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 - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By jriley - September 1 - 10:00 am

  This is the most fun car I have ever owned. It handles like a sports car but with a smoother ride. The 5 speed manual transmition is fantastic. Exceleration and ease of shifting add to the overall thrill of this car.

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  Love this bug - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By tb - August 11 - 10:50 am

  I love my yellow color bug. No problems, fantastic on gas. I love all the features on the car. My car is a 1999 VW Bug. I love how the inside dash board lights up blue at night. The seats are really comfortable. When you get on the highway it really responds fast. The car has been mantained.

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  AMAZING FUN CAR - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By JoeyjojoLA - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Its the funiest car I have ever owed..Driving near the beach in it, I have a blast. Good pickup, exceelent room and Im a big guy.

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  I love it! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Lauren - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I got this car for my birthday and I love it! It is the most reliable and it is so cute! Well I love it and... It is a great car!

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  Oh Ya! Awesome! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dnyed - July 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Platinum Gray Turbo S for a few months now. I have never loved a car more. The 6-speed, the heated leather seats, Monsoon stereo, 17-inch wheels. Way too much fun. This is a "road trip" car. The headroom is excellent for my 64" hubby, he loves it. My first VW, traded 02 Explorer for it. VW from now on!

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  Luv the bettle - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bettleluvr - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This car is perfect. Its sooo cute even after being on the market for like 5 or 6 years people still stop and ask me about it. This car is awesome!!!

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  So far, so good - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Scmil315 - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Overall, this has been a good vehicle. Strengths would be interior room for drivers and front seat passengers (I am 62" tall), adjustable steering wheel, shift smooth and quick, vehicle provides a good feel of the road. Stereo is powerful, CD changer was a nice little plus. Added the bra to the front to protect the white paint from stone chips, a must on this blunt-nosed little buggy. Colors of the dash are driver friendly at night, with purple and red gauges that are easy on the eyes. Remote controls for entry are a nice plus too. Sunroof feels almost like a convertible! Wide tires give good road feel, but a little road noise sneaks through.

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  Great Beetle at Mcdonalds - 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Anthony Herring - June 22 - 11:00 am

  Beetle review This is not just the same beetle of the nineties it has all the retro style of other models, round and economic but the factory options have changed to meet the luster of a modern day Cadillac. I used my brother car to travel to Boston last year and I thought it exceeded the power and comfort of any beetle before its time. My brother has own beetles since the very beginning and I have shared the excitement with permission. AJH

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  great little car - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By sean lasyone - June 19 - 2:00 am

  got the new beetle in 02 and have loved it ever since!! i am 6 ft.and 5 in tall and i have MORE than enough space while driving the car! i will definitely own another bug in my lifetime!

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  The VW Bug has the whole package. - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By plumandthegreenthumb - May 26 - 3:23 pm

  Im a stay at home mom of a 3 yr old and have always driven a suburban, and we needed another car since gas prices keep rising, so we purchased a VW convertible last year and just completely love it. Its a perfect car for our family, when we just want to whip in somewhere fast and get out. Especially now that parking spaces are not striped large enough these days. The gas mileage is FANTASTIC, and its fun to drive too!! Thanks, The Morgan Family of Texas