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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  Most Excellent Car - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By galacticbubble - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I am no car expert but I have had the best time driving this car. I have had no problem with enough power starting off or on the highway. This car has plenty of zip to move in and around city traffic which I do a lot of. It holds to the road quite nicely and I would not have it any other way. It has been so much fun to drive! The gas milage is great!

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  Good Car - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Aaron - November 21 - 7:50 pm

  My 2005 VW Beetle is a very good car. We have had it 1.5 years and have put 75,000 miles on it. It has had no problems and we get 45 MPG highway. It is one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned. We got 60,000 miles on the factory tires. The dealership was impressive also, they provide good customer service. I will buy one again.

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  I love this car - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By sammyjack - November 17 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever driven for the money. Mine even has heated leather seats, which are so nice. I even bought the car used, and it is in great condition.

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  Bug lover review - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bug lover - November 13 - 5:40 am

  My 2005 was so good, I had to have the Triple white special edition. I wanted white in 2004 when I bought the first one, now I am complete. Great performance and always a compliment from passers-by.

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  Love my Beetle - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By BugOff - November 11 - 10:00 am

  My convertible is black with black interior. Ive had my nbc close to 2 months and I love the car. I know people complain that the 2.0 doesnt have enough power...it can be a little sluggish but nothing you cant deal with. The turbo sure would be nice though. Just wish I hadnt gotten black! Really hard to keep clean. The bugs love this car too which is a pain. Buying the car went smoothly. The people at the dealership were great. Overall a nice car...in my opinion.

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  Poor mans porsche - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By fun in the sun - November 9 - 6:00 pm

  I love this car the power top is simple to operate. I t handles great 6 speed transmission automatic is great!!! It does have blind spots when top is up.I think for the money is a wonderful car!!

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  Love My Bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ladybug - November 7 - 10:46 am

  My dealers service dept. has been pretty good to work with, I have no major complaints. I love driving my bug. It is fun and everyone justs loves it! Its been very reliable. Every day I want the roof down! The turbo is great for getting on highways! The interior cup holders are very poorly designed though and it didnt come with a CD player. The trunk is hard to close at times. These are minor issues. I would buy another one in a heartbeat!

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  It was a grand 4 years - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By delta_queen - October 26 - 8:30 am

  Would not have sold it yesterday had I not needed a 4X4. I owned this vehicle for 4 years and loved every minute of it. Always felt like I was in a high quality vehicle. The very few instances I needed minor servicing, the warranty work I got was top notch and ultra quick. (The only probs I had in 4 years were headlight wiring.)

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  Love It! - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Nancy - October 25 - 3:06 pm

  The Volkswagen Beetle is a great, sporty car. I bought it in Platinum Grey. It has a nice sporty feel and a suprisingly powerful engine for such a small car! The dealership was great, very professional. What an awesome car!

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  Topless... :) - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ToplessBeetle - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Definitely a great car! There are people who think theyre chick cars, but most people love em! Its a comfortable drive and the tiptronic adds to the fun. Cant wait to take a road trip in it!