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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  VW is Excellent - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Oinker - May 2 - 10:00 am

  The New VW Beetle is a great car it is great on gas, quick if u want it to be, and roomy for 4 people and cargo space. The beetle can be luxurious and sporty. Depending on your style. It is great in the snow, and rain.This vehicle should be one of the hottest vehicles around!!

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  2003 Bug - Sunroof - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Bragi - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed driving my 2003 bettle ever since I purchased it. The interior and exterior are both great and it is a lot of fun to drive. The interstates in Louisiana are often warped because of the hot temperatures and the bug does not handle the bumps well at high speed, other than that I dont have any complaints. It is a very reliable vehicle. The bottom clearance is low for the vechicle so you have to watch out for that. The trunk space is small but adequate and the fold-back rear seats provide more room if necessary. I enjoy having the windshield further away from the driver as it gives a more spacious feeling.

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  WOW - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Paul - April 22 - 9:56 am

  This is our third Volkswagen, and our second new Beetle. We decided to go with the TDI on this sunflower yellow purchase. Overall the interior and exterior are pretty much the same as our 2002 turbo GLX Beetle, with the exception of the diesel engine. So far the Beetle has lived up to everything that Volkswagen has promised from it. The fit and finish are excellent. For a diesel it is amazingly quiet and is responsive to acceleration. It has surpassed our expectations on mile to the gallon. My fun meter is always pegged whenever I drive either Beetle. I cant say enough good things about the new beetle. Suspension, handling, economy, acceleration, features, fun, it is peerless in its class.

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  Still Paying for Itself - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By driven - April 15 - 6:43 am

  This TDI was purchased with the intent of commuting. It returned 47 mpg the first two years of ownership but just 43 mpg since a new set of tires was put on at 60,000 miles. It starts right up in cold weather (as low as -8 F), handles well, and has more than enough power. The car is comfortable and has been dependable to date other than the repeated replacement of headlights (three in 65,000 miles). The interior has held up well despite the miles and three kids. I bought it as a leftover for $16,600 and it has proven to be very reliable. My uncle owns an auto 2002 TDI and gets 42 mpg. Mine is the 5-speed stick. I am looking for a second one for my teenage daughter.

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  VW 2002 - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By mistyautumn - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Love the car, however had a problem with both automatic windows...the clips had to be replaced.

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  Beetle, a Classic! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Terdan - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Great car!

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  Round 4 a reason - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By TEE - March 22 - 9:46 am

  This is my 2nd turbo Beetle, but my 1st turbo S. I love the beetles period!!! My lil car is fun to drive, fun to look at! It draws attention like no other car on the road!!! Owning and driving a new beetle is like having a love affair . . . with a car ! lol

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  everybodys lookin - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By A Craig - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I have had VW bugs, both sedans and conv. over the years- a. 56 bug b. 62 bug c. 64 bug conv. d. 71 Ghia conv. e. 78 Super bug conv. I just wanted another, never had a new one; but this time I wanted lots of features and comfort with thew VW bug aura. Everyone in the the whole neighborhood wanted rides in it- they still do! Great fun! Great feeling!

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  the beetle is awesome - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Linda Green - March 21 - 10:00 am

  awesome little car. very fun to drive. the mileage is great. its very responsive.

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  Front & Rear Impact - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Dora - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I actually have a 2005 Beetle Conv. I was hit from the rear by an SUV doing @ 40-45 mph. I was at a stop. The impact pushed me into & under the Ford F150 in front of me, and pushed us both through the intersection. My air bag deployed and my rear seat roll over protection deployed. My car was a total loss at an estimate in excess of $21,000. I bought another beetle.