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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  My bettle - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Crystal Dickson - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Very roomy, tons of leg room for long legged passanger. The set adjustments are the best for men and woman drivers. The eyeglass holder on the top is very handy as well. Plenty of pick up and options even on the GL models. Very good buy for your money. You wont be disappointed.

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  2000 1.8L Turbo - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By nicksrick - February 10 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is very stable on the road, it has quite a power range in many gears, so that I can frequently skip gears if I am up to speed. I owned several VW Beatles years ago, and this car looks reminiscant to the early modles but handles like a Porsche. The acceleration is a joy as it moves one right into position in tight traffic.

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  2002 Turbo S - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By John Parrish - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely fun to drive. Has been therapy for a hard working professional that enjoys performance in a vehicle and some fuel economy to boot.

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  Mid-life Crisis Resolved - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By CelticGreyhound - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Fell in love with this car immediately just on looks, but was completely sold when I test drove it. The 2.0 engine gives fine performance and really does have plenty of zip for the highway. The top operates easily and Im just waiting for full blast spring to really have fun. A great price for a nifty baby boomer dream car. Even room in the back seat for a big dog (always use pet seat belts).

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  I Love My Bug! - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Tracy - February 3 - 11:23 pm

  I just purchased my new Beetle in September and have not had a single complaint about this car since. Compared to my mustang especially, it has great handling on the highway and in the rain. The gas efficencey is wonderful and the pickup is surprisingly fast. The stereo sounds great and it is a very quiet convertible. The ac and heat work great and the heated seats are amazing. I was very weary of purchasing a convertible but Im very happy I did and I have absolutley no regrets! Im very happy I ended up with such a fun, amazing, reliable. and stylish (salsa red w/ black int and top) car!

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  My Dream Car - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Scott - January 26 - 9:46 am

  I have had my Bug for about a month and I absolutley LOVE it! I have wanted one of these cars forever! It has an excellent ride and features. During my first of week of ownership, I had the check engine light come on though. The dealer said it was the spark plugs, no biggie. This cars German engineering is amazing. It handles sooooooo well, that you can hardly feel the corners! What a fantastic car. Volkswagen has made me a customer for life!

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  vw lover - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By katie gerrard - January 18 - 2:00 am

  This is such a sweet little car. Feels really solid and handles like one of the really spendy models. theres a ton of value here. This is the kind of car that you hang on to for years. The quality you would expect from a vw.

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  Love-Bug - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By JerseyShore524 - January 14 - 8:53 pm

  Love my car! I can fit 3 adults (me included) and a car seat quite comfortably. It hugs turns and is quick as a bunny. German cars are really made better!!

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  My Beetle - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Bianca - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I have always heard good things about VWs. When the new beetle came out, I could not wait to own one. I finally was able to purchase one last Jan, and I have nothing but good things to say about my car. Not only is it stylish, but it was also a reasonable price. Your car should be a reflection of you, and my bug is truly that: cute, little, and full of great surprises :)

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  Fun Bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Ladycat600 - January 8 - 10:00 am

  There have been some problems with the window mechanisms, and a recall on the window bolts, but other than those inconveniences, this car is without a doubt a FUN car to own. It is very attractive, with many comments from passerbys on the attractiveness and admired changes in spaciousness, including an impressive sized trunk.I enjoy listening to the camaraderie of "bug lovers" memories shared with me while sitting at stop lights( with the top down.) It is a sharp, peppy, fun car to drive! If you want FUN at a reasonable price, the Turbo Bug Convertible is THE CHOICE!