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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  pure waste of money - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By monkey mike - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Worst excuse for a car I have ever seen. Interior is cheap and everything breaks (glovebox latch, power window buttons, etc) plus the seats fade really quickly. On the mechanical side, this car is a nightmare. Power window on drivers side went out, and the window actually shattered inside the door panel. Took a month to get a new regulator in. Engine makes popping noises that the dealer cant figure out how to remedy. Check engine light keeps coming on. Trunk button on inside of car does not actually release the trunk latch. I guess that will fully break pretty soon. Also, the interior of the car is full of rattles and squeaks.

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  My Dream - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By TrevorJames - November 6 - 2:00 am

  When my yellow Beetle was driven into the showroom for me to view I said that it must be in my garage at once. Comfort, ease of driving, a sporty feel, and people look at you when you drive!. The workmanship on the car is remarkable. Solid build. Side airbags and a great sound system. Heated window washers and side view mirrors. I bought it for my Happy New Year to me present.

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  Great Car - If you get just the basics - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Christian Hoy - November 5 - 10:46 am

  I bought this car brand new in 1999, and I still own it. All in all, it’s a great car, and has never let me down. I got the GL version in order to avoid too many electrical motors and gadgets that could break down in the future and cause costly repairs. I also wanted hand-cranked windows. So far, the only thing that has failed is electirc-operated gas cap cover. I haven’t fixed it, because it’s easy to open the gas cover manually. It’s a great car to drive - turns corners on a dime and feels stable at higher speeds. As for the looks, this car looks awesome. It looks like something that flew out of a science-fiction movie.

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  Love / Hate My Bug - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By lovehatemybug - November 5 - 4:26 am

  Ive babied Volkswagen Beetle. I have no kids and have had no accidents and yet I am so disappointed with the lousy platic lack of craftsmanship in the interior. The window switches needed to be replaced, I needed new clips for the moonroof contols, and there is peeling rubber on the door handles. UGH!

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  Loving It - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Mary Kilburn - November 4 - 9:03 pm

  We enjoy the maneuverability of this car. Its spaciousness is surprising, as it will even accommodate two [7 and 11 y.o.] grandchildren in the back seat. It is a diesel and that gas is expensive and not always easily available. My husband insists it is VERY safe with the steel cage construction and side airbags. I still worry a bit and in bad weather [especially at night] and prefer to drive one of our more conventional, obviously heavier, autos.

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  One Happy Beetle Owner - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By petra - November 1 - 4:56 pm

  Ive had her for 9 years now. Try to take good care of her. Change my oil every 3000 mi. Do all the other stuff too. Bottom line, for what I need in a car, this one is perfect and I shall drive her for another 10 years at least.

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  Bug of my dreams? - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bob - November 1 - 12:43 am

  Ive always wanted a bug, found the one i was looking for but as soon as i took it home everything went wrong. electrical problems, engine problems, right window wont roll up. to think this car is cute your totally wrong. major regret

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  Lemon - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By JOE - October 26 - 12:20 pm

  Where to begin? The EPM warning light in my 2002 Volkswagen Beetle is on 50% of the time. The check engine light on more than off. The car runs when it is turned off. It runs at 40% power when EPM light is on. VW of America slow to respond. Owning this car has been an awful experience.

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  Fun to drive when the car works. - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By hombeboyfu - October 23 - 10:26 pm

  The TDI Beetle has some nice characteristics to it like great fuel economy, reasonable amount of torque produced from the 1.9L engine, and overall fun to drive. The down side is the car is almost completely plastic. So expect thing to randomly break apart on it. These cars is riddled with electrical problems that doom every VW owner to spend massive amounts of time and money at repair shops. In conclusion, unless you have plenty of money, time, and want to become a good friend of your local VW/Audi Tech avoid this car like it was an ex-spouse with the plague.

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  Happy Bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dave341 - October 19 - 8:48 pm

  After 6 years and 65,000 miles we still love the car. Great fun in the summer with the top down. No mechanical problems yet, a trouble free experience.