it handles and the ease of just dropping the top. I think everyone should have one excellent de-stressing tool. : )
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Love it! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By woodog - November 16 - 9:13 amGreat car for the money. I was driving a suburban for the last 6 years and decided I wanted a car. NOthing tickled my fancy quite like the convertible bug! Not quite impressed with the stereo though.
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Great car!! - 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Gail - November 12 - 11:10 amAwesome car with lots of standard goodies. Its extremely quiet and smooth..Lots of storage with the back seats folded down. Super comfortable seats. Heated seats come standard.
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Great Commuter in California - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By absnth2006 - November 11 - 12:20 pmThis is our second Beetle and the improvements are extrodinary. Our previous, 2000 hard top in Cyber Green, was nice but the new 5 cyl engine and 6 speed auto are far superior. Our fuel economy is actually better now, 27 mpg vs. 24 mpg for the 2000. Our only complaint so far is the trunk lid that is tough to close.
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Luv My Bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By TMitchelAg - November 7 - 10:00 amGreat performing car...lots of pep. We drive up alot of mountain roads and do great. Im very comfortable in it and dont feel cramped like in the old beetles. I dont agree with Edmonds review.
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Not Your Old College Bug - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Dicker - October 25 - 9:36 amThis car is as fun to drive as it is to look at! People smile and wave and give me the thumbs up, when I drive. When I park, someone almost always wants to ask about my little luxury convertible! The power and handling are very impressive, almost like a small sports car, especially with the Tiptronic transmission! I am very pleased with comfort, handling and performance, but a little disappointed in the gas mileage!
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BEST car Ive owned! - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By ManaGrace - October 20 - 10:00 amI bought my car used with 64,ooo miles. It now has 88+ and its still kicking! I have only had everyday normal wear and tare problems with it.
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VW does it again - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By aromatic hydrocarbon - October 20 - 10:00 amVW pulls another "Rabbit" out of the hat. I am 6-3, and fit this car like it was made just for me. I didnt buy it for performance, thrills, and such, but its simply amazing what a 90 HP engine prodcuing 155 ft-lbs of torque can do. The creature comforts for the GLS level are well done, the sunroof is in the right place, the thoughtfullness and operation of the controls are, well, so German! And thats a compliment. Good drive- ability, outstanding, frugal economy, and reminds me an awful lot of the "real" bugs we loved so much in the 60s and 70s. I wouldnt want to go back there, this is a superiour car
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Good so far - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By JMorr - October 20 - 10:00 amA great car so far. The design and engineering are terrific for the price. Car drives well and has quite a few features for the price.
