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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Doooont buy VWs any car ! - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Jaysohn - January 18 - 10:00 amEngine stops anytime everywhere.... Nobody knows why it happens even dealershop guys. I changed every parts except flower vase, but it still keeps asking my money for changing some parts.
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meh - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By cantcomplain - January 18 - 10:00 amI got this car for my 16th birthday. It was the car I always wanted...cute, fun...until you drive it. It had 30,000 on it when we bought it. Since then, weve replaced both window switches, both O2 sensors, radiator and engine mounts. The check engine light pops on periodically. We didnt recieve a maintenance record with the car. I dont think we would have bought the car if there was one. Its an electrical attrocity. If Ive learned one thing, its not to buy a prototype.
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I want more TDIs!!!!! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Kyle - January 17 - 7:30 amWe bough this car with 92K on it. It had some minor damage to exterior but love that Gecko Green!!! I have 180K currently on it and have had the following problems: 1. Alternator - $900.00 2. Undercarraige Protector fell off. Did not replace. 3. Serpentim Belt Pulley - $500.00 Not bad for the abuse I put this car through.
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My Beetle - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Spongebob - January 16 - 12:46 amThis is the third Beetle I have owned since 1998. The improvements are obvious from the styling to the dropped outside mirrors for better visibility. This car isnt for everyone. Its for fun loving people who like a car that looks like no other, handles great, and performs flawlessly. it fits me to a T and I wouldnt even consider another car on the road today. It is unique.
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Fun To Drive and To Own! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Heart Of Living - January 16 - 12:10 amI have had a few problems with the VW, but most were covered by VW. They replace the window clip, the trunk latch and I replaced the timing belt, brakes, and regular scheduled maintenance. I cant complain. In 5 years and 80K I have spent maybe 2K. That is in line with the cost of car repairs today.
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WOW! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By valeriee03 - January 13 - 10:00 amI love my new beetle. its practical, efficient, and reliable! its the best quality car out there. I feel safe with all of the safety features and the bonuses are a joy.
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Not my Grandmas 58 - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By straightliner - January 10 - 10:50 amFirst VW Ive owned. Purchased used w/55K and doubled the mileage. Not bad in the beginning, but repairs have been escalating. Went through three water pumps, mass air flow sensor failed, intake leak (causing check engine light and failed emissions), radiator replacement. Funny, but all the electrical glitches and broken plastic others complain about havent been a problem. The alarm system never seemed to work as advertised, trunk latch doesnt always catch and I got stranded w/the valet key once, but otherwise OK. Fun to drive, love the stick and still turns heads after all these years. Im glad I tried it, but approaching 110K and $4,000 in repairs, Im ambivalent.
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Yellow Lemon - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By wife of ciscokid - January 9 - 2:30 amTHIS CAR IS A PIECE OF JUNK, built in Mexico not Germany My wifes car, but I paid for it and fixed it Expensive - Waited 4 months, and paid ABOVE MSRP Unreliable – Spent more time in service center than on the road. Electrical problems (windows, radio, seat) Overheating/cooling fan short Transmission problems AC problems (not fun in Texas summers) My favorite was broken drivers door handle If you buy a car for Looks not reliability then you deserve this car
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Beetle Turbo S - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By captgw2 - January 7 - 7:36 pmI bought my Beetle Turbo S for my girlfriend to drive. This replaced a 92 Taurus, so there was no where to go but up! Its been a good car, but has required several trips back to the dealer for warranty issues (emblems peeling, trim falling off, floormat anchors). Its fun to drive and Id buy another as long as it had a warranty in effect.
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Calling Dr.Porsche - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By BuySwedish - December 31 - 2:00 amYou can spend millions if not billions on quirky,Mtv like commercials, but you cant build a quality car?I have to say it is by far the worse car I have ever owned.This is coming from a guy who has owned three Saab 900s.Why is this? Well,Everything falls apart,everything from the side mirrors to the shift knob, to the gas door, to the window switches, to the melted fuses to the terrible radio(hasnt worked in a year)
