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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Good clean Bug fun - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By T.Eichelberger - July 20 - 3:30 pmGreat style with ample performance gives the Convertable Turbo Bug from Volkswagen a summer experience that is to be enjoyed. It seems that the rigidity of the frame in all convertibles suffer with the removal of the top, and this car is no different. Volkswagen has done an adequate job in reducing body shake vibration and bounce over rough roads without the "handbasket hoop" on other chop top models, but it would be nice if they could go the added yard to bring it up into the M.B. & BMW levels. I still feel that its style is still fresh from its most recient retro makeover and like the fit and finish of the interior and exterior. I find the car a pleasure to own.
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Love My Turbo S - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By bren - July 19 - 10:00 amThis car is one of the best purchases I have ever made. The 6-speed manual and 180 hp make this so much fun to drive. I also get many looks and good comments about it. The cars "get up and go" is great. I love how this car is unique to all the other New Beetles. The two tone leather interior is awesome. Some may gripe about the back seat being too small. All I have to say is that this car is not a "family car", it is a car to have fun in! This car has made me nothing but happy since the day I bought it.
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Better than the Last... - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Justin - July 14 - 12:43 amI used to own a 2001 Beertle. This one, a 2006 model, is much nicer all the way around. Plus it doesnt have the disappearing oil, where I would find myself a half a quart low after a couple of months.
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New Bug - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By richard - July 13 - 10:06 pmA really fun vehicle to drive. Front seats are very comfortable with plenty of leg room-rear seats are not meant for adults.
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Not your old Beetle - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By James Adams - June 29 - 9:13 amThis is my third new Beetle. In fact there are two in the family now. I love this car. It is so fun to drive! The quality of construction is second to none. It has excellent German technology and drives great. Dont be fooled by the size of the car. A 66" man can easily be comfortable inside. I love the way it performs. It is also very comfortable for those long trips. All those nice little touches and electronic gadets make it easy and fun to operate. It has a lot of convenience features. Like I said we have two in the family and wont hesitate to buy again. Two items that Volkswagen needs to add are: 1. A digital compass. 2. A coin holder. These are only minor inconveniences though.
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Sweet 16 again - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Czar - June 26 - 7:26 amMy wife purchased a 2008 SE convertible for use at our beach house. She loves this car to death. Fun, quick and easy to park. Can fit 4 when needed. Top down fun in the sun.
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I love this car - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Holly - June 17 - 1:13 pmThis is the best car ever and even if I could have any car in the world I would still want this one!
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Love My Beetle BUT....no clearance under - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Rene - June 11 - 2:00 amJust purchased the beetle three days ago and am quite pleased. Actually the process was so smooth and easy however am disappointed in one feature that seems impossible to alter...clearance under the vehicle. Therefore I feel the dealership needs to make sure the potential buyer understands the cars limitations in this regard. See below....
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The Girls Win! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Cyndi - June 6 - 5:43 pmMy 3 year old daughter was a huge "Wiggles" fan in 03-04. If you arent aware, the Wiggles car is a red VW Beetle Convertible. Being a stay at home Mom, we always laughed and said what fun it would be to have a "Wiggles Car!" The more I saw the new Beetle Convertibles on the road, the more I had to have one! We live in NC, and spend a lot of time on the streets around our home riding with the top down. My little girl loves the wind blowing through her hair as much as I do! The car is so fun and such a conversation piece! Many people comment that they love my bug, & I have people pull up at stop lights & tell us they "love the bug." It makes me feel so young & full of life. After 19 months, I still LOVE it! Its a KEEPER!
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New Ride - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Nocoverage - June 6 - 4:06 pmI just recently traded an underpowered 2.0 5-speed manual Beetle for a 2.5 6-speed automatic Beetle. Its even the same color. The new vehicle has significantly more power, better ride, and better build quality. The engine purrs at a quiet 2,200 rpms at highway speed, making travel much more enjoyable. It has the same great features as my 01 model. This is a good car.
