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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I love this car! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By kimwk - June 27 - 2:00 amThis is my second Beetle. Got rid of a 2000 because of 3rd child on the way and hubby insisted "I" needed something bigger. I have a 2004 BMW 325i wagon that he now drives. I dont miss it a bit (well, maybe a little). I LOVE this car! So do the 3 kids!
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Happy Since I Sold It.... - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By SFborn - June 26 - 10:00 amIm so delighted I dumped this car. What a loser! I spent close to $9,000 to repair some suspension problem, the engine burned a quart of oil every 750 miles and Volkswagen would do nothing about it, and yup, I too had the pealing interior problem, the engine fan seemed to run all the time and the air conditioning vents broke. Got tired of trying to figure out what would go wrong next. Bought a Mercedes - smart move. I dumped this lemon while I could still get money for it - I suggest you do the same!
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Enjoyed the car! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By SilverStarC230K - June 26 - 10:00 amI have had this car for 2 1/2 years and finally selling it. I enjoyed the car. Wasnt quite as reliable as you might expect a car under 3 yrs old, but it is a fun car to drive. I had no major mechanical issues, just minor things. I considered buying a 02 TurboS, but instead bought a 03 C230K. Will be sad to see my car go, it was a lot of fun drive. The 2.0 (2.slow) has some pep, but you would expect better gas mileage. Roomy, fun to drive, and retro styling is very cool!
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Not my wifes car! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By - June 26 - 10:00 amWhen it was time to replace my 95 GTI VR6, much beloved for its power and utility, my goal was 4 seats and at least as much performance. My kids wanted a "punch buggy." My wife loved the snap orange New Beetle. I test drove the 1.8T but felt it was a step down, and had a rubbery shifter. Then I test drove the Turbo S and fell in love with the noticeable increase in power, 6 speed shifter, and great seats. My wife can get an orange one next time; mines a black Turbo S!
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Good points but - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By hilo2525 - June 20 - 1:00 pmCar is fun to drive. However, high cost to service and maintain from dealer. We are a multi-car household and there will no more VWs in our future.
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Never Again - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Cory - June 14 - 1:00 amThis lease has become the bane of my existence. The car has broken down five times in two years (and thats not counting the small problems when I could still drive it). Bad enough it keeps breaking, but VW does NOTHING to stand behind their product. The transmission leaked when I drove it off the lot. No loaner cars, no concern for my safety. They kept telling me that they valued me as a customer, but what they value is my money.
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LOVE MY BEETLE - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
By khlv - June 7 - 1:50 amI traded in my Red 99 for my new Sunflower yellow (GREAT COLOR) 07. Talk about a GREAT deal! Great price, and they fixed all (but 1) of the features that bothered me in my old beetle. Cup holders were moved, both seats can be raised, and a LOT more power! that extra .5 in the engine REALLY makes a difference. SO FUN TO DRIVE!
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LOVE THIS CAR! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Melina - June 5 - 8:26 amThe VW Beetle was my dream car, and I finally was able to find one, which I purchased used from a dealership. There is the possibility of some electrical issues, but I keep it well maintained and absolutely adore it. I still just like looking at it, and driving it every day. Repairs can be costly, again the key here is maintenance. I get compliments on my car almost daily. Cup holders inadequate, as are the sun visors, but other than that I really cant complain.
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Would Never Own Another VW - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Sgam - June 5 - 7:10 amI have had too many problems with my VW Bug to name. The EPC light is always going on and off. It doesnt start in the morning, unless if you take 10 minutes to jiggle the key back and forth in the ignition. The passenger side window has never functioned properly. I have had the car towed into my dealer several times, and they dont do anything but tell me that theres nothing wrong, or why dont you pay $200 for new spark plugs, were sure that this will take care of the problem, then the problem comes back. Bottom line they are bad cars and VW does not take care of their custumers. I will never own another VW.
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What a great little car - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Ms. Shawn - June 3 - 4:36 amThis car is fun to drive, gets great gas mileage, and is easy to park. People should take a closer look at this little shuttle, they would fall in love with them also.
