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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UH HUH - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By YA MAMA - October 8 - 10:00 amTHIS IS A REALLY GREAT CAR! I LOVE IT!
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Great Little Bug - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By vance - October 2 - 10:00 amJust traded way down from my Porsche Targa to my new 03 Beetle Turbo S. We LOVE it! Goes like the dickens and I feel like a better citizen as well. Nobody hates Beetle drivers...EVERYBODY hates Porsche drivers.
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Coil Packs, Coil Packs, Coil Packs. - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Dozier450 - October 1 - 5:46 amPurchased this 2003 Beetle with 39k on 12-31-08 for daughter. Ive had to replace three coil packs, the 4th was already replaced when the car was purchased. VW had a problem with issue, but told me this car was not covered under the recall back during 2003. I was also told that I could take this car to the dealer and pay $100.00 to get the codes read and if I keep the receipts and if they ever do recall this issue, then I could send in for a refund. I decided to use the $100.00 code fee and purchase new coil packs. I did buy a code scanner off of eBay for less than $30.00, it reads and clears the Check Engine Light after you make the repair. This car has the 1.8T engine.
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Fun loving car - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By tigger - September 29 - 5:03 pmGreat car. Love to drive it and enjoy all of the smiles I get from people on the streets. Very reliable and very comfy.
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VW Beatle TDI - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By doctour - September 26 - 10:00 amThe TDI is a great performer and a wonderful car for everyday and for traveling. My wife and I are very happy with the 40 miles per gallon, and weve really enjoyed the trips weve taken in it. Ive been driving Mercedes for the last 15 years, so this was a real change, but Im glad I made the switch. Weve had very few problems and none mechanically.
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my next car will be another "new beetle" - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Jose Diogo - September 26 - 10:00 amI love this car so much that my next car will be an organe new beetle 2004. (maybe convertible...)
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Pams Bug - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Pamela Ross-Fogel - September 21 - 11:03 pmThis is my favorite car that I have ever owned! I am 59 years old and love to drive this car! It is comfortable, easy to get in and out of, smooth in handling, has plenty roomy, and is just plain fun.
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Faster Than It Looks - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Tim Bob - September 15 - 10:00 amOur 2001 Turbo Beetle has been a real hoot since day one! Ours has special limited-edition Vortex Blue paint, which seems to get noticed a little more and looks great with its black leather seats. The 150 hp 1.8 liter turbo motor and 5-speed manual really gives the car some punch, to the point that it seems to surprise some other drivers with its quickness. Its especially responsive while at highway speeds and the need to pass or speed up for a traffic opening happens. Response is "right now" in any gear. There no real turbo lag. Its been reliable and is now at 40,000 miles with no major troubles. My wife drives it most and she loves it, too.
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Love my bug!!! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By wtchhazle - September 15 - 10:00 amWell, to be honest, Ive only owned it for about a month and a half, but I have never loved a car like this one. Its just sooo much fun to drive. Im just thrilled with the purchase of this car. Its a peppy little turbo and simply a blast.
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Electrical Problems - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Burnt - September 15 - 10:00 amThis car has refused to start on many occasions since purchase. Five times the dealership has tried repairs without success. VW representatives mouth the company line but never fix any problems. We are demanding the car be taken back and will file a lawsuit if they dont. Other websites indicate there are many electrical problems with VW cars and refusing to start is one of them.
