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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  My Review - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Patman89 - November 10 - 11:50 pm

  Ive had my 1999 Red New Beetle for almost two years now... The first year I never had any problems! But my car overheated and dummy me I kept driving with the red coolant light on for about 20 minutes on interstate 80. Luckily no serious damaged was done, but I paid $1100 for labor and the replacements. But I love my Beetle, I really want a newer one thats redesigned, Im always jealous when I see them. Ive been lucky to not have major problems. However, the sun visors on the top do not block the sun at all! The cup holders dont work well since its under the dashboard. And I notice my seats are that comfy compared to a 2005 model and for long drives my back hurts.

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  GREAT! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Tiffanaynay - November 2 - 8:03 pm

  My Volkswagen Beetle is roomy, fun to drive, and pleasing to the eye. My father bought this car for me and I am in love with it....

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  Fun with the Top Down - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By nancy - November 2 - 9:06 am

  I love my new purchase. It is well worth every penny. I looked at a few convertibles and for the money it is an amazing vehicle. It is not my only car so I dont have to depend on it during the winter snow months, but I do hear that is should handle great during that time. I am actually confident that it will because so far I am very impressed. I like to drive larger vehicles (SUVs) and I was very surprised that I did not feel confined when I sat in this car for the first time. I love driving it and cant wait everyday to get into it. I have not driven my SUV since. I bought it somewhat because of gas prices and fun but the gas mileage is an added bonus. I love it, love it, love it.

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  Orange you a fun car? - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Bob Twofifty - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had the car a month. It is a fun car to drive, and gets noticed. I ordered the Sundown Orange and it reminds me of a little hot rod. I had read reviews that the car was underpowered, but I have had no problems with pick-up or top end speed. All of the controls are well marked and easily operated. The GLS comes standard with alloy wheels, 4 wheel disc brakes, cloth interior and cassette deck. I added heated seats and a 6 disc player in the console and still paid under list. Ive owned a lot of cars, both foreign and domestic and barring a major catastrophy, this is the best car Ive ever owned.

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  Perfect reliability and so fun to drive - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By DaveInSoCal - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Bought a 2001 New Beetle Sport 1.8T for my wife. I specified the 1.8T motor as I knew I would also be driving it very often. The power and reliablity of the motor has been great. The handling and comfort is well balanced. Compact enough to easily park and drive in traffic and the city. Weve had it for almost 2 years and have not had one problem. My wifes friend got a Civic and has had several problems, so shes still so happy with the Beetle. The design seems timeless, too.

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  Fun Little Car - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By kda - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car to get around town and for long trips. It is very comfortable and handles well. Winter driving is great as well as we have found no real problems driving in the snow. The only problem is lack of trunk space but hey its a beetle..Great car...Love it!!!

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  I Love My Diesel Bug - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By vwbug2000TDI - October 17 - 2:50 am

  Ive never had a car that I have loved to drive so much. I always check out other VWs and they are checking me out also. It is like some secret club that I never knew about until I got my Bug. Who can forget the vase?

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  SENSATION OF THE ROAD - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By J. GUTIERREZ - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I DROVE IT ACCROSS THE COUNTRY, FROM CALIFORNIA TO FLORIDA. THE PERFORMANCE, THE DRIVING WAS ABSOLUTELY AN EXPERIENCE, LOVED IT. THE CAR ITSELF WAS THE SENSATION OF THE ROAD. EVERYWHERE WE STOPPED SOMEONE WILL APPROACH US TO INQUIRE ABOUT THE CAR AND OF COURSE THERE WAS ONLY ONE ANSWER: WONDERFUL!!!!!

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  Great Reliable Car - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By VWfan - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I saw all of the problems others were having and felt compelled to speak up. My experience with this car has been fantastic, a few small problems, but nothing to put the car out of service for more than a day and nothing requiring a tow. The car is fun to drive, has way more leg and head room than any other in its class, and is good on the pocket book. All these people that have problems have failed to mention the standard 4 year 50000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. The car is well designed and the company stands behind their product, not sure what else you could ask for.

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  6 years of Reliability - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Karlos - October 1 - 4:46 pm

  This is one of the best and most reliable car I have ever owned. Special Ordered before the big gas crisis. I can count on my hand how many times this car has been to the dealer for unscheduled service. First 100 miles the waterpump failed and was replaced without any hassles. Second time was due to the city of Chicago not posting any hazard warning for street work, destroying the bottom oil pan at 40,000 miles. The other times for regular wear and tear over the span of time.You will not be disappointed.