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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  Fantastic Car - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By teamster151 - April 27 - 10:00 am

  What a great overall experience!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  opened can - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By gephart meinstroff - April 27 - 10:00 am

  dont buy it, have had 4 problems with convertible top, no parts available.

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  2004 VW Beetle GL Coupe - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By jesmari - April 26 - 3:43 pm

  This is a great car for the small unique design. It is fun to drive and has great stability. It is very reliable. The only con is a minor electrical fault in the airbag system. The system frequently gave a false alert of having problems, without there actually being a problem.

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  My VW Beetle - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Clarke Allen - April 25 - 10:56 pm

  This beetle is is an excellent ride for anyone who just wants to ride around. I you want a big car, then this is not for you. If youre like me, though, then you will love this car just like I do.

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  Too many defects - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By mixuone - April 21 - 6:36 pm

  This is my second Beetle and probably my last VW ever. Dont get me wrong, if VW had acknowledged the defects early enough I would still consider another VW after this lease runs out next year. This Beetle had the sensor problem twice and I even filed a Lemon Law report with the state of Massachusetts. VW miraculously fixed the problem before the Lemon Law deadline even though the part was supposed to be on back order for two months. Now I have a leak and the whole floor is soaked. They tell me that water leaks are not covered even though the dealership acknowledged that there was no way for me to know if the sunroom drain tube was clogged. It is not anywhere in the manual.

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  Critical review - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By vwfan - April 21 - 10:00 am

  Have had trouble with the o2 sensor which is a recall item. It had to be replaced twice. The 40,000 mile check up cost around $500. The seats collect hair easily and are not easy to brush off. At cold temperatures, 0 degrees F Ive had trouble with the car not wanting to start, when this happens the airbag light and check engine light come on and have to be taken in to get reset.

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  Bug delite - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By michael99 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is so cute. i wanted to sleep in it the first week we got it. Early on week took a 1,000 mile road trip. It was wonderful. I was surprised how little road noise there was. The car is now over three years old. It works perfectly. I have moved to a hilly area and would prefer a little more tourque in the higher gears. The body has held up well. The interior has done well but then I had the seats covered from the beginning. Overall, it is a fun car. It still competes well with the new models. I will probably keep it another 4 years (50,000) miles before buying another VW. PS This is our 4th VW.

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  Topless fun in TX - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Kevin_pharmd - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Wife and I bought it about 2 weeks ago and we cant stop driving it. We had a bit of trouble finding the Aq Blue with to options we wanted, but the dealer took care of of. The car is absolute fun to drive, handles corners at 55mph w/o problems, rides low and fast. Auto is fun with tiptronic and seat warmers great in the fall. Warning lights hard to see on dash when sun in behind you. You have to get you one!

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  review - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Kimberlee - April 16 - 10:00 am

  The car is a dream to drive and is always fun to be spotted in!

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  Trade it in quickly - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Cathy - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Very cute car and fun to drive, but extremely unreliable. If you dont live close to a volkswagen dealership dont even think of buying one. Been on tow truck almost as much as driven in the 15 months we owned it. Constant problems starting. Shudders when it starts and was told by dearlership this was normal. When it shuddered for them, they could not figure out what was wrong and wanted to replace many parts to try to fix it. Car was bought for 19 year old daughter. She loved it when it ran, but it was dead more than running. Just replaced shifter linkage because linkage is made out of plastic parts.