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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  "I love my bright yellow beetle!" - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Holly Fry - September 12 - 10:00 am

  My first car was a 79 volkswagon bug, and now Ive moved up in life to the 99 volkswagon beetle. I love it! Like my 79 it is a lot of fun to drive, but it has so much more room than the 79, more get up and go, and a lot smoother.

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  Worst Car Ive Ever Owned - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Kincaid - September 12 - 3:26 am

  I traded this car in two years ago, and still keep thinking about how awful this car was and felt a need to warn others. It was cute, fun to drive and a real conversation starter, but the quality was TERRIBLE. I would drive down the street and pieces of the car would fall off (both on the exterior and interior). The car was three years old when I sold it because I couldnt afford the maintenance. I spent over $2,000 in an eight week period on various repairs and the dealership still didnt think they had solved one of the problems. This was an emotional purchase because of memories of my fathers 60s Beetle, but a VERY EXPENSIVE trip down memory lane. I will never buy another VW ...

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  Love my Bug - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By deb - September 10 - 4:46 pm

  I am enjoying my car so much. I havent had any trouble other than my CD player not working, but it was still under warranty so it was replaced. I feel like Im driving a sports car and it definitely turns heads everywhere I go. VW service depart has been great, always very friendly and helpful. I am very glad I purchased this car and look forward to years of driving it.

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  If Only I Knew Then What I Know Now - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By foxdown07931 - September 3 - 6:23 pm

  Without a doubt this is the most problematic car I have ever owned. Out of service for weeks as electrical faults could not be traced down. Repeated visits to dealer to correct same problem. Seems like every four months or so we encounter a problem. Usually electrical in nature. These costs are on top of the routine maintenance costs which are shocking. For example, every 40,000 miles a new timing belt is required at a cost of close to $900, brakes $700,headlight bulb close to $100.

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  VW stands behind their work :) - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Chris - August 30 - 12:23 pm

  I bought an 04 2.0 litre convertable that was a piece of junk but VW stood behind their work and replaced it with an 05 turbo for a very very small contribution from myself and I could not be happier this car is awesome and so far has been trouble free :) for anyone buying one they are very low profile and I would suggest the 17 inch rims, they give you a bit more ground clearance, the 04 had 16s and drug her butt everywhere the 05 has 17s and never bottoms out. I would also recommend the turbo over the 2.0 litre it performs much beter and doest use any more gas than the slow 2.0 litre.

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  LUVMYBUG - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By M3Cats - August 25 - 10:00 am

  New Beetle Convertible is fun to drive. Not the most powerful convertible on the market, but definately the funnest to drive. You cannot drive this car without someone rolling down their window to tell you how great the car looks.

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  car4os review - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By car4o - August 21 - 10:00 am

  buy a beetle because it is great! it drives nicely and it definatly saves gas. it is fun and cool. i love my beetle

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  Best car I ever owned! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Gravel Gertie - August 15 - 3:16 pm

  Husband & I bought this great diesel auto on a whim . Traded our 4 Runner in on it and Ill drive it till the wheels fall off. We get 50 MPG and will pass anything on the road. Has a manual tranny and that makes it more fun !! AND I still get 50 MPG with the A/C running! Why they stopped making them is beyond me! I love this car --- and it still has the original battery, going strong.

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  Cute but crappy - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By luvely21 - August 7 - 8:23 pm

  Took it in the next day after purchase to service the driver window because it didnt want to go up.The interior melts in the sun.Switches in the car fall off,like window switches. Cupholders detach therefore, i have a big orange juice stain on the passenger floor.Replaced both headlights at least once every year, very expensive, due to labor.VW made it difficult for customers to do themselves.Head of car hit pavement going over bumps.Forgot how many times I took it to get something fixed or replaced.AC filter needed to be cleaned within the 1st year and VW charged me for that. Hubcaps fell off in the 1st year of ownership.I hate this car.Even my Sentra from the 80s treated me better.

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  More room than you think - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Collin - August 7 - 10:00 am

  People think this car has nothing to offer on the outside, but all you have to do is take it for a drive and see just how much headroom you have that you wont find in other cars. Plus what is truly amazing is just how quite and and deceptively fast this car feels. Youll find yourself driving down the highway thinking you are going 70mph when in actuality you are going around 90 or more. And when it comes to a quiet ride, it is amazing. Its nice riding and quick responsive when turning or switch lanes. This car handles just like a little sports car and as such i find myself driving it that way. Take it for a test drive, you will not be disappointed at all.