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:

• 

  Listen to the lemons! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By queromare - May 23 - 11:30 pm

  Like many others, I couldnt list all the things that are wrong with this car. The most important one is it stalls constantly when its 100+ degrees outside. Completely unreliable, gas tank exploded one day and poured gasoline everywhere, numerous electrical problems. The car is adorable and pretty fun, but has no power, a terrible turning radius and is poorly designed for comfort inside. A vase isnt worth the hassle. I ignored the warnings, dont make the same mistake as I did! This stupid thing has cost me $6,000 so far! I now pay $500/month for it to sit on the driveway! I wont drive it past warranty! Doesnt even get good mileage ie 25/gallon!

• 

  Luxury Class w/ no Pretense! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Blondie2000AZ - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Saw it. Had to have it. No test drive and still paid less than sticker! When everyone involved has confidence in the value of a car, its an easy, painless transaction. I love this car because its classic and unique at once. Down to earth, but very stylish and fun. Compares favoribly w/ likes of BMW only without the pretensiousness.

• 

  Bug is fun, but not practical - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By mollyfied - May 21 - 10:00 am

  My husband bought me a 2001 turbo Beetle for Mothers Day. Although its been great fun, having to get out of the car and pull up the seat every day, several times a day, to let our daughter out of the back seat quickly becomes a drag -- as does the five- speed manual stick. The performance has been good, although we had repeated problems with the ignition. The car would just turn over, and then die. This happened fairly frequently, but of course, not at the dealership. They didnt repair it. Im trading it in for a VW Passat wagon.

• 

  realy is fun to drive! - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dave - May 18 - 4:46 pm

  nice looking really fun to drive! great acceleration fantastic breaking wonderful power top quietest convertible i have ever been in roomy and not cramped even for a 62" man not much room in back seat for adult (but who cares!)

• 

  Bleck - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Michael Pollack - May 9 - 10:00 am

  The interior rattles are ridiculous, and the dealers that I have brought it to have not fixed them and do not seem to care. It has had rattles from day 1, and the dealers have only made it worse, or simply lied about serivce that was not actually performed. It has been disappointing, and I cannot wait to get rid of it. Its cute and that is about all it has going for it. Forget about picking up more than one person at the airport.

• 

  VW Not Such an Honorable Manufacturer - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Jon - May 6 - 1:23 pm

  It seems like shop mechanics are a thing of the past. Nowadays they plug the car into a computer for $200. Its a great car, but the temp light has started to flash on and off. Well we took it in to get looked at and were told in a bright tone that wed need to get the engine replaced for $8000. When asked why. Because youre loosing oil pressure? Oh whats causing that? Hmm.. Dont know.. Can you find out? Yes but then wed have to get dirty and open the engine up. Thatll cost you $4000. So you think the engine is stuffed? It might be, or it might last 10 years, cant tell. I dont know whose to blame! VW, VW dealers or the car. I think Ill buy a horse. I will never buy a VW again!

• 

  This is a great car! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bug owner - May 5 - 10:00 am

  We love this car! It makes us smile and whenever we drive it other people smile and wave. It is great with the top down and quiet with the top up. We put one of those hood covers (used to be called a bra) on it and it looks even sportier. .

• 

  Volkswagen: KING OF UNRELIABILITY - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By netchic1 - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought into the hype and really regret it. My 2001 NB Turbo is cute, but its in the shop about 1 time every 2 months minimum. Headlights go out within 2 months of buying the car, radiator hose broke w/in 1 month of being new, battery just went dead b/c alternator was faulty, check engine light has gone on twice, door lock on driver handle pops out - been broken 2x, the center console latch broke, and this is all under 24,000 MILES!!!! VW service at dealerships are not all that great, I had an awful run in with the Boardwalk Auto Volkswagen in Redwood City, CA. Most VW Service Dealers are backed up with all the VWs that have problems.

• 

  2003 New Beetle Turbo - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By iatros - May 1 - 12:51 pm

  I bought our 2003 New Beetle Convertible Turbo with auto 6 speed in June 2003 for my wifes birthday. We had to go to Arlington, TX, to order one of the first to come into the USA. My wife has loved this car! The handling and comfort are great, and she loves to leave the pickemup drivers standing at the lights. We dont drive it much, but one highlight was trip from Huntsville, AL, to Ashville, NC, in October. But I worry a bit. There have been several service issues, including one coil recoil. The latest service, with 57,600 miles, was the appearance of Service Engine light. Dealer wants only $2200 to fix everything!

• 

  awesome car - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By babyblu766896 - May 1 - 12:16 am

  I bought a new Beetle as a gift for myself and i really love my car. Its peppy around town and gives me great mileage. I do have some gripes though (interior lighting) and automatic transmission. There are a few other gripes but they arent that serious. I do love the handling and the visibility at nighttime. Overall I love my car but i dont think i would buy one again.