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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  Wake Up USA - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By capemaycruiser - January 21 - 10:00 am

  The VW Beetle TDI diesel, pervasive in Europe due to really high fuel costs and forward looking regulations, is a pleasure to drive, easy to maintain and much less stressful at the pump than a comparable gas burner. The high torque (and low rpms) of the TDI makes it quiet and powerful on the highway while demonstrating the hill climbing strengths of a goat. And burning high cetane, low sulfur fuel or better yet a 20% blend of biodiesel, keeps the emissions low. In 18 months and 34K miles, my TDI Beetle has performed flawlessly and has been a hoot to drive past a bus load of school kids instigating a punch buggy frenzy!

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  NOT FUN FOR LONG - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Chris Cain - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car just over a year ago. I have never owned an auto with such poor reliablity nor have I dealt with a company that has such poor customer service. If you are thinking of buying a VW, I urge you to think again. I have owned many cars and none have been as poor in service as the New Beetle.

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  Cool Car - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By slug bug red - January 18 - 2:30 am

  Weve had our Volkswagen Beetle Convertible for a couple of months. Its a cool car. My wife loves to borrow it from me. We bought the base model with the auto transmission and satellite radio, mainly because of worries about the semi-auto top breaking during the life of the car. Inside, everything is easy to operate and clearly labeled. The console redesign is nice - two cups fit with room for a cell phone and iPod. The radio has a jack for iPods or MP3 players. The engine is peppy and has plenty of power for freeway passing. The car easily hits triple digit speeds but its attitude is that of a cruiser. Im a bit disappointed with the gas mileage, 21-22mpg freeway / city on 89 octane.

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  turbo s - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By the drake - January 15 - 10:00 am

  I love my bug. It has been a blast to drive and very reliable.

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  TDI Plus and Minus - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Terry Thompson - January 11 - 11:20 pm

  The TDI Beetle is a great idea, I bought it because I assumed it would get good mileage and last a long time. Yes and no. It generally gets good gas mileage but there is a problem. Our diesel fuel isnt all that good and the engine has a tendency to combine some of the bad components with carbon particles which, over time, ends up clogging the intake manifold. There has been a solution (a rather expensive one) but VW no longer supports it. You can get to about 30,000 - 40,000 miles before something has to be done. Know this going in, if VW figures out a solution to this problem, the car is a great buy, if they dont stay away.

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  It is my Sunshine!! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Clara Worley - January 11 - 2:00 am

  My yellow TDI is like a pet! It is fun to drive and VERY economical. No troubles just fun to drive. Took it on our 25 anniversary trip to Niagra falls and turned a lot of heads with our Beach Boys CD (in our changer). I wlll be buying 2003 convertible TDI (if possible). Have owned VW diesels since 1980. Took Amtrak 500 miles to Atlanta to buy this one (in an ice storm).

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  Not all Bugs are bad - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By PalisadesBug - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Whats this headlight BS? I change my own! The bulbs cost between 8 - 15. And I burned out 3 in the years Ive had the car. Yes, I know plenty of people with VW products. Some are nightmares, only made worse by incredibly poor dealer service. Even so, another New Beetle is a possiblity for me. The car has some great features, and the interior is comfortable, and capable of carrying quite a bit. Even with a Kayak on top I get over 30mpg. Try to do that in an SUV. The car is a personal expression. But be forewarned there are some genetic throwbacks out there who have adverse reactions to the little bug...screw them! Have fun, drive safe and alert...

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  2000 Beetle Review - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Sridhar - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought the beetle cause it was my childhood dream to own one. The car drives awesome, the way it handles curves and braking etc., you never feel you are out of control. But sadly, I sold mine today not for comfort reasons but for reliability. The quality control is poor, the window trimming gives way, and the window switches are flaky, and after it crossed 50K miles, this year I had to go the dealer multiple times to get my engine check light fixed. When I talk to the service agents about the quality issues, they shrug their shoulders and say it is normal wear and tear. I own a camry with 80K miles and never had any problems. Reliability is one reason I would never buy VW or recommend it

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  awesomeness - 2010 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By rocky balboa - January 9 - 4:56 am

  You can cause pain just by driving it. Punch buggy is still popular, right?

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  Little Buger - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Ornary Old Coot - January 4 - 5:10 pm

  Ok, so bought this turbo beast of mine at 114000, here I am and 2 oil changes later (at 5000kms a piece, first one as soon as I got her ), Im at 120000kms n she drives like a dream. I call her pristine, mind you after the manual sunroof blocker had to be removed and the sunroof is visible all the time I may have to change that. I got her reasonably young, and is amazing to drive. I take off ramps rated at 40 km/hr at 80 and she hugs every corner. When I bought her, she came with 17" Momo Italia 5 spokes, wrapped in pirellis. I had a 96 jetta b4 hand and this one is much more fun, aside from a lack in cupholders and a bit of trunk space, handling is superb for a front wheel drive