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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New Beetle Turbo S - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By dharris - August 12 - 10:00 amThis is my third New Beetle. My first was a GLS TDI then my second was the GLX Turbo. Now I have the Turbo S. I love this car. I have had no problems with it! The car is nice because it looks different than the other New Beetle models (exterior and interior). Handling is awesome. The 180hp engine is a ton faster than the 150hp. The 6 speed tranny helps in this area. I love it! I wouldnt change a thing!
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TDI is the name of the game! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Garfield - August 12 - 10:00 amJust finished a short trip through the NC mountians. The car handled almost as good as my A4 Audi Q. Just think of it as a new bettle with the sound of an old one. I took it up 15% grades with 4 adults in 4 gear at 60mph with no problem. Thats not bad. Car is solid on the road and handles very well. Buy one and you will agree.
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GLX Turbo!!!! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By GLX TURBO!!!! - August 12 - 10:00 amI have read the other reviews and I would have to disagree with the negative comments! This car is great. The first mistake they did was buying the GLS 2.0. That is only bad model of the New Beetle. It is gutless. The GLX 1.8T on the otherhand is fast!!! Great car! Thank you Volkswagen!!!
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Out-of-touch Car Manufacturers - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Mr. B. E. Etle - August 9 - 10:00 amUncomfortable back seat because of headroom; car much too low to the ground for pot holes and poor roads, interior falls apart (fourth beetle owned) colors boring - this is a fun car, and the same colors over and over, or shades of the same do not sell cars. But...... best design exterior appearance, excellent handling, best most comfortable seats. Also,hate unmovable new console, seat belts very hard to use. Most of the improvements on these new models stink. Who is designing these anyway? Why did they mess with a great car? Pay attention to my comments because I am a very loyal Volkswagen customer!!!!!
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our 98 Beetle - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By ourlibby - August 6 - 8:53 pmWe like ours, runs great, good on gas, inside is a joke ! But for a good sound,,, take off the muffler just run the cat :)
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Over 315,000 miles and still getting 49.5mpg! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By twincitytdiguy - August 5 - 4:15 amI bought this TDI Beetle from a customer at 300K. He had it from new. The car is in great overall condition, original clutch, rustfree, and still gets an amazing 49.5 mpg highway at 78mph in the summer. I bought the car a little over 4 months ago and managed to put on 15,000 miles. I go where I want. I am not afraid to take this car across the country, I am planning a trip to Florida in the spring for some baseball action. Very fun car to drive. Gotta go with the folks upset by the cupholders. They seem to be an after thought. Germans cant understand why we drink beverages in our cars. If you are a taller person, Im 67", This car has a lot of room. I can nearly straighten my left leg.
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Nice Ragtop - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Kayemtee - August 4 - 10:13 amMy wife chose this car to replace a Sebring convertible. Wanted a clutch again before we got too old. Performance is adequate at best; acceleration reminds me of my old bugs of my youth. Clutch is not as smooth as Japanese cars. Great head and leg room (Im six-two). Very quiet with top up at high speeds (much less wind noise than the Sebring). Heated seats (with five settings) are great! Gas mileage is poor (24 mpg) for a small car with a clutch with weak acceleration. Nice, solid build quality, pretty looking, but it is a chick car. Oil change is very expensive due to synthetic only and a non-standard filter. Trunk holds a lot but small opening. I like the car but glad we lease.
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Hate This Bug: Buyer Beware - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By ekl - July 23 - 1:40 pmThis was the car I always wanted. Although parts of the first two years of ownership were fun, overall this is the worst purchase I have ever made. I will NEVER buy another Volkswagen! Ive owned this car for 4 1/2 years. In the last year, my bug has been towed into the dealership 3 times because it will not start, and Ive shelled out $3,000 in repairs. Ive had the seat handles replaced multiple times, the trunk will not open on the first try, the headlights short out constantly, etc. To date, Ive had the following replaced: throttle body ($800), front airbag sensor ($450), alternator ($500), windshield ($350), front grill ($500). I know the bug is very cute, but dont buy this car!
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Turbo S - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Joy - July 12 - 10:00 amThe turbo s is a luxury car in a small package. Its a dream to drive with power to boot.
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First Time Beetle Owner - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
By S.Horton - July 11 - 2:26 pmI have owned by Beetle for 7 months and have had no problems. I love this car. At first the look impressed me the most. I finally found a 5-speed, green model which was hard to come by. The way this car handles is great. It hugs the road and is the ultimate road-trip car. The fifth cylinder can really be felt on a steep incline and the cold-weather package has helped me through many a snowy morning! It handles in 6 inches of snow, no problem, and the sunroof makes the summer weather even better! If you are looking for a fun car with a low-maintenance feel and features then this is the car for you!
