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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  Lots to like in a small car + 47 MPG - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By rickf - April 3 - 12:33 pm

  I see a lot of complaining about New Beetles in here, but reviews are created by the people who love and the people who hate the car. So you get either side... I have a 1998 Beetle that has 104K miles on it. Yes, it is 11 years old, yes it needs a little this or a little that, but honestly... show me any 11 year old car that starts every time even in sub zero weather, gets great gas mileage, and all in all is a great car. Take care of your vehicles and they will take care of you.

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  DONT BUY!!!! - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By had enough - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Spend way to much time in the shop. Some problems kept coming back over and over again. The color of yellow was a good color for this car.

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  Future Buyers Beware - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By No drop top fun - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Silver 03 Convertible, transmission not working at time of delivery, fuel door quit working, top quit working twice. Currently, 3rd week without a working top. Yugo had better quality. At least you knew what you were buying. You will get more enjoyment out of a typical fast food drive up window than from VW customer service. This is my 3rd and final VW convertible.

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  Volkswagen is a poor Quality Car - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By girlie*girl - March 30 - 10:36 pm

  let me just say that I only thought I wanted a bug :0( it was one of the worst things I have ever done in buying that car. it has noises in the cabin that is so irritating! and the cup holders are NOT convenient.. and The Transmission is a major problem !! and almost everyone that has one has problems with the transmission, volkswagen needs to fix this now!! and recall them because of the transmissions!!!!!

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  In love with my car. :) - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By VWlover - March 23 - 5:56 pm

  In my opinion this is the best car. i love it! being a smaller car like i am, its the perfect size. very comfortable. safe. Drives amazing. great sound system. i couldnt have asked for a better car from my parents. as long as you take care of it, nothing goes wrong, Ive had no major repairs been made. oil change, and tires balanced. thats about it. Thank you VolksWagen.

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  Bitten By My Bug - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By M. Young - March 23 - 5:43 pm

  I love driving my bug (even put German tags on the front) - I get compliments from total strangers on it all the time...they say it suits me (I guess I look like the artist/musician I am). All was great until 9 days after my purchase (4200 mi) my check engine light came on. Repeated 13-14 times in the next two years, plus speakers rattled, seat frame on drivers side broke more than once (try driving in a bobbling seat). Rubber coating on inside door handles peeling, interior fabric liner on convertible came loose and draped over window. Thank goodness all repairs so far have been under warranty! Looking for more reliable transport now, but will miss my bugs "cute as a bug" smile. :-(

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  My Blue Bug - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dcrane - March 21 - 10:00 am

  It was my 50th Bday present - - what a surprise - - it has turned heads on the streets now for 5 months

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  2000 new Beetle Turbo - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By sjef van den berg - March 18 - 8:10 pm

  My Beetle drives like a bat out of hell. It has great road holding ability and a solid overall feel. I truly enjoy driving the car and will buy another one. Unfortunately, the 1.8 turbo engine is no longer available.

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  Buggin - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By LEISHA - March 17 - 6:36 pm

  I havent owned my Beetle for very long but what little time I have had it I LOVE IT! Who would have ever thought these little cars would have so much room and POWER! These are not stripped down cars, they too have lots of neat options. It hugs the road so when meeting big trucks you dont have to worry about being blown around. Great gas mileage!

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  The New 2006 Beetle is Much Better! - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Brandon C - March 15 - 10:56 pm

  When compared to even the 2005 VW Beetle, The New 2006 models makes a world of difference in both features and handling. The new 2006 has a far more powerful 2.5L in-line 5-cylinder engine that gets GREAT fuel mileage and also produces more power than even the 2005 1.8T Turbo! I have owned a 2003 Beetle and would say my new Salsa Red 2006 Beetle beats it by far! The new interior design tweeks like chrome rings, a redesigned speedometer, and an MP3 player input really gives it that extra kick! I hope this review helped you! You must see one of these in person! this is the best VW ever!