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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  Great Car! - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By John E. Semken, Jr. - October 17 - 11:50 pm

  I have driven my Beetle to Orlando, FL. It is great fun to drive, very comfortable, and gets great mileage - 43 mpg. I have had several people comment on the beauty of my car. It has plenty of power.

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  Love my Bug - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Bug sailing - October 14 - 12:26 am

  This is my 4th VW. My first was a 1974 Super Beetle loved it,Rabbit Convertible fun, 03 Convertible new beetle, and my current purchase is a pre-owned 06 new beetle. Of course the beetle has changed since the early years but they are sooo fun to drive and still after all these years get the heads turning. Everyone loves the bug!I love the tight feel of the new bug,one could almost think they are driving a real sports car! Service is good and I love Bug sailing!(driving with the top down) My only complaint is there is no cargo space limits your shopping!I shall check back later!

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  Everyone loves my car - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By always a VW fan - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I was the first person in the city to purchase this car. I had been waiting for several years for it to come out. I love everything about this car. People are always shouting out thier windows at me about how much they love it too! My daughter and her friends love to ride it in. My daughter thinks shes getting it in 3 years - yeah right!

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  Worth Babying - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By stoontdi - October 9 - 6:10 pm

  If everybody had one of these, it wouldnt be as much fun. The TDI can pull a 1500 lb. boat and trailer better than a gas with all that torque and still get over 32 miles to the gallon.

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  Most "Luv The Car Dude" per miles - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By SpiceUmUp - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE this car. More smiles per mile than any car I have ever owned. Solid, well built, top quality materials and NEARLY EVERYONE gives ya a thumbs up or a smile as you go by. Young kids call out to you and pretty women give you a smile. The rear seat is only for children or small adults but head room for this 6 2" driver is great with the top in place. The top goes down easily and back up just as well and it is as tight with the top up as many sedans. The car is wonderful. It handles well on the tristy country road, but a bit harsh over expension joints on the highway. The Short wheel base makes speed bumps tough.

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  VW Deisel Get Good Grades - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Justiniandog - September 20 - 10:00 am

  After getting used to the auto tiptronic transmission I love the VW New Beetle TDI. Smooth, powerful, and fuel efficient. With all the traveling I do, I fill the tank every 7=8 days and thats not a complete refill mind you. Love it...its a keeper.

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  turbo S beetle - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By wcp - September 18 - 2:00 am

  great buy for the money.

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  Forever in Love or a Great Fit - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By B. Donaldson - September 10 - 4:26 am

  I love my new Beetle, I bought one previously in 1973, I had it for fourteen years. When the new Beetle came out I was floored. I was totally, decidedly, definetely in love again. I drive about three hours a day both ways, Im comfortable. Setting the seat to fit is extremely easy, it still fits me perfectly. The front window is wide, and my other half, who is 62", drives it and hes able to set the seat to fit him width and leg length, he had to admit, it had more room then he imagined. The seats are awesome comfortable especially with the built in lumbar back. Id recommend the new Beetle to any and everyone, thanks for a great ride.

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  My Second Beetle - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bluebeetlebear - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This is the second beetle I have owned, my first was a 2001 glx turbo 5 speed, I then got a 2003 jetta gls turbo, but I missed the beetle so much I traded back to a 2004 gls turbo beetle...WOW what a fantastic car! I love everything about the beetle.

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  This car rules - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By beetlecarowner123 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great car, everyone in the world should own this car. It is soooooo cute.