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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  Exterminate the Beetle - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By kattkat242aol.com - April 19 - 2:00 am

  To anyone looking to lease or buy this adorable decieving automobile. THINK TWICE!!! Not only did I pre-order it 6 months in advance it has spent at least 6 weeks in the shop for various different things. From the day I recieved it May 1, 2003 it has been nothing but problems one being very dangerous in fact life threatening. It is currently being procesed under the New York State LEMON LAW. Yes you heard it here folks a big fat ( adorable) LEMON.I had VWs in the past and were a loyal lover of the beetle. Now I think I need to get a big fat can of RAID. Feel free to e mail . Kattkat24@aol.com

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  Mid Life Crisis - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Susan B - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Has been an OK car. Wish I had my reliable Jetta back. Have had to 1) Take to dealership for oxygen sensor recall 2) Have the Piston rings replaced - major problem with oil loss. Thankfully, still under warranty 3) Gas door latch had to be replaced 4) Door started to fall off hinge. Dealer told me they have had lots of oil loss problems and everyones gas door has to be fixed.

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  Fun and economical - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Dan & Karen - April 7 - 12:53 am

  We bought our 2001 Beetle GLS 1.8L Turbo Hatchback a year ago and have had no problems with it, whatsoever. Its not as comfortable as a Cadillac but its still comfortable, even on long trips. Its excellent on fuel, fast, and fun to drive (a modern and improved version of the classic Beetle). We enjoy waving to other Beetle owners on the road (sort of a cult thing). We also have two large artificial daisies in the vase on the dashboard which complement the car. Overall, we highly recommend this car for those who want something different, economical, and fun to drive.

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  My VW Beetle Convertible - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Carol Brown - April 4 - 12:36 pm

  This is my third Volkswagen Beetle but my first convertible. The convertible does compromise the trunk space, but you have to pick your battles. My other 2 were 5 speed and this one is automatic. I am torn between the two, but this one does have the 6 speed tiptronic standard without a clutch. I am 48 and thought I should get an automatic this time. I am 59" tall and there is plenty of room for me and my passengers. I love my car! Everyone who knows me knows I love it also! I will never drive anything else. I am a VW Beetle woman all the way! I recommend them highly.......everyone in a beetle driving down the highway waves at each other!

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  Eye Catcher - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By lovemyvw - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I love my Beetle Convertible. Its a ton of fun to drive. It turned a lot of heads this summer with the mellow yellow paint and the top down. Its certainly not a fast car, but it will get moving on the highway. The cup holders are hard for more then one person to use and the back seat is tight. If you take it on a trip, plan on packing lite. If you dont have anyone in the back seat, use the windscreen; it really cuts down the wind and makes for only a moderate wind on the highway. If you buy and the windscreen doesnt come with it; it is worth the money to buy one. The car is great in the snow as well.

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  I would not recommend this car. - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By SAM# - March 28 - 10:00 am

  This car to me is very much not worth the money. There are way too many problems with the car as you can read on the other forums here in edmunds. I have had mine for four months and overall am not happy with it. The automatic transmission is not good at all - horrible shifting at all the wrong times. Cruise control is the worst Ive used on any car. At cruseing speed the engine whines at a most annoying pitch also. MANY problems with the Beetle and check engine lights, airbag lights, power windows not working correctly, motors on the hatch not working with many other problems. This is not a one car problem, so watch what you buy.

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  Quality Review - 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By carlo frazzano - March 25 - 11:53 am

  We bought the car new in 2007 and are generally satisfied. Mechanically the car has been good but build quality needs improvement except for the paint job which is the best I have ever seen. Problems we have had are: 1. Three headlight bulbs replaced. 2. Entire locking mechanism for power convertible top had to be replaced. 3. Coolant temperature switch replaced. 4. Four trunk pistons failed with the fifth now broken. 5. Seat belt retainer bezel broken off and replaced. Fuel mileage is average that is 25 around town - less if air running and about 30 mpg at 65 mph if air not running. Trunk space is inadequate and simple repair under the hood is difficult and expensive.

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  Fun, economical, but too many problems. - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Kristi - March 20 - 6:50 am

  I have been a VW driver my entire life and never even considered anything else, but this car has been a huge disappointment. The electric windows malfunctioned twice, the trunk latch has had to be fixed twice, the sunroof wasnt draining properly so every time it rained I had 2 inches of water in my car, the back seat head rests are broken, the lens cover on the headlight pops off randomly, and I have an electronic issue causing a drain on the battery, so the car is dead and has to be jumped about half of the time. Our neighborhood mechanic couldnt fix it so we took it to the dealer, they had it two weeks and still were unable to solve the problem. We sadly will not be buying another VW.

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  With the wind in my hair... - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Kristabelle - March 15 - 1:43 pm

  Never thought Id have a VW, much less a convertible, but here I am. This car is so cute, fun and fun to drive. Ive had the top down non-stop and have had to figure out the best way to keep my hair fixed and out of my face! Gee, what a problem to have! Im 30 w/no kids and 2 dogs. Cant wait to buy doggles for the dogs to wear in the back seat...with the wind blowing in their hair...

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  Mixed Feelings - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Star27a - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Beetle new and Ive loved driving it from day one, but I have to say the first 10,000 miles were mostly spent at the dealership. Granted, most was covered by warranty, but what a hassle!