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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  The Bug that just kept Going... - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By javbw - November 20 - 11:33 pm

  I have a 1999 (2/24/99) GLS bug with 200,000 miles on it, and I drive the heck out of it. I drive it fast, hard, and occaisionally offroad. (get the sport springs). Im very hard on the things I own, and the fact my Bug is still with me is a testament to its inital design and early warranty recalls (window switches and a couple sensors back around year 2) - all the "bells and whisles" worriers can forget about it for their next car - and get auto door locks and windows already! All of my issues have stemmed from things thrown at my car on the freeway (rocks, ladders, etc) and as long as you keep up with the maintaince, shocks, and a failed engine sensor every year, youre good.

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  2002 New Beetle GLX Turbo - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Stephanie Ross - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I was interested in this car because of the retro design and the performance of the turbo engine. Its an eye-turner car; however, Ive been having continual problems with this Beetle. With less than 30K miles, I went through two transmissions, new A/C unit, and defective power windows (suddenly fell inside door and broke). Im not impressed with VW and was really disappointed with this car. Its not reliable and Im anxious to sell it before the warranty expires!

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  I finally got one! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By roniraes - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I have wanted a beetle for 19 yrs and I finally have it! It was worth the wait. I love the way it handles and the ease of just dropping the top. I think everyone should have one excellent de-stressing tool. : )

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  Love it! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By woodog - November 16 - 9:13 am

  Great car for the money. I was driving a suburban for the last 6 years and decided I wanted a car. NOthing tickled my fancy quite like the convertible bug! Not quite impressed with the stereo though.

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  The Bug I Had To Have - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Meillasdad - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I kick myself everyday for buying this car. It was so cute, that I didnt think before purchasing. It has given me problem after problem. My interior is peeling too. I have replace countless sensors. I now have a EC... sensor going bad. My gas cap release only periodically works. The paint chips easily, however, it still looks really nice with red colour wax. I needed a new throtle assembly last month, $1000 installed. I have put $3000 in three months. Time for new car, eh?

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  Great car!! - 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Gail - November 12 - 11:10 am

  Awesome car with lots of standard goodies. Its extremely quiet and smooth..Lots of storage with the back seats folded down. Super comfortable seats. Heated seats come standard.

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  Great Commuter in California - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By absnth2006 - November 11 - 12:20 pm

  This is our second Beetle and the improvements are extrodinary. Our previous, 2000 hard top in Cyber Green, was nice but the new 5 cyl engine and 6 speed auto are far superior. Our fuel economy is actually better now, 27 mpg vs. 24 mpg for the 2000. Our only complaint so far is the trunk lid that is tough to close.

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  Luv My Bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By TMitchelAg - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Great performing car...lots of pep. We drive up alot of mountain roads and do great. Im very comfortable in it and dont feel cramped like in the old beetles. I dont agree with Edmonds review.

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  new owner and loving it - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Buggy Bob - November 7 - 3:13 am

  We just bought this car and we love it. The ride is solid and smooth. The interior feels really spacious when your inside but when you look at it from the outside it looks smaller. Optical illusions....very cool.

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  Not Your Old College Bug - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Dicker - October 25 - 9:36 am

  This car is as fun to drive as it is to look at! People smile and wave and give me the thumbs up, when I drive. When I park, someone almost always wants to ask about my little luxury convertible! The power and handling are very impressive, almost like a small sports car, especially with the Tiptronic transmission! I am very pleased with comfort, handling and performance, but a little disappointed in the gas mileage!