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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  Bad car - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dale mayhall - May 4 - 11:16 pm

  When the temperature is less than 30 degrees this car is horrible. The A/T doesnt shift into overdrive until after 15 minutes of driving, the mileage is 15 mpg, the windows dont go up properly,etc. It will be sold shortly. What a piece.

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  good car if u get a good one - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By my buggy - April 22 - 4:43 am

  i bought my beetle used with 12k on it and it has 122k now, i love it ive had small problems like, driver window relay went out, water pump replace last week my brakes r great the were replaced at 100k, it drives like a high quality car and brakes like no other car ive had i love it and plan on getting another soon, its to bad so many people have had alot of problems out of them b/c they r a great car for the price

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  The New 5-speed Diesel Beetle - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By jsbach2 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 5-speed stick shift VW Beetle diesel has gotten me 52.1 mpg, average is 49.0 highest of any car I have owned. And more fun to drive than the 2003 4-speed auto model which never got over 40 mpg.

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  Its sooooooooo cute - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By beeralert - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car almost 3 years ago and I want to hug it every day. This is TDI GLS version with an automatic transmission. Suprisingly good acceleration off the line (even with the automatic). I test drove a 5 speed and as expected the performance was more lively than the automatic.....but the automatic is good. Aside from regular oil changes (synthetic only) and a new set of front brakes, there have been absolutely no mechanical problems. (I think the TDI engine is bulletproof). I would highly recommend this car. I am getting about 530 miles out of a tank of gas (with a heavy foot).

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  2nd Beetle! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By reflexpdx - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Loved my first one so much I had to get another!

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  Loved It! Hated It! - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By HeatherO - March 28 - 7:03 pm

  The Aquarius Blue New Beetle with the black convertible top was my dream car so you can imagine how happy I was when I finally bought one. I had the car 3 days before the headlight went out the first time. So it went into the shop...for a total of 6 times over a two year period...for the same headlight! I also had power windows that randomly went down, alarms and lights that went off for no reason and brake lights that sometimes worked, sometimes not. I cannot tell you how disappointed I was by this car. I loved the way it looked. Loved the convertible. But VW completely let me down.

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  Seems like its falling apart...=0( - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bridge89 - March 26 - 11:33 am

  I love my Beetle, HOWEVER little things keep breaking. Cosmeticly inside the plastic materials used were just cheap... the visor mirror cover broke off completely so now the visor light is always on, the hande to the glove box completely broke off, can not access glove box, pieces of plasitc from the drink holders have chipped out, even in the backseat which is rarely used. The CD player stopped working, the sensor inside the drivers side door is on the fritz, I have to unlock the car door, then press lock on the remote to lock the door. When it rains, the trunk will not shut, now the door on the gas tank wil not open, had to pry it.. my list goes on...

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  I hate my car. It makes me sad. - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By tangentgirl - March 24 - 11:06 am

  This car is cute, but man does it stink. Little things keep breaking. Sure, theyre under warranty, but its a pain to have to bring the thing back to the dealership. Ive had to repair the following things: Seat back/fwd levers - these constantly break, both trunk arms, the lock on the center console, the front panel accessory slots (empty), rear phone charger - it fell right out, the back window is starting to have problems rolling down correctly, the front airbag sensor, various electrical problems - including one that made the car turn off while driving. Fun. Also, theres a wheel noise that I need to get checked now. I feel like I drive a 1987 Taurus or something, except with a payment.

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  Dont Ever Buy this car - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Priscilla - March 22 - 11:13 am

  I have had my beetle for three years and will get rid of it in 3 months. This is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. My beetle has been in the shop more times than I can count on both my hands. I only have 35000 miles on it and it is three years old. The cup holders are the worst design. It is almost impossible to put your drink in the holer without spilling your drink. The visors are worthless, I can never get the sun out my eyes. If you get this car make sure to get the warranty because you will need it.

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  Cute, but at a pricy - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By sherry - March 22 - 5:26 am

  I have to say, I love my Beetle Convertible, but I am not impressed with VWs reliability or dealer service. In less than 19,000 miles my Beetle has COMPLETELY broken down twice, and I had to have it towed both times through roadside assistance. In fact the first one was on my way home from vacation in Florida, and the delay was not a pleasant expereience. So far Ive had the entire ignition system replaced, new battery and alternator and most recently had to have the front bumper removed just to fix a broken sensor. (A "quick" 6 business day fix) I think VW is right on target with their design and engineering, but they just dont make it all work. I will not be buying another VW.