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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  2006 Bug Convertible - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Bill F - January 21 - 6:30 pm

  Had a few problems with tail lights not working, burning out and a dashboard recall. My wife loves it but now we have a teenage daughter driving so will have to trade it off for safety reasons. I honestly dont think the quality is up to what they sell these things for. Interior is cheaply done, floor mat holders break off in the first couple months. Get the XM radio, ours did not have it. They are cute though and fun to drive and easy to park. There are some blind spots. Also in Houston with large pickup trucks, the bug is sometimes not seen. I would own this car as a 3rd car.

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  The cutest car ever made - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Andrea - January 20 - 7:46 am

  This is like the kind of car only a fun person can drive. its very simple inside..not like those tacky expensive cars...thats why i love it! its original and soo the cutest car ever made

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  2005 Beetle GL 5sd manual - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By aloisio - January 19 - 9:43 am

  Extremely solid vehicle, very responsive to driver command. Good not great acceleration, excellent drivetrain, with smooth shifting and ultra sensitive clutch manipulation. Steering articulates well with little to no tire slippage under severe cornering. Wonderful interior ergonomics and ease of operation. Easy to read clear gauge panel with good back light. Very comfortable seating and adjustability. Overall just a GREAT car!

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  Buy one - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By vw man - January 16 - 1:43 am

  This car is cool! The punch from the low-revving high torque engine is great down low, but when the turbo kicks in it has even more power. The power is great, the build quality is amazing, pictures dont do it justice. Everything is nicely made and nothing creaks or rattles, it is solid and tight to the road. It drives like a Porsche until you hit a bump at which point it turns into a Bentley and you dont feel it. This car oozes with engineering perfection. The amazing thing is on a 150 mile trip I got 43 mpg and thats not just highway. What a car - its balanced in every way. Buy this car!!

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  Stay Away - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By iinsic - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I made the unfortunate decision to buy this car based on its design. Build quality has been horrible. I have had to replace window reg., 2 window switches, 3 O2 sensors, had an oil leak, replace a rear brake caliper at 40K miles (!?), now the air conditioning does not work. Fun to drive, terrible to own.

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  Good Car - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Alisa - January 11 - 12:36 am

  Ive owned my 99 for seven months. I had a 98 Beetle for a year and half before I got this one. When I got into an accident there was no doubt I was getting another Bug. Its a great car, and it does well in the mountains and on long high trips. Ive had to change both headlight bulbs, window motors, serpentine belts and the AC has a leak. Aside from these minor things (which Ive come to find EVERY car manufacturer has) the car runs great, is fun to drive, and I get tons of compliments on my cute red car. Im hoping to upgrade to a newer, higher model soon.

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  At 168k, heres hoping for 200k+ miles - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ThunderBunny - January 8 - 1:26 am

  This review is for an 01 1.8T New Beetle (Auto), GLS trim with 17" rims, sports suspension, leather (heated) seating, steering wheel & shifter, and sunroof. At 50k miles, the ECU was chipped to 1 BAR. Now at 168k miles I must say my NBs been an excellent vehicle. The only items fixed under warranty were coil-packs and a MAF sensor. I replaced the Cam Chain Tensioner, 2 Oxygen/1 MAF sensors, valve cover gasket and a few hoses at 154k miles. Otherwise, everything else works! (Knock on wood!) I guess Im lucky as the NB is not rated highly for reliability. But with my other cars, I do my own maintenance/repair and follow the scheduled maintenance very closely. Hope itll go beyond 200k miles!

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  love bugs - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By mssktty18 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Its wonderful fun to drive,You dont have to worry every week about filling your gas tank.its great!They drive quite and run wonderfully.

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  Too bad! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By savage1 - January 5 - 10:23 pm

  Major repair problems. Tried 2 different VW dealers and an independent mechanic - no one can fix it right. Had head gasket replaced ($1200), water pump, and themostat (twice) - still overheating! No temp gauge - only a red light when its already too hot. Front license plate holder fell off. Everything about this car is expensive, so make sure you get an extended warranty! Dealer service is terrible - will keep car for a week for any repairs. Oil change took 3 hours.

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  2000 Volkswagen Beetle - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Mikey - January 5 - 5:50 pm

  We bought our 2000 Volkswagen Beetle new and we take care if it. The check engine light has come on every few months since weve had it. Notable fixes include, MAFS (x2), sensor (~one month ago) and it is on again. At $80 just to find out what is wrong, it gets expensive. Also, the passenger window wouldnt roll up, the door switches are broken, and the armrest latch busted. VW service wants $800 to change two brakes, and an arm and a leg for everything else. Dont waste your time. Ive had two other good experiences with VW but this car was a mistake. AVOID THIS CAR!