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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  Runs great...BUT - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By l8dybug - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I havent had any of the electical problems mentioned in the other reviews. My complaints are about mostly cosmetic problems. The interior door handles are peeling...Im told its from the lotion I use (?), the antennae is getting corroded, the gas cover has broken 3 times, Ive had to replace the pegs on the hatchback twice. Also the doors are causing nicks in the paint on the front fender. Irritating little things, but overall I like the car.

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  Bug Time - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By KJ - March 27 - 1:06 am

  I have the 5-speed, and do enjoy the cars drive and handling. 150HP is plenty in car this size, and I have no complaints about acceleration (Go Bug, Go!). The ABS braking system and anti-skid functions seem to work well. I had several opportunities to drive it in the snow this year, and it seemed to handle that challenge quite well. Though it presents some restrictions, I do appreciate the Bugs styling, as it sets it apart from other cars its size,

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  My Blue Bug - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By DustyJones - March 22 - 10:00 am

  A lot of bang for the buck. I am a 6 foot, 240 lb male and have to say that the bug is the most comfortable and roomy car in its class. Theres plenty of head and leg room up front. This is the most enjoyable aspect of my experience thus far, but dont think for a minute that it ends there. The car has been extremely reliable and Ive found it quite a blast to drive. The 5 speed manual transmission has plenty of pep and is quite comfortable cruising at 90mph.

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  NOT CUTE! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bruintoo - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Really a fun car to drive. The turbo engine makes a difference when compared to the normally aspirated engine. The 6- speed tiptronic shifts imperceptively. The body is rigid with nary a cowl share or twisting. The 10 speaker monsoon powered system is strong. The backseats are narrow but still usable. The same goes for the trunk. Its such a wonderful care that you almost want to forget that its too cute.

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  Cute, but Not Worth It - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Scarlet - February 28 - 11:46 am

  My car is adorable and I love the way it looks. Unfortunately, Ive had quite a few problems with it. The O2 sensor has gone 4 times in 3 years, the electric window motor has broken twice causing the window to not roll up, the button that opens the gas tank from inside broke making it unable to get gas (and I was on E), and now I am taking it in as we speak to replace the catalytic converter. Also, the cup holders obviously stink and I agree with a review I read that said the grill is too low to the ground. Mine ripped off from a parking space. Also, it is HORRIBLE in the snow. Ive spun out twice. It doesnt have great pick up either. Such a cute car should not cause so much stress!

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  What a lemon - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Valerie - February 24 - 5:00 am

  As cute as this car is, I cant explain how horrible the last 11 months have been with it. With my two previous cars we had zero problems, I suppose I made up for all that time with my Beetle. Thankfully, there have been no major mechanical problems. However, random reflectors have just fallen off, and if Im lucky, both turn signals work. The seats could be more comfortable, and its difficult to adjust the angle with the round "knobs." I dont drive much at all and I fill up two times a week. My car gets terrible gas mileage. Ill be selling the car before its a year old.

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  Mellow yellow - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Missy - February 17 - 4:49 am

  I love my bug, I have one constant problem the head liner pops out from the back window every time I put the top down .Has been to the shop numerous times

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  Good, but not great - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By York - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I was expecting more from VW. Though my Beetle was a fine car by all standards, it didnt offer much that was great. The second row was very cramped, and the side-view mirrors were a pain-- they gave a blindspot. It was, however, quite interesting to own.

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  Bug of my Heart - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By briansfreehold - January 15 - 3:00 am

  I traded in a 1997 Kia Spotage for my cyberpunk green 2002 Bug and have had almost nothing but great luck with it. Of course after 30.000 miles any car will have some problems, like the plastic PVC around the bottom of the engine came apart as I was driving it on the freeway, and there is some hesatation with the automatic transmisstion (which was taken care of by the warranty). I stil just love this car. It may not be as cheap to fix and run as the old VW bugs but what is? Of course, the gas milage is sorly laking from what they said it was on the sticker. I get 23 mpg on the freeway. Bottom line, it still kicks butt over most of the other jelly bean looking cars that are on our roads now (BORING).