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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timing belt - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Pete Poindextrer - February 9 - 9:30 amWe purchased our bug about 11 months ago. We immediately had to replace the AC condenser but later found out that it was the electrical box to the AC. The mechanic said that this was common for this car. We had the timing belt break and it destroyed most of the engine. VW states that the timing belt should last 1005,00 miles. Ours broke at 86,000. This cost us $2600.
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AWESOME - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By amber_korn - February 8 - 10:00 amloving it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! it is a really awesome car i love it it is awsome
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my awesome bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By mybluebug - February 8 - 10:00 amWhen I got my VW Beetle Convertable in September, I was a little skeptikal about having to go through a "Jersey Winter" which can be pretty harsh at times. This car performed great in the snow and ice! Now that the weather is nice, you cant keep me out of my bug! I used to be jealous seeing other people in convertables, now other people can be jealous of me in my Aquarius Blue "PUNCH" Bug Convertable!!! (and its a great color!)
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Baileys review - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Jim Ragan - February 8 - 10:00 amI love to drive it and am very proud of the little guy. It feels like Im driving a much heavier and larger car.
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My bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Nativegrl918@gmail.com - February 6 - 3:01 pmLove this car
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2006 TDI Tiptronic - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Brett F - February 4 - 2:00 amWe scrambled to find a TDI Beetle with package 1 options including sunroof, heated seats, and leatherette interior. My wife drives it about 420 miles a week and is averaging 36-38 mpg in mostly city use. The car got about 42 mpg hwy the one time we had it on the road at 65 mph with A/C on. The 6-speed auto transmission can be shifted manually or fully auto. It shifts smoothly and quietly and the 1.9L turbodiesel spools very efficiently. The ride is a bit stiff, but it is smooth. The seats are a bit of a pain to adjust but the controls work well. Dont expect the luggage room of an SUV, but it is good for groceries and weekenders. We liked it so much we went out and bought a 2004 manual TDI too!
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Best Convertible on the Market. - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Jane - January 27 - 5:03 pmThis is a fun car. Ive had convertibles my entire life but there is just something about a convertible New Beetle that is more fun than any of the rest. It has a lot of power and something about the angle and shape of the windshield gives you the illusion of being in a much larger car. Front seat is wonderfully spacious and roomy. Backseat, as Ive stated below, is the major drawback. Im also not delighted with the gas mileage. Im averaging less than 25 mpg .... I was hoping for a little more but even so Id buy the car again in a heartbeat.
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Cute on the Outside, Cheap on the Inside - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Brina - January 27 - 4:26 pmI have wanted a Volkswagen Beetle since they came out, and I finally got one last year. I admit it is a fun car, but having to replace the turbo already (before I made the first payment!) and having strange transmission problems, I dont know that I would buy another one. I would absolutely reccomend buying from a dealer, and spending the extra for the extended warranty! The inside is incredibly cheap and easily broken, but the cute flower holder makes up for part of that! It is still fun to drive, but its going to my husband to drive the commute in, and Im getting something different!
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Gotta have one... - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By JSP - January 24 - 2:00 amThis car is pure fun. I used to drive a 91 Saab, but the body style got boring on the newer model... so I defected. My friends thought I was nuts when I was considering this car, but the review once they rode in my Bug was "this is the coolest car I have ever been in." The pep of the turbo rocks and the luxury features on the GXL are a great value. I got everything I wanted for $22,600 vs. $30+ for everything else I was considering. Picture a sunny day, sunroof open, stereo cranked, leather wrapped wheel in hand, turbo kicking in on a straight-away... sounds like a beach day to me. F-U-N!
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Love my Bug - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By be - January 23 - 5:53 pmI adore my bug, buuuutt, it has had a few "bugs" of its own. I have had 3 headlamps go (they are super hard & expensive to change out...even for mechanic). My window button broke with the window down of course. I took out my oil pan, which was my fault, but found out from mechanic they are "fragile" aluminum and low. Dealership service is way pricey (arent they all?) My paint is chipping on the interior door panel. It has great pep even on long uphill (not your mamas bug!...I had one of those too.) Great air and heat system..not like old Bugs!! Lots of room...you could do ballroom dancing on the dash! Great safety features, bags on front & sides too, roll bar, drop away engine.
