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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Love My Bug - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By TTopper - October 6 - 10:00 amI bought my bug during the Beetle Maddness of 1998. Ive owned it for 4 years and have really enjoyed the experience. This is my 5th VW, and this one hasnt disappointed. The car is roomy, spacious, good on gas, handles well and great on a long trip
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electronic issues - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Heidi - September 29 - 2:53 pmVery disappointed in the electronics of my bug - it has had so many "bugs". Ive had the seat belt/airbag sensors replaced, various other sensors, the catalytic converter and every time I get in it theres seems to be some dash light that comes on indicating a problem. The car has 75,000 miles on it and is a lot of fun to drive, but Im not recommending purchasing a Beetle because of the issues it has had. Ive written a letter to the headquarters regarding the issues along with receipts from my repairs. Every time I take it to the dealer they want to charge $80+ for diagnostics. Im at the point now that Im looking to purchase another vehicle because of the problems Ive had.
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Most "Luv The Car Dude" per miles - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By SpiceUmUp - September 26 - 10:00 amI LOVE this car. More smiles per mile than any car I have ever owned. Solid, well built, top quality materials and NEARLY EVERYONE gives ya a thumbs up or a smile as you go by. Young kids call out to you and pretty women give you a smile. The rear seat is only for children or small adults but head room for this 6 2" driver is great with the top in place. The top goes down easily and back up just as well and it is as tight with the top up as many sedans. The car is wonderful. It handles well on the tristy country road, but a bit harsh over expension joints on the highway. The Short wheel base makes speed bumps tough.
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Never Again - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By JJ - September 23 - 6:33 amThis my LAST VW. I have electrical problems galore. Now the headliner is coming off and some of the leather on the drivers door is coming unglued. What terrible quality for a German car, and VW wont stand behind their own work after a measly three years. I am going back to the Japanese cars. They know how to make quality and stand behind their products.
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VW Deisel Get Good Grades - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Justiniandog - September 20 - 10:00 amAfter getting used to the auto tiptronic transmission I love the VW New Beetle TDI. Smooth, powerful, and fuel efficient. With all the traveling I do, I fill the tank every 7=8 days and thats not a complete refill mind you. Love it...its a keeper.
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turbo S beetle - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By wcp - September 18 - 2:00 amgreat buy for the money.
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Forever in Love or a Great Fit - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By B. Donaldson - September 10 - 4:26 amI love my new Beetle, I bought one previously in 1973, I had it for fourteen years. When the new Beetle came out I was floored. I was totally, decidedly, definetely in love again. I drive about three hours a day both ways, Im comfortable. Setting the seat to fit is extremely easy, it still fits me perfectly. The front window is wide, and my other half, who is 62", drives it and hes able to set the seat to fit him width and leg length, he had to admit, it had more room then he imagined. The seats are awesome comfortable especially with the built in lumbar back. Id recommend the new Beetle to any and everyone, thanks for a great ride.
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Worst purchase of my entire life - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Victoria - September 8 - 5:17 amI bought the car because it was cute, got good gas mileage, and I had always wanted one. Well, 3 years later and ive put around $22,000 into the car. First I started replacing minor things like the timing belt and the water pump, then the alternator, then the radiator, then the computer, then the air conditioning, but then i ended up replacing the engine, then the turbo, then the door, then the head gasket, then the transmission(as well as many many other things). This car has left me stranded on SO many occasions. Im fearful to even drive this death trap. Please save yourself the heart ache, do NOT buy an older model beetle. The only reason I have held on so long is because my grandfather keeps paying to get it fixed, but this is not an inexpensive quick fix car. It will NEVER end.
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Expect Big Bucks for Problems - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By bcbirdie - August 26 - 2:00 amSo far (1 month of ownership of a 1st complaint: the cup-holders are TERRIBLE!!!!!By far the worst design ever. Clearance is poor, the holders twist out, the rubber rings come etc. COMMUTERs BEWARE! 2nd, Expect costs to repair things to be outrageous! Headlights $94 minimum. 3rd complaint - To replace the key and the transponder, get this, $175+tax! ARE YOU KIDDING!?? Just a valet key is $125! While security is nice, for 2 sets of keys and a valet key at $500 buck this is ridiculous!
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Turbo S is fun but watch your wallet - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By warpalien - August 26 - 2:00 amI bought a used 02 Turbo S with 3200 miles on it, from a dealer. This used to be a corporate car, used by someone at VW in michigan. VW will NOT cover the transmission under warranty unless I sign a piece of paper saying its ok to check the transmission for problems. My clutch has been giving me problems since I got the vehicle. Now they say if the clutch is bad, its my problem. So much for a 4 year, 50,000 mile warranty. This is coming from VW of Americas corporate office stating this, not just my dealership.
