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:

• 

  VW Beetle ~ Still Alive & Kickn - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Azure - May 19 - 5:56 am

  Its simple. In the 60s and 70s I loved my various VW Bugs, so why not try an updated version? I really feel at home in this car, and I suppose at least in part, that has to do with the fact that my comparatively free-living past is elicited in the experience of driving the new convertible Beetle! (This is also my first VW convertible!) Great gas mileage and most of all the front wheel drive is a welcome change, which at first I feared would ruin it. Also, I strongly suggest spending a little extra for the *turbo.* I have had it with & without. Trust me ~ the extra cash spent is well worth it!

• 

  Nice Car, Turbo Problems - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Turbo99jetta - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, however, i have only had it a month and its been at the dealership longer than at my house. We have had turbo problems with it. They replaced the wastegate valve and yet again it went out. it seems like if u get into the car and start moving the turbo heats up and then it never comes back. Great car when its up and running I wish i wouldnt have a turbo problem. The dealership sucks, car is good

• 

  Little Green Machine - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By RsWine5 - May 13 - 3:40 am

  All I can say is I love it! I went from a F150 to a Bug. It drives like a sports car, the handling is great. 2 weeks after my purchase I drove R/T from Texas to West Virginia, the gas seemed to last forever, comfortable the whole way. I had the oil changed when I returned + tire rotation, cost - 18.79. I was told to have the oil changed every 5000 miles. All in all, its a great little car! Oh, one problem: Trying to get a 100 pound Lab in the back seat for her Vet visit.

• 

  My New Topless - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By nataphoto - May 12 - 7:00 pm

  Great product; there is nowhere I go that this little car doesnt raise eyebrows. I have the Harvest mood/beige top GLS 1.8t; VW claimed 150hp, but it feels more powerful. On gas matters, love it.

• 

  this car will bug you - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By mtunic - May 4 - 10:39 am

  this car has 60k I has had the water pump go out smog pump out air bag out the only thing not to go out is the check engine light now the transmission 1&2 shift fork is broke plus 3 set of ignition modules. I have never seen such poor excuse for a car ever 6ok and all this vw should be ashamed to sell a car like this the Yugo seems to be a better choice!!!!!!

• 

  I love the bug! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Laura - May 3 - 3:16 am

  I have had my VW Bug convertable for almost a year and a half and I totally love it! It drives smoothly, it looks hot, and you can get it in fun colors! I wouldnt be happier with any other car. Its fun and you will be more than happy to dirve it. Ive never had any problems with it either, never! Enjoy the car, I know you will!

• 

  Yellow car = less green wallet - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By AJ - April 30 - 2:13 pm

  I bought my Beetle, in December 2008. I bought it with zero maintenance records, at night. Oops! I have been a Beetle/New Beetle nut since I could walk. Im 23 now, this is my 15th car. It was always my dream car and knew I messed up when I bought it. No service records took a big hit on my wallet. If you buy a Beetle, be smart, get it from someone who appreciates the car. Look for maintenance records. Id agree some people DO get a lemon. These cars are "particular" and require TLC to be right. I love my car. Dont buy this car thinking you can let things go as you would in another car. If you are reading this, know its a VW not a Toyota, and you have to maintain it thoroughly.

• 

  Diesel - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By tom - April 29 - 9:13 am

  Only problem I have had is replacing the timing belt twice @ 40K & 67K. VW is not responding quickly on this one. They were proactive in the brake light recall, & that was fixed (it worked fine on mine) w/ no problem.

• 

  2004 model is a winner - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By DJRHINO - April 26 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 GLS model is very fun and nice to drive. Its a joy to travel in. We like the classy design of the alloy wheels for 2004, and the now standard Monsoon Audio system. Handling in the curves is great, and makes one not want to put the car back into the garage at the end of the day.

• 

  I love my Beetle! - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Jenni - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Before I had a Beetle, I thought they were cute, but not for me. When I saw one at a dealership, I thought I would just check it out. Love at first site. Good looking, sporty, fun, and safe for my kids, just what I wanted in a car!