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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  Beetle Turbo - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Turbo Beetle - March 27 - 5:06 am

  Third Beetle Ive owned, and all have been superb vehicles. All were bought brand new, and kept trading up. Have had this current Silver Turbo model for 8 years and have never had any serious problems with it. It is used over the last 4 years as a daily driver and between its traction in the winter and its speed/pickup in the summer, the vehicle is probably one of the best ones out there for the dollar. Maintenance is done on the vehicle per specs, and outside of a couple of door dings by jerks in parking lots, the car looks and runs as new. Probably the best value for the dollar car weve ever bought and owned.

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  I love my Bug! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By BugLove - March 26 - 2:00 am

  My New Beetle has been absolutely wonderful. I have driven sports cars all my life, and I dont feel that they truly reflected who I am. They were fast, not very safe, and gas guzzlers. My new beetle however, is reliable, environmentally friendly, and very very cute.

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  proud beetle owner - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By pjrph - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely adore this little car. Not much rear room but perfect for one or two.

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  Been good for ten years - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By sunman42 - March 14 - 12:26 am

  I realize I probably drive this less than most, being blessed with a 2.5 mile commute (each way), but its gone ten years with no major work due to anything other than stupidity (mine, in barreling into a deep pot hole this year that required a new catalytic converter) or age (the impeller in the water pump broke in two this year, and I took the opportunity to have the timing chain replaced - all small engines need it sooner or later. I have lost no switches or other details, but would have preferred (1) a remote that actually opened the hatchback, rather than leaving it partly unlatched but closed on cold days, and (2) a drivers window that opened a bit faster. Good, safe car, fun to drive

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  good gas mileage Fun, Cute Bug ; ) - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Tiff7575 - March 6 - 5:56 pm

  I bought a pre owned VW beetle PZEV Auto, I love the car so far I have only had it two weeks bought it at 37,510 miles one owner lease Great gas mileage about 32/35 on the FWY. So great with gas prices at $4.20 Very clean car beige on beige Leather with all of the upgrades. Cute, fun to drive with get up and go I bought the Beetle over the Jetta just because I thought it was a cuter car more my style And not as common as the Jetta is in CA. Overall great car and I will recommend it to anyone. Also next time I buy from VW I hope to get the Eros or VW beetle convertible.

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  Fun and dependable - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By jvoelzow - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, handles great, goes like hell.

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  Cool Vehicle - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Mr. Magoo7 - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Bug is fun to drive and handles very well. Plenty of power. I am getting 40 mpg in the city and Close to 50 mpg highway.

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  Love My Bug - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Tammy - February 17 - 5:06 pm

  I love how it handles. Its very peppy and fun to drive! It feels very solid!

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  littleporsche - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By vacation - February 17 - 10:00 am

  black with cream interior. Lots of fun to drive, get lots of looks and people telling me it looks great. Good performance, turbo is the only way to go. Good stereo. Top fits well, had a minor problem but dealer fix it while I waited. Nice little extras, turn lights in side mirrors and time and temperture in front frame of windshield. Not a lot of room in back seat, but not to cramped. Small trunk.

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  For the Love of Torque - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By linderov - February 10 - 6:50 am

  This has been a terrific car, very durable and reliable and looking good doing it. My kids dont ever complain about being cramped although I think they probably are. Its cozy and all their friends love it. With the sunroof and windows open, its like a convertible, too, fun and loud, and like a party ready to go. Even though the car is now 6 + years old, it still attracts attention, and not just from kids, although kids really love it. It gets 45 mpg in mixed use, typically. Ive never had problems here in Detroit with the cold weather and diesel. The diesel is quiet and pleasant sounding in normal use, and has a higher pitch singing sound when you hammer it to kick in the turbo.