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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  Dont Do It! - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By smn - July 2 - 6:42 am

  I bought a 1998 Beetle, 5 speed manual transmission from my neighbor. They saw me coming! The car now has 112,000 miles on it and the control module, catalytic converter and ignition module all went out. It is going to cost me more to fix it than its worth. Dont bother with VW. The glove box and trunk release are broken. The clear coat has peeled off. Regretting spending $3K on this car. My Honda has 200,000 miles on it and runs like a top!!

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  Diesel "BUG" TDI - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By PV ALEX - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the $$$$$, I am getting close to 40MPG in town and 50 on the road. Great car, tight ride, needs to provide temp gauge along with other standard gauges, seats are very good

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  178K and still going strong! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bali1 - June 20 - 10:25 pm

  I love my beetle! I bought it in 2008 with 104K miles on it, and it has been a road warrior! Up to 178K miles and still no problems! Replaced water pump and belts at 120K and just regular oil changes. Awesome, reliable car. The front grille keeps coming off because I keep scraping it on the ground (admittedly I have very poor parking skills) so low clearance is my only problem, but that is also what makes it so zippy! If you are looking for reliable transportation this is the car for you!

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  not for short trips - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Marla - June 20 - 3:40 pm

  I purchased a diesel specifically so I could run it on biodiesel made from used cooking oil. I was in touch with a good source for an unlimited supply of bio and not sending money overseas to people who dont like America so I was happy until...I had a $2,000 bill to clean the engine due to it being "carboned up". It basically stopped running because it was clogged up with carbon. My driving needs and style are mainly to blame since I take short trips, many not on the highway so the engine doesnt get to warm up and clean out. If I were still commuting 100 miles per day this would be a perfect vehicle but not for the driving Im doing now. It got 40 MPG and smelled great running bio.

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  Worth a look - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Rhino - June 20 - 10:00 am

  The wife always wanted a new beetle and now she has one. I made her get a black Turbo S.(LOL) Ok, now the review. Smooth shifting 6sp. Power band on the turbo S is great, no big bang just a good stream of power. Interior leather is great. Exterior is nice. I wish it was more different than the other beetles. I do like the exhaust tips. Dash seems way to big but you get use to it. Cup holders are a big problem. I like the route 44s from sonic and they will not fit right. We have a three year old and getting him in and out is not as bad as one might think. MPG could be better but my wife drives the car like she stole it.

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  Electrical Faults - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By mark wheeler - June 20 - 2:53 am

  My 2000 Volkswagen Beetle is fun to drive, but has had multiple electrical problems. The gas cap release failed at 250 miles followed by the drivers window motor at 12 months, 6 days and 7,500 miles, followed by the battery at 23 months, the speaker wiring at three years and the radio at four years. The dealer tried to make me cover the window motor because I was six days out of warranty but I shamed him into doing it gratis. I plan on replacing the VW with a more reliable Japanese car.

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  Beetle - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By cretal - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Weve only had this car for a month, but I loved it from the minute I got it. Its so much fun to drive especially with the top down.

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  Its worth the few flaws!! - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By kassidyheath - June 10 - 12:01 pm

  I bought this car last year with 100,000 miles on it, and throughout the additional 16,000 miles ive driven, the problems have been minor, few, and far between. I felt confident buying it with so many miles already on it because Volkswagen engines seem to be bulletproof. Initially when idling, the engine would have a tendency to overheat in the Florida summers but having a mechanic for a father and adjusting the cooling system there havent been any problems since. The transmission is a little rough during acceleration and deceleration, but its 14 years old. I rear ended a pickup once pretty hard and the truck suffered a lot worse than the Beetle! Very safe, love this car.

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  Worst Car Ever!! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By jwalker - June 9 - 11:03 pm

  This car has had issues from the day I purchased it brand new. Pieces fall off. 1st week, bottom of dash fell to the floor. Door handle flew off on freeway- VW fixed 3x, now door handle sticks. Check engine light ALWAYS on. VW says light covers numerous items. So numerous, in fact, that if you take the car in to fix an "extended warranty", they require you to fix all other supposed "problems" before theyll fix item under warranty so they can get $. Lights (interior/outer) go out frequently. Stuck in park twice. Starter fixed twice. Burns oil like mad. Sounds like a lawn mower. Catalytic Converter issues. VW fixes - problem happens again. Spend more time on tow truck/in service than on road

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  Its Just Fun! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By marty416 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I have a red/black 2004 1.8T 5spd and love it! Great looks, sporty, fun to drive with top up or down. Glad I got the manual. Love the 17 inch tires and alloys. Heated seats are super. Dont expect any trunk space. So far very reliable. Great car for the money.