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:

• 

  HEAD TURNER WITH FLAWS - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By shelter - May 26 - 2:00 am

  The V.W. sundown orange attracts lots of attention,all positive from both sexes. The ride is very hard and the level and frequency of noise and rattles is excessive and annoying. Most of the rattles etc eminates from the door-body area.as well as the convertible top. In spite of the noise and ride it is fun to drive.

• 

  LUV THE BUG! - 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Millie Noonan - May 22 - 11:53 pm

  I have wanted the convertible bug for 6 years. Never had a better opportunity than now to have one. Its fun to drive and I feel like a kid again. The new heavenly blue color is beautiful. Much better than the years past. Cream/Beige interior needs to be offered on all exterior colors. Thats my only gripe....other than that, I LUV THIS BUG!

• 

  Never again - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By twilliams - May 22 - 10:33 pm

  Bought car w/only 17,000 miles-1 owner. Brakes/front needed new w/rotors @ 37,000 miles. R/brakes w/rotors @ 58,000. R/hatch takes 2-3 hits to release. Have had 4 low beam bulbs burn out! Dealer charges $$$ 2 replace. Check engine light on, thermostat eng. Temp light on yet nothing wrong at all. Interior continues to fall apart- radio presets, visor clip, hand brake knob, dash vent close knob, tilt/tele. Rubber knob loose, glove comp. Latch ready to fall apart anytime now. Will never buy a Volkswagen again no matter what model. Have a few months to pay off, then selling it before it fails me for good. I maintain my cars well & drive them easy. Worst car ever owned- period.

• 

  Good riddance - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Theresa - May 22 - 5:33 pm

  Being a baby boomer I just HAD to have one of these. Big mistake. Once things started going south it was fast and furious. The biggest downer was having to have the transmission replaced for $3500. While it was there they managed to find another $500 worth of work. Part prices are ridiculous. A dash light was always coming on for one reason or another. The cup holder was just plain dumb and there was no CD player--oh yeah--you could put one in the trunk if you wanted to. The gas mileage was terrible for a car that small. Overall workmanship was shabby. I have made it my mission to tell anyone who will listen how poor the overall quality is.Dont make the same mistake I did.

• 

  Do Your Homework - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By S Wascak - May 21 - 10:00 am

  The Beetle "burns an acceptable" 1 quart of oil a month. Had rings replaced at 30000 miles. I just traded it in on a Toyota at 35000 because in 1 month it went through a quart of oil. We were told that that is common and acceptable for the VW Beetle. That its the way it was designed. Stay away from this vehicle!

• 

  1998 VWBeetle--Pass it up - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By jonesy - May 19 - 10:00 am

  The 1998 VW Beetle is the worst car I ever had. My mechanic told me with all the repairs I have had, I could have bought a Jaquar. Maybe Ill buy a Jag for my next car. Might as well.

• 

  Adorable Car with Way Too Many Issues - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By LS - May 16 - 2:03 pm

  Fell in love with this car and bought it new. Within the first three months, I think it was in the shop about 4 times. Since then, particularly during summer months, its in the shop on average about once every 6 weeks. Have had problems with the windows, the speakers, the battery (twice), the roof has broken countless times, the wiring on the tail lights, the airbag sensors, the blinker - and the door, which still isnt fixed. Also, the service at my dealership is terrible. They once replaced the wrong airbag so the sensor came back on a couple days later. I would ABSOLUTELY NOT RECOMMEND this car. They take no accountability and I will never purchase another VW, no matter how cute.

• 

  my convertable - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By monicamonkey - May 15 - 10:00 am

  the car has the get up and go

• 

  VW are Lemons! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Disappointed - May 13 - 9:40 pm

  Owned this car for 6 years and it was nothing but problems. After 40,000 miles, car falls apart. The interior fell apart 2 years after I got it. A week after I bought it, the EPC light came on and didnt let me put the car on Drive, had to learn a trick to start the car on Neutral and drive it. It did this through the 6 years I owned it. Replaced 3 batteries in 6 years, $300+ each. Water pump and timing belt busted on me at 60,000 miles.3 engine hoses replaced because they are made out of plastic and burned. VW dealers are incompetent and steal your money. Tranny began to fail and wouldnt shift gears. VW dealers say trannies never need oil changes, it is a lie.

• 

  Love my new car! - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Misa77 - May 11 - 3:16 pm

  I just purchased this car about a month ago, and I absolutley love it. I cant say enough about it. I live in Florida, and being able to put the top down and drive around is great. I have been admiring this car for a few years now and finally caved to buy it. It is so much fun to drive, and all my friends still want to take a ride in my new car!