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:

• 

  Even better the second time! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Matthew - August 25 - 2:16 am

  Had a 2001 dark blue turbo beetle before and loved it so much i upgraded to a red turbo S. I cant imagine driving anything else (getting in other cars just seems so dull)! Not one single problem has occurred- VW has improved tremendously on their reliability.

• 

  Good if you take care of it - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By lucky12depart - August 19 - 2:55 pm

  My mom actually bought this car a year 2000, and bought it in 2008. From the start, it was making a very loud noise from the engine, til i figured it was the air pump. So we replaced that and it takes off very fast! I have seen some reviews on this car, and i do not think this car gets the good reviews it deserves. If people actually take care of the problem and know exactly what it is, then it will be good to you. Anybody could buy a car brand new, but eventually it will need to be fixed, and something will break down. This car is running good and fast even after soo long. I could say that interior is cheap, but just driving this is very cool. even the small size makes it great anywhere.

• 

  Fun, Fun, Fun! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By mzsuz2u - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I am thoroughly enjoying my New Beetle convertible. I had wanted to get a New Beetle since they came out but due to circumstances I couldnt do it. Shortly after they came out with the convertible, I got a better paying job and went and got my car! I have to say, theres nothing that I dislike about this car. Handles great, has just enough power, has stylish looks and what else can be said about riding with the top down besides WOW! Everything about the car is perfectly thought out. I wouldnt change a thing about it if given a chance.

• 

  love the new beetle - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By holly - August 18 - 10:00 am

  This is one cute little car. The GLS has more bells and whistles than are necessary (including a bud vase) the 2 litre engine is nice even with the automatic tranny. well built. only flaw was first day of driving, the emissions control light came on and stayed on. the bug was back in the shop for three full days for diagnosis (dead emissions control computer) and fix. kind of put a damper on the new car experience, but just a little bit of driving cured that. power-assisted rack&pinion (easy, but with good road feel) and stops just right with ABS on disc brakes (all wheels). great turning radius, and its fun!

• 

  My Dream BUGGIE!! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By esmeraldamd - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I recently earned my bachelors degree in elementary education. I was hired as a 4th grade teacher in May, and I new my first major purchase was going to be a bettle. I was going to go with the regular hatchback, but once I got to the dealership, I fell in love with the convertible. I love everything about my galactic blue baby! Oh, my convertible has a Tiptronic transmission that allows me to drive my buggie as an automatic or standard. It is fun to drive and it causes a great comotion as I drive by with the top down.

• 

  Best Car Ive Had!!! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By TDI - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I love this car!!! It get sweet gas mileage!!! The design is awesome!!! Dealership was great. No complaints!!! VW nice jobe :-)

• 

  New Beetle Turbo S - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dharris - August 12 - 10:00 am

  This is my third New Beetle. My first was a GLS TDI then my second was the GLX Turbo. Now I have the Turbo S. I love this car. I have had no problems with it! The car is nice because it looks different than the other New Beetle models (exterior and interior). Handling is awesome. The 180hp engine is a ton faster than the 150hp. The 6 speed tranny helps in this area. I love it! I wouldnt change a thing!

• 

  TDI is the name of the game! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Garfield - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Just finished a short trip through the NC mountians. The car handled almost as good as my A4 Audi Q. Just think of it as a new bettle with the sound of an old one. I took it up 15% grades with 4 adults in 4 gear at 60mph with no problem. Thats not bad. Car is solid on the road and handles very well. Buy one and you will agree.

• 

  GLX Turbo!!!! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By GLX TURBO!!!! - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I have read the other reviews and I would have to disagree with the negative comments! This car is great. The first mistake they did was buying the GLS 2.0. That is only bad model of the New Beetle. It is gutless. The GLX 1.8T on the otherhand is fast!!! Great car! Thank you Volkswagen!!!

• 

  Turbo S - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Joy - July 12 - 10:00 am

  The turbo s is a luxury car in a small package. Its a dream to drive with power to boot.