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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  VWs have problems - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ihatemycar - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I have taken my car to the shop SOOOOO many times. It constantly has electrical problems and does not qualify for the lemon law. When i go into the shop there are always other angry VW drivers there regretting purchasing this car as I do. Dont get suckered in by its cuteness. These cars will break.

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  disappointed - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dbb - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Mechanically the worst car I ever owned. Nearly doubled the purchase price in repairs in 2 and a half years. Big bummer.

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  Owing a bio bug - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By David in Colorado - November 27 - 3:40 am

  I purchased this car used for the diesel engine as I was commuting 720 mile per week in my job. The car handled very well in all kinds of weather like snow and ice. Mileage was right at 40 mpg on the highway. I started mixing my own bio fuel 50/50 oil and diesel and was surprised at how well the car ran. about 10-15% loss in power but for the fuel savings I gained it was well worth it. The TDI engine coupled with the Automatic 6- speed gearbox is like new at 116000 miles. I have owned many newe cars in my lifetime and was a Honda owner before this but Volkswagon TDI performance along with durability and realibality really impressed me.

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  Little Things... - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Ladys Bug - November 21 - 6:16 am

  I bought my 99 Beetle with 38,000 miles on it. It now has 52,000 miles. It is pretty good overall, despite the little "Mickey Mouse" problems that most bug owners complain about (cup holders, visors, etc.). The cloth seats do stain easily. The plastic does melt and scratch/break easily. The lights are iffy, however they are not as hard to replace as most think. Get a Haynes Repair manual (about $12 at any auto shop). My cars headlight was replaced in 10 minutes and for only $3 (the cost of the bulb). Everything seems to be working fine except for the CD player which is located in the trunk and a leak in my a.c. evaporator. The shop quoted me about $2,000 to fix it. I said "no thanks" and just added freon. Its good for now until it all leaks out again, in which case i will add more freon.

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  Fun Car...with lots of problems. - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ytaK - November 19 - 10:00 am

  The VW Beetle is, without a doubt, a fun car to look at and drive. I love seeing the smiles on other peoples faces as I drive by. Thats not the only reason to drive a car, though. Just six days after buying this car, I stalled out in a parking lot. After 3 days of arguing with the manager of my dealership and the service department, they finally figured out that the air flow meter was nonfunctioning. Both power window switches broke within 6 months. The cap to the parking brake fell off just a few months ago. The A/C doesnt run cool enough, and makes a loud squeaking noise, which no one can seem to correct. This poor car is falling apart piece by piece.

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  Dracula - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By 80sgirl - November 14 - 6:33 am

  As the title of the review states this car has totally sucked the money out of me. So far I have put $1000 in it, but it needs MAJOR repairs...Recently, the air bag light has come on and stayed (checked the code in computer and it disappeared, came back 3 days later, told could be electrical glitch). Passenger door lock switch needs replaced, the relase to shift A/T from park wont work, and now, no brake lights. I HATE this car now but loved it when I got it...It has been a complete NIGHTMARE!!! Major Electrical problems with VWs (read the rest of the reviews)...STAY AWAY or youll be sorry.

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  1999 VW Beetle (2.0 Engine, GLS, Automatic) - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By hulahips2 - November 8 - 7:43 pm

  Love my buggie!!!!!!!!!! I bought this used with approximately 55,000 miles on it back in 2010. Now my mileage is @ 75,000 and it has held up nicely. My buggie can move when I need it to, stop when I need it too. Suspension is awesome! I can fit into any stall with ease. And i think the quality is top notch (excluding switches, etc.), however, the German glass is top notch, so is the body from rust and the door closes nicely. in fact I really like the way VW makes the doors close, that certain sound it makes! LOL Im truly a VW believer.

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  Unhappy with Quality - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By UnHappy in WI - November 8 - 6:26 pm

  Have had nothing but problems with my VW Beetle since driving it off the dealer lot. It took four trips to the service center to find out why my car ran out of gas with a 1/3 of a tank showing on gauge. It had problems starting car when temperature went below 30 degrees and a bad instrument cluster. It is very noisy with the top up. It rattles and pops where the top fastens down - VW service says this is normal. Also, I get very poor gas mileage, 19-21mpg. The engine stalls at any speed and the transmission slips. Service has not been able to find the problem yet. I have lost all trust in this cars dependablity. It does have excellent power and is fun to drive, when its not in the shop.

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  Love the Bug! - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By vp_lynn - November 7 - 9:03 am

  I love the new VW Bug! With more smile in the front and back itll make you smile just looking at it. The gas milage is better than the Focus I that I traded in and the handling is very smooth. The only thing Ive noticed is that due to the short distance between the front and back wheel you really feel the big bumps. But test drive one and fall in love!

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  2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bigdaddy - November 4 - 4:13 pm

  Id seen the first Concept One in 1994. After exhaustive research and MANY test drives, I purshased a 2005 New Beetle TDI on 1/12/2005 (or VW NB GLS TDI with ESP and XM(radio). The fuel mileage is GREAT - over 400 miles on a fill up with 99% city driving- I look forward to a very long relationship.