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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  New Beetle TDI - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Kristian - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car with 19,000 miles now with 24,000 this car has been great. Its fun to drive. The FUEL milege is great. Im averaging about 47 mpg town and highway. The Newbeetle is also a very safe car, so the insurance company gave me $100 of my bills. I never owned a diesel car. This is my first, And I have to say that Im very happy with it. There are always some down sides ofcourse. The oil for this car is not cheep. But you dont have to change it every 3000 mile.(every 5000-6000). Also I have been have some problems with the windows.. Not a big deal but the right window goes up slower then the other. Other then that. Its a great car.

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  Love my TDI Bug! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By zilym - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Had it for over a year and still LOVE my bug. Its so much fun to drive! The power steering, power brakes, cruise control, fully adjustable seats, drive by wire accelerator, and everything just makes driving it effortless. The TDI engine is great for turning heads at stop lights (noisy diesel idle in a car!), and yet quieter than a gas engine while youre cruising at highway speeds (which is great for listening to classical music). Not to mention the incredible torque the TDI has for quickly accelerating from a stop or going up hills. Fun, fun, fun!

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  turbo S new beetle - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By turbos - April 25 - 10:00 am

  absolutely luv it!!!

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  Cheaply made - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By unhappy smith - April 21 - 10:26 pm

  A joy to scoot about in and to park. It has had one thing after another break off in the car. It seems that they did not have the correct recipe for plastic. To replace costs $40.00 for each broken item. The trunk brake light has been replaced twice at $129.00 and this one has cracked apart. I am the only one driving the car. The cloth front seats are grossly stained, the explanation being that they got wet once.

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  Beetle - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By addkev - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Love this car, it is so fun to drive and everyone stares.

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  For all the whiners out there! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Dave Smith - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car with the expectation I would love driving it and getting lots of attention! This car does both and I hve had it back to Youngblood VW for a couple of things and they got them fixed and I was just as anxious to get back into it like it was the first drive! I didnt complaint about the car going back in the same as I wouldnt if I had to go see my Dr. Sometimes things go wrong and they have to be excepted and move on and quit whining!.

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  Never ever again will I buy a VW (any) - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By davemoon22 - April 13 - 5:05 pm

  1st Beelte had a bunch of issues (a/c, batteries would never last over a few months, oil leaking - had to do a major repair, then sold it). Second, a 2001 with 70k, has had more issues than I can possibly recall. I must have spent over 7k withing a 9 month period. Ridiculous. The major problem I have is with the dealerships. Theyll diagnose something is wrong, you get that done, the car still has the same issue and then they will tell you "Oh, well, then, it must be something else" Replace drivers seatbelt buckle, both windows regulators, cam shaft adjuster, turn signal relay, inner tie rods, valve cover gasket, pcv hose, door latch and list goes on: all major $$$ repairs.

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  LOVE THIS LITTLE CAR - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By classyirish - April 9 - 7:13 pm

  I am a PROUD new owner of a used 2004 VW New Beetle convertable. I LOVE IT! So far so good. I have dressed her up with lashes and lipstick, she is fast, smooth, comfortable, roomy, and so very nice to look at. I have read the reviews about this cute car, and I see that a few have had issues, maybe the issues have been taken care of before I bought it, I did have to take her in as the check engine light was on, they fixed it, and she is running smooth. there also was a severed wire under the driver seat, fixed that and now the airbag light is off. I hope to keep her a good 10 to 15 years, and trade her up for another.

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  Real let down!!! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By badbug - April 8 - 1:00 pm

  When my wife told me she wanted a new beetle I was not to happy with that idea, but I said lets go take a look, 1st mistake. we go and find a really clean dark blue with auto, I was surprised on the room the little car had and the power the 2.0 kicked out. so we buy it 2nd mistake, the warranty still had about 1yr left not 1 problem until warranty runs out then all hell breaks loose 1st thing low fuel light comes on and stays on even with full tank $300, 3wks later air bag light pops on, ok I live with that for about 2 weeks until I have to get the battery replaced might as well fix all $485, 1wk water pump $600 now 5wks later EPC & check eng. light and running like crap afraid of this $$$$

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  A bug in the Bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Beetle fanatic - April 5 - 5:36 pm

  We bought our beetle looking for a fun car that we can take the top down. Ive had the sports cars, the expensive convertibles, and even a 74 beetle. If you want a car with the hot factor, get a beetle. If you like to turn heads, this is your car. We have the mellow yellow. The bad part Id within 48 hrs, we have already made a list of things to ask our VW dealership about. (rear Windows, weather stripping, a couple extremely small rust spots) but I havent lost hope in the car considering it is my dream ride,