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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  First Year = Bad Idea - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By megriley - March 19 - 3:56 am

  1998 was the first year Volkswagen decided to bring back the Beetle. I loved this car, but it had so many things wrong with it. Big things from problems with the fuel injectors and throttle settings, to little things like window control buttons falling off and the interior peeling. It was very frustrating. I love VW, which is why I recently upraded to an 06 New Beetle. It was probably our own fault for buying a car the first year they made it, but for a first car, it seemed like the right price and right "style" for a 16 year old girl. I would recommend that you DO purchase a VW New Beetle, but I would also recommend that you purchase a different year, as the problems associated with 1998 models are plenty.

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  A Little Fun! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Warren - March 18 - 12:40 pm

  We find the New Beetle Convertible to be one of most exciting vehicles to drive that weve ever had. The turbo is definitely the way to go to increase performance and fun. The vehicle has a solid feel and it cruises down the highway like an expensive sports car. I would recommend the New Beetle to anyone that is looking for a fun, safe and reliable sporty car.

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  A Little Fun! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Warren - March 18 - 5:10 am

  We find the New Beetle Convertible to be one of most exciting vehicles to drive that weve ever had. The turbo is definately the way to go to increase performance and fun. The vehicle has a solid feel and it cruises down the highway like an expensive sports car. I would recommend the New Beetle to anyone that is looking for a fun, safe and reliable sporty car.

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  Fun for the first 40,000 miles - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Chelsey Raden - March 16 - 10:00 am

  Its fun to drive but once you hit 40,000 get out your checkbook. Multiple electronic/sensor repairs, recalls and broken gadgets (fuel flap, armrest compartment latch etc...). When talking to other Beetle owners the same complaints were made. Would I buy another-no. Not reliable.

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  Fun fun fun cheap cheap cheap - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ARE - March 9 - 11:26 pm

  I love to drive my Beetle. Great handling and driving dynamics. Very spacious up front but only enough room in the back for small kids (they love to ride in a bug). Huge cargo space in the trunk with the rear seat down. Great ergonomics, every single control is with in your fingertips. It is a car for people who love to drive. Some may say that it needs more rear room but the Bug is what it is a small sporty car, not a family car.

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  Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Buggin Out - March 8 - 2:00 am

  My car did have some problems with the window motor, but the dealer fixed with no problems. Even provided a rental when it was kept overnight.

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  Fun Car - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Catherine - March 3 - 6:53 pm

  Nice fun car - gas mileage could be somewhat better. The triple white model is really fun. I like the solid feel of the way it drives - tight. I especially like the blinker system where the blinker is also on the outside mirrors. Outside lighting of the car is well done as well.

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  Mooses VW 411 - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Knoxville Moose - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive had an amazing experience in the 98 Beetle. Its my first car and is an excellent option for the teenage driver. Its incredibly safe! After being rear ended in a nasty collision that left a Stanza totalled, both passengers in my car walked away without a scratch. The car took quite a hit and was driveable; however, it is especially hard to repair because of the build of the car and its low level. The Beetle has rarely failed me or even let me down in the least. Its fun, its safe, its reliable, and it gets the attention of the opposite sex;)

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  A Bug that will bug you ... - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By J Thomas - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Consistent problems mark this car. Electrical system required a major investment to get the car running again. The air conditioning went out annually requiring finally another major investment to fix. The power windows go out almost as often. The back hatch rattles periodically as the wiring harness in it slides around. Seals came down from around the windows. The two dealerships that serviced the vehicle were inept at fixing problems and bent on creating reasons to jack up the cost of repairs. They seemed to be distinctly dishonest. (In contrast to the dealers for my BMW or Chrysler.) I have vowed to never buy another VW.

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  great car - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By beetletest - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Fun car. Great to drive on highway. Good value. Very good guality. Would buy again.