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:

• 

  goodby vw - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ttgd - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE BEETLE. THE OXYGEN SENSORS, REAR BRAKES, WIPERS, DOOR LOCKS,BATTERY, ALL WERE A PROBLEM BEFORE THEIR TIME. THE DEALER HAS BEEN GREAT AND HELPED RESOLVE PROBLEMS, BUT FOR A NEWER CAR THEIR ARE WAY TO MANY PROBLEMS. I WILL BUY AN INFINTI NEXT, SOON....

• 

  Great fun! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By redbug04 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Its the fun car! im 16 and it is just an awesome car to have. I always feel safe and just am always laid back.

• 

  Few Complaints - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Jillian Kennedy - December 21 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my VW for nearly 4 years now and it has only recently started to give me problems, but most of my complaints about that would be with the local VW dealership and service department (Moffitt Volkswagen in Bossier City, Louisiana; my advice: do yourself a favor and go elsewhere). Other than that my VW has been an absolute joy to own and drive!

• 

  very fun car for a diesel - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By arice - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Surprised how fun this car is to drive. Never dreamed that I would be driving a diesel. I have a long commute and this is the perfect fit for me.

• 

  My Horror Story - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By azuki - December 19 - 7:34 am

  This was my first car at the age of 18. When I got my Beetle, it had about 72,000 miles on it, and not even 4 months after receiving it, the problems began. Immediately, my transmission died completely. My warranty company gave me a $4,000 check and voided my warranty after seeing the $12,000 repair bill. Then, the battery died. Twice. As did the alternator and air conditioning. My rear window also got stuck and that would have cost me 4 hours of labor fees just to get to the broken bits. Its not like I drove it a lot - over a course of 3 years I didnt even drive 10,000 miles. For the love of god, stay away from this car. It is one problem after another, literally every 3-5 months.

• 

  Commuter Car - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By NorthBUG - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Had some problems with the car but they were resolved. Bigest problem was with the oil ligt. but not much more than with other cars. The TDI is a winner in my book. No problems starting in the coldest of weather, and it has never left me stranded. Always had the maintence done on schedule, which is important. Still on the orginal tires and brakes with 83000 miles. Cant wait for the convertable to come out with TDI. Will have one when they do.

• 

  Electric Gremlins - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Fernando alemany - December 12 - 2:00 am

  We had ro dipose of the car (trade it in), at 46,000 miles even though we had purchased the aditional 100,000 mile extended warranty. It started giving us too many problems with the electric systems. Oue dealer was less than friendly in dealing with us. We sold it at a loss just to get rid of the headaches.

• 

  Sooooo Much Fun! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dsax - December 12 - 12:56 am

  More people come up to me and say how much they like my car. It really has personality and is displayed through its design. This is a second car for me as I do need a larger car for family trips. But I use this one for work and play - and nothing makes you feel better than a cool breeze blowing in your face after a long day at work. This car is very easy to maneuver, rides great, is relatively quiet, has a great stereo and all the amenties one really needs. Small trunk space but surprisingly holds more than you would think, and the backseat is small but fine for kids. These are things I knew prior to buying the vehicle, though. Would recommend to everyone!!

• 

  Love it!!!!! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Randal1000 - December 8 - 9:16 pm

  I just finished a 5000 mile trip with my wife and couldnt be happier. Were not small people either. The vehicle is as advertised and a real attention getter.

• 

  The inside/outside of it all - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By carrot soup - November 23 - 10:23 pm

  Interior needs much improvement. Cant set taller cups in cup holders and cup stabilizers keep getting lost and drinks spill over. I purchased it as 3rd owner. Would love to have a diesel with convertible top but the diesel smell needs to be controlled somehow. Michelin tires look good on it. Love the shiny finish.