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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The Best Car Around - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Ali - September 30 - 2:00 amI think it is a great car all around and very fun to drive. Cops never look at it because it is a beetle.
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Happy Car! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Denise in MI - August 30 - 4:36 pmI just love my Beetle Conv. This is my second New Beetle and I will probably buy a third. The color is great, it rides great and everywhere I go it makes people smile! Its been a great summer in MI for having the top down! (wind stop purchase recommended) this car even rides great in the snow, I love the ESP feature. The first little slip and sldie and it kickes in. The 6 speed Tiptronic transmission is gonna get me in trouble! Its not the old VW, no charge cards required to scrape the frost off the windshield, it has great heat and air conditioning (People who remember the old VW know what Im talking about.). All these new features blow people away. Once again its a happy car, It makes people smile!
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TDI Beetle - best kept secret out there - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By AIXIZCYCLES - August 25 - 3:53 pmHaving learned to drive on a 1962 bug, I have a certain affection for the Beetle. This new one does not disappoint and is uber fun to drive. Owing a new Suburban and also a HD bike, I use the Beetle for daily chores and business commuting. At 61" and 250lbs, I have plenty of room. I specifically wanted a turbo diesel, manual because a small car should be fun and involve the driver in the experience. Cant complain abut the 44mpg I am getting as well! I also have a grin on my face knowing that it does not meet current EPA requirements!!! Global warm this.
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Volkswagen Beetle Convertible - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Logan - August 19 - 8:13 amI purchased a Aquarius Blue Beetle Convertible. It is the best car in the world. Im in High school and this car is perfect for running around and doing errands. Youll look super hott cruising around town in one of these. All my friends think my car is the cutest car ever. When i first got the car i was very worried that the backseat wouldnt be big enough for anything but i found out that is bigger than i thought. I love all the safety features this car has. If i were to somehow flip, the backseats headrests are actually titanium bars that deploy and keep the car steady so it wouldnt squish anyone and wouldnt have an ugly rollover bar over the top. This car is the cutest and greatest car!
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my senior moment - 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle
By funbug - August 18 - 11:10 pmI bought this car for my final years to enjoy the feel of my youth once again. It was all it crack up to be. I received it in June 09 and have had nothing but 3 months of sheer pleasure with the top down & the wind in my hair. It has plenty of pep with 6 speed tranny plus sport shift. The leather seats are very comfortable, there is plenty of room up front. A/c is great and the heater & heated seats very toasty.
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Wow - Its more than just a car! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By TrappedOnEarth - August 16 - 10:00 amThis car has personality. It is a sheer delight to drive. Style, comfort, and power, it has it all and more! Handles well. Great engineering. It appears bigger on the inside than one would guess from the outside. Very safe as well. A real car for the new millennium!
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Love my TDI - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By LUV It... - August 13 - 2:53 amI just recently bought a 2002 TDI. It was very hard to find a diesel. After several months finding one that I wanted and was willing to trade in my Chevy "gas guzzler" Tahoe, I purchased my Beetle. Since owning it, I have done nothing but enjoy the ride and the gas price. It is nice to have a vehicle that gets great gas mileage. I just got 34 mpg in the city. I would recommend a diesel beetle to anyone. The noise is minimal and well worth it. If you really cant stand the diesel noise, which is a lot quieter than the trucks, crank up the radio.
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my m&m bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By frannie - August 2 - 10:00 ami won this car she is tough
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Still gets a big smile - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Andi S. - July 31 - 10:00 pmWeve had the car for about 18 mos, a little over 22k miles. Not a single bug (no pun intended) with it in all these miles. Fuel economy is outstanding at 45 mpg overall (as low as 39mpg in NYC traffic, 52mpg highway). I can fit adults in the back seat for short trips (like taking client to lunch last week). Great fun to drive, and definitely does NOT fit the profile of the traditional diesel. If youve never driven one, you should try one out.
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sweet - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Billy77 - July 24 - 2:00 amw h a t a s w e e t c a r . I l o v e i t. :)
