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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  FUN Bug no problems - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Ivan - April 21 - 7:26 am

  I bought the 2002 Beetle Turbo S used with over 30,000 miles on it. I have about 42,000 on it now. Heard about realiability issues but have had none so far. Fun car to drive, sporty, and fast. Comfort is a little weak for 61" guy but overall not bad. I have added a sub to stock Monsoon radio and it sounds way better.

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  Fun and economical - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Dan & Karen - April 7 - 12:53 am

  We bought our 2001 Beetle GLS 1.8L Turbo Hatchback a year ago and have had no problems with it, whatsoever. Its not as comfortable as a Cadillac but its still comfortable, even on long trips. Its excellent on fuel, fast, and fun to drive (a modern and improved version of the classic Beetle). We enjoy waving to other Beetle owners on the road (sort of a cult thing). We also have two large artificial daisies in the vase on the dashboard which complement the car. Overall, we highly recommend this car for those who want something different, economical, and fun to drive.

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  My VW Beetle Convertible - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Carol Brown - April 4 - 12:36 pm

  This is my third Volkswagen Beetle but my first convertible. The convertible does compromise the trunk space, but you have to pick your battles. My other 2 were 5 speed and this one is automatic. I am torn between the two, but this one does have the 6 speed tiptronic standard without a clutch. I am 48 and thought I should get an automatic this time. I am 59" tall and there is plenty of room for me and my passengers. I love my car! Everyone who knows me knows I love it also! I will never drive anything else. I am a VW Beetle woman all the way! I recommend them highly.......everyone in a beetle driving down the highway waves at each other!

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  With the wind in my hair... - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Kristabelle - March 15 - 1:43 pm

  Never thought Id have a VW, much less a convertible, but here I am. This car is so cute, fun and fun to drive. Ive had the top down non-stop and have had to figure out the best way to keep my hair fixed and out of my face! Gee, what a problem to have! Im 30 w/no kids and 2 dogs. Cant wait to buy doggles for the dogs to wear in the back seat...with the wind blowing in their hair...

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  A Breath of Fresh Air - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Buglover - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Shortly after purchasing my bug, I made plans to drive from Chicago to California. A solo trip with diversions north and south of the direct route. I travelled through 13 states, through many twisting mountain passes and boiling deserts, and this car was atreat to drive! Tight turns on hairpin corners-she held at three times the recommended speed. National parks with a 360 degree view with the top down! Close enough to pet the buffalo at Custer State Park in SD. My bug handled the snow and off road terrain at Crazy Horse Monument. My 6CD changer and Monsoon sound system blasted and relieved other drivers from my questionable singing voice.

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  Go Beetle Go! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Rob Tarbell - March 14 - 10:00 am

  This car will fly! drives smooth, handles bumpy roads very well, excellent air conditioner- gets cool quickly and car still has excellent power while running air,heated seats are wonderful, excellent warranty, this is my 3rd beetle and each model year gets better,turbo is best model to have

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  I love this car - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By J man - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my first car, and its better than any other car i was looking for. its fast and stops very quickly. handeling is very responsive.

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  Love it! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Beth A - March 7 - 8:06 am

  I was really nervous plunking down $22,000 cash for this car, but so far Im thrilled with it. Its so comfortable -- tons of room inside. The engine has lots of power and its getting more than 40MPG. I debated between a hybrid and this, and Im so glad I got this -- its so much more fun to drive compared to the relatively blah hybrids. The back seat is really, really tight -- not a problem for me since I have no kids, but if you need to use the back seat for anything more than storing stuff, you probably shoudl think twice. But I really have no complaints at all.

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  My Herbie - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By psperl - February 28 - 8:23 am

  I turned in a 2002 Lexus LS 430 sedan for my Beatle. I wanted to make life simpler for myself upon retiring from professional life. The Lexus was a great auto,but I didnt need it anymore and dont miss it, as my Bug is such fun to drive.

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  NB 1.8T automatic - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By smokeonit - February 26 - 10:00 am

  very satisfied, auto tranny perfect, even w/ only 4 gears, the new tranny has 6 gears....