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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Would buy another - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By P1CDS - June 5 - 10:00 amI have had almost no trouble with my GLS. I have 55k on it. It uses about 1 quart of oil per 2k. Seems like a lot but the dealer says its okay. I will probably trade/sell this one and get another within the year. LEARN HOW TO REPLACE YOUR HEADLIGHTS BEFORE THEY GO OUT!!!!! It is way too expensive at the dealer ($85 for mine). My speedometer/odometer have always been off by about 10% - dont know why.
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number 1 car review (volkswagon beetle) - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By shocker1029 - June 5 - 10:00 amThis is the best car you could ever have! I think the 2003 Volkswagon Beetle Convertible should get a perfect ten on both style and performance. I fell in love the minute I first layed eyes on this perfect car.
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Fun, Fun, Fun - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Terrence - June 1 - 8:43 pmI shopped for a small car that was comfortable and has good visibility in all directions, VW won. This car looks small from the outside, not so when you get in. With tilt and telescopic steering wheel and three way adjustable seats, comfort comes easily, making entry and exit a breeze. Tiptronic is fun, the heated seats are hot, 6-disc CD changer/Sirius is cool, 17" low profile tires give it a great look. Lots of head room too. I got triple-white and love it. I threw out the flower holder.
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My Dream Car - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Wendy - June 1 - 9:53 amI have wanted a Beetle for as long as I can remember. I have little die-cast Beetles all over my living room. I absolutely love my Beetle. It is very comfortable and good on gas.
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Buy a Bug! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By michaels - May 31 - 10:00 amI love my convertible! I have wanted to get a new beatle for a while and I am happy I purchased it. The tiptronic is a fun way to speed up for merging and the S or Sport Mode is nice for country drives. While the GLS isnt going to win anybody over who just HAS to zoom everywhere they go, this bug has got some pep to it. An overall fun way to drive.
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New Beetle Convertible - A real Toy - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By VA Driver - May 25 - 2:00 amFun to drive, a real eye catcher. The new VW convertible has been lots of fun. It has had a couple of bugs, boot cover is hard to secure and electric windows sometime dont close together. The dealership has been wonderful about servicing and any problems. Time will tell the tale. If it holds up as the earlier model VWs this should be a life time of fun and great riding.
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Mine - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Magushky - May 25 - 2:00 amThis is a very good car. It is fun to drive in. It is le bome.Its sooooooooo cool. It doesnt waste almost any gas. I like the color silver/metallic and black.
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Retro Bug is a Home Run - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By DAVEA - May 22 - 6:36 pmLots of looks, fun to drive with the turbo and ageless styling.
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Ugly is only skin deep - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Sue - May 13 - 11:30 amThis is our fourth VW and third diesel VW. We wanted a new Golf TDI but couldnt find one with the feathures we needed. The Jetta was bigger than we needed and we werent attracted to the New Beetle. On a whim we test drove the Beetle and we were hooked. It handles very well, is comfortable for the driver and passenger (we rarely have more than two of us), and started off getting 43 mpg. Although we bought this to commute the 1 1/2 hours to work, we find ourselves using this car for trips and general driving around. We love it.
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New Beetles ROCK! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Mindy Dawn - May 6 - 3:43 pmOk. So, when I first saw the New Beetle design on the market a few years back... I was first in line kvetching. It is NOTHING like the OLD Beetle. I thought it looked like a Techron car. But, it is not only cute... but a luxury vehicle in disguise. It drives smoothly... has every feature I wanted in a car... and is safe to boot.
