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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  Excellent - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By brit_008 - December 16 - 7:33 pm

  I absolutely love my bug! Ive had it for almost 2 years. Never really had any problems. Except for the rear brake lights. In case other 98 owners didnt know, the brake switch was recalled on all 98 bugs. (lights stay on, etc.) my lights had been staying on and I searched it out and found out thats what it was. Im the second owner, and the first never had any problems with it. So, I took it to my local vdub dealer and they fixed it right up. Never had any trouble since. Great car, love they way it handles. Very fun to drive.

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  Perfect - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Bug Lover - December 14 - 4:36 pm

  I love my Volkswagen! Sure I have had a few problems with it, you have problems with every car. I highly recommend VW and I am currently searching for my newest addition, a Bug Conv.

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  Pretty, but a Gamble - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By santiagofdz - December 9 - 4:43 am

  Buying a 2000 VW Bug is a bit of a gamble, you can get a wonderful car, or a unreliable lemon, so its best to get your hands on a 2003+ model. I have had a myriad of electrical failures / hiccups with my Beetle, and I get the feeling that this wouldnt be so dire if I had a better dealership. Ive also had the problems with coolant pumps, engine speed sensors, the fragile window switches and more recently the HVAC controls. Also, some of the interior trim chips/wears very easily. Yet I still cant hate my car, its a good car for driving around town, gets a lot of attention, feels well planted on the highway, is very tough chassis-wise and its generally pleasant. But it could be so MUCH more rewarding

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  Do not invest into this car. - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By AnnaM. - December 8 - 10:00 am

  When I first saw the bug,I can admit i was in love. As a college student,I saved every penny to afford this awesome looking car. I had to have the GLX-Turbo,leather and the fin.To be honest this car is the worst car built on the market. I have had my beetle in the shop for recalls over seventeen times. I have the dealership programed into my cell phone it is that bad. I pay for my car to be in the shop, on average I am only able to drive it two weeks out of a months. I highly suggest not to purchase this car.Unless you like spending time at the dealers service department.

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  Fiesty with no pick-up - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By zaharrah - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I love my care truely love it. If I had 3 things to change i would make the cup holders more accessible, increase the trunk space and the pick-up on the car. The engine is the same as the Jetta and due to increased safety weights the car goes 0-60 in 10 minutes! But I dont need the speeding tickets. I love everything else. Its a fun cute car.

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  VW Beetle Convertible - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Jeffrey - December 4 - 4:36 pm

  Great car to drive! Lots of fun. Mechanical problems with the electric roof have been a bit frustrating. Overall a great car for the money.

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  Fun & reliable - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Jenny - November 29 - 1:03 am

  I bought the beetle new in 2000. I was looking for a small car with good mileage. The diesel version I drive gets nearly 50 mpg on the highway - love that! Safety was really important to me as Id be driving my kids around town. The beetle has great safety ratings. What I didnt expect was how fun to drive this car would be. It is solid, hugs the road, and is super aerodynamic (I dont know what the last reviewer experienced but my beetle never even flinches in windy weather). Also, it has a great little sound system with a 6 CD changer - load it up, fill the tank, and your good for 500 miles. 150,000 miles and no major problems with this car.

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  Well Engineered - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Igmandada - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Still having the honneymoon effect with the beetle, however, we are exceptionally pleased with our 03 GLS TDI 5M. First fuel tank at 43 MPG mostly around town. Very smooth driving and top rate handling & braking. Very easy and fun to drive and gathers speed much quicker than we anticipated. Speedo shows 70mph and it feels like 60, I keep thinking it must be wrong. We love the sunroof and so far very glad we purchased it. I cannot keep the wife out of it. G. Miller

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  Dont miss the repair shop - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Robinowitz - November 19 - 10:00 am

  There was no greater fan of this car than me. I waited breathlessly for six years after seeing the prototype to buy it and loved it from the get go. Then all hell broke loose...literally. The whole A/C system had to be replaced at 2 years ($1200), the passenger seat lift lever broke off at 6 mos., the interior roofs compartment door broke off within 2 months, the locking fuel tank door broke around 2.5 yrs, the locking mechanism started doing a freakdance and a year after replacing the A/C system, it went out again. Had to dump it for the reliability of a good ol Nissan.

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  Shaped like a lemon, too - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Kurt - November 7 - 7:30 pm

  Oof the greatest disappointments I have ever had with a vehicle. 1 alternator, 1 brake master cylinder, 2 power steering pumps, 2 fuel tank senders, 2 window switches, 1 radio, 1 lower radiator hose, 2 cooling fans and 1 fuel door actuator and oil consumption of 1 quart every 3000 miles which, according to VW, is within specification for a car with 22k miles on the clock. The only saving grace is that the lease is up in a few months. Kurt