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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New to VW - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Tierri - August 27 - 2:00 amI really like driving this car. I switched from a larger gas taking car to this auto. Im also 64 and have plenty of head room in this car. Since Im the only one driving the car I dont have to worry about people sitting behind me. The car is very distinctive and has some get up. Definitely fun to drive. The included i- pod was a feature I didnt expect.
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Two in the garage - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Bob Lykins - August 24 - 1:50 amMy wife and I can afford any type of car made, but we both bought new VW Beetle convertibles late last year, and we absolutely love them. I have a 2005 turbo, whereas my wife picked a 2006 2.5. The car is solid! It is amazingly quiet with the top up, and is extremely comfortable (Im 63 and have more head and legroom than I did in my Toyota 4Runner!). We both get excellent gas mileage and we feel very safe on the interstates. I havent had this much fun in a car since high school and college!
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The Only Car Ill Ever Drive... - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Jason Roberts - August 20 - 4:50 amThis is my second New Beetle, and I love it just as much as the first! I love the new paint options, (mine is Salsa Red) and the new interior refresh. It is easy on gasonline, and reliable under the hood...this car is again, a winner! The front seat passengers enjoy large amounts of leg room and head-space. The vehicle is safe and incredibly fun to drive. I always wonder if people on the road are looking at my car and wishing they had it :)
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My dream car is a lemon :( - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Andrea - August 7 - 10:00 amI always wanted a bug, and made it a goal to purchase one. I bought this car brand new off the lot with 4 miles on it. After 4 months of bliss, this car became a nightmare. I have had prolems with the oil light, check engine light, airbag light, coolant light, and the malfunction indicator light. It has had the following items replaced: a seatbelt, the faulty window brackets that all the beetles had, the instrument cluster (2 times), all 4 cylinder coils, a piece to the trunk latch system, and last but not least, that car is getting a whole new engine put in it now!!! I am very very very disappointed and have lost faith in Volkswagon. :(
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My dream car is a lemon :( - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By andrea - August 7 - 10:00 amI always wanted a bug, and made it a goal to purchase one. I bought this car brand new off the lot with 4 miles on it. After 4 months of bliss, this car became a nightmare. I have had prolems with the oil light, check engine light, airbag light, coolant light, and the malfunction indicator light. It has had the following items replaced: a seatbelt, the faulty window brackets that all the beetles had, the instrument cluster (2 times), all 4 cylinder coils, a piece to the trunk latch system, and last but not least, that car is getting a whole new engine put in it now!!! I am very very very disappointed and have lost faith in Volkswagon. :(
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great car - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By dd - August 3 - 10:00 amyesterday i got a 2000 vw new bettle but it is the same as 2003. i love that car you feel very comfortable when in it and the back seat really isnt that small two people can fit in it easily.
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Great Time Travel - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
By OBX NC - July 30 - 5:03 pmLove the car, brings back super memories, makes the day fun and exciting. . My fuel mileage averages 25-29 mpg without pampering. Have owned a Miata, will take the Beetle any day,anytime.
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Perfect Car - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By I Love This Car! - July 21 - 2:00 amI am a new drvier and student and I absolutley LOVE this car. It is very practical for my busy life, and fun to drive! It holds all my sports equipment when I need it to, and when I fold up the seat I can load in my friends and get to where we need to go. I havent had any problems with the car and absolutley love it. And I have been reading other comments and seem to think that maybe it is the user and not the car. I have also noticed that people seem to be having problems with the manual trans. Mine is an auotmatic and it is going just fine.
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The best of everything - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By 610" in Dallas - July 21 - 2:00 amI have owned virtually every American car and the better German sedans. I have never had a car "draw a crowd" of admirers like my new VW convertable. The design is perfect - the head room and leg room is more than in my SUV - not to forget that 12 or 13 gallons in it does what 30 gallons used to do.
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Fun Fun Fun - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By HoosierRealtor - July 21 - 2:00 amI bought a 2004 VW Beetle Convertible in Sept. 2003. I had a sunflower yellow Beetle prior to it for 4 years.
