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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Problems after 30 miles of use - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Chad - July 6 - 1:43 amI picked my 2006 Beetle Convertible up a few days ago. The very next morning it was making a clicking noise under the dash and stalling. It did this six times in two days. I had to get it towed to the dealer and that was a nightmare which I wont go into. They didnt have any VW loaners so they gave me over to Enterprise rent-a-car and gave me an $11,000 Kia Rio as a rental. I am beyond frustrated. This should not be happening to a brand new car.
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After 5 Years of Ownership - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By PJC - June 25 - 11:46 pmI was shopping for a WRX when I spotted the new Reflex Silver New Beetle Sport that had just arrived at the VW/Subaru dealer. Having stepped out of a Lincoln MKVIII, it took some getting used to, but I learned to lov... make that really like the little car. The major disappointments were harsh ride quality; having the driver side window motor suddenly quit (warranty); a short in right rear tail light assembly requiring 5 dealer visits for bulb replacement in 1 1/2 months (warranty, after $80 in repairs); and having a defective "leather" driver seat cover replaced (with another defective one)((Warranty, 1 time only).
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First and last VW - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By SweetStellarS - June 24 - 2:00 amI bought my VW in Sept of 1998 and so far I know all the service department employees at 3 different VW dealerships in the area. I bought a lemon but the BBB didnt think so, they also thought that my extended warranty was good enough if anything broke on the car after the manufactures warranty ran out. So far it has covered ONE minor thing, honestly it was a waste of $1000! My 1989 Ford Escort was more reliable! The bugs at the dealership now because I almost KILLED myself making a right hand turn when the vehicle completely turned off making me go straight into on coming traffic! You name it, Ive had the problem! My advice, DONT EVER BUY A VW!
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Design flaw & auto trans went out at 50K - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Not so good - June 21 - 8:56 pmThe major design flaw in this car is that your hood will get chipped from flying rocks from normal traffic. Buy a bra on day 1 if you buy this car to avoid the body shop. Also the space for your gas pedal foot is too small for an male adult sized winter boot. Also if you have sun coming from the driver side, the visor is too small to block the light. My automatic tranny went out while under warranty (less than 50K) and would have cost more than twice what my 91 Dodge Dynasty automatic tranny that went out on the car before this one.
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Do not buy this car - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Carrie - June 17 - 3:56 amThe first week I owned by brand new Beetle, the alternator went out on it. Since then, I have brought it in for so many other problems, I cant name them all. From three window motors breaking, to flooding when it rains through the door, to stalling, to a faulty CD changer. The car is not built right. For the asking price, its not worth it and its not a reliable car. Mine isnt the only lemon, a friend of mine has one that had its top gets stuck and not come back up. Its been in the shop for that two times. Sorry, but Ive tried to get the dealer to take my car back more than five times. Warning!
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Worst car Ive ever owned - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Glenn Acheson - June 13 - 3:16 pmThis car is the worst car Ive ever owned. The transmission shifts hard when its warm - dealer says thats normal. When shifting from Reverse to Drive or vice versa, you have to wait several seconds for it to engage. Replacing the battery was a royal pain, not to mention expensive. Replacing one of the front headlights was even worse. Now one of the front lenses has fallen off... The front left turn signal fell out of place from some clip thats broken. Now the check engine light is on - who knows how much THATs going to cost. Performance is wretched, even for a 4 cyl. Mileage is only 25 mpg hwy. My 6 cyl 2000 Taurus gets 28!!!
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Disappointed VWer - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Disappointed VWer - June 13 - 10:00 amIve had so many problems 1. Rear hatch doesnt close (had it in 6 x & replaced twice- still not right), 2. Gas flap servo broken & replaced, 3. instrument cluster replaced, 4. vehicle towed 2x due to 2 faulty switches (separate incidents), 5. air conditioner blower/compressor vibrated so loud that the dash shook (blower was replaced 6 mo. ago; just started roaring again), 6. Inside door cover plastic is peeling, 7. New brake pads installed- the rears badly worn at 48k miles, but the fronts like new--??, 8. engine light comes on frequently, 9. front air bag needed to be replaced (after 2 yr warranty ended) though the air bag had never been inflated,
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Worst car I have ever owned - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Scott - May 31 - 7:43 amBought the car new. With only 22,000 miles we have already spent nearly $2,000 on repairs. As the other reviews stated; stuff just FALLS APART. Several sensors have gone bad - that was expensive enough, now the top is busted. More $$ down the drain. I will never buy another VW product.
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Dangerous to drive - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By lindagill - May 30 - 7:56 amThe first few months headlights went out on my way home from work in the dark. Both went out at the same time. Happened again a year later. No one enjoys replacing the headlights. Sensor under the brake went out first year and second year. Was told by VW to bad you have to pay again. Car will not go into gear with out it. Learned to over ride it but dangerous to get to VW for repair. Sun roof one year leaks 250.00 plus 99.00 just to talk to VW. They have a sign when you walk in 99.00 a hour even if it does not take a hour you pay for it even if you only need a 20.00 part. Rims bad never held air in tires replaced tires over and over. To many repairs to list. Linda
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this is not my 74 bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By ripper - May 26 - 2:00 amThe only car that I have owned that can compair to the performence that this little rocket has is my Mustang GT but with 31 mpg
