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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  A Breath of Fresh Air - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Buglover - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Shortly after purchasing my bug, I made plans to drive from Chicago to California. A solo trip with diversions north and south of the direct route. I travelled through 13 states, through many twisting mountain passes and boiling deserts, and this car was atreat to drive! Tight turns on hairpin corners-she held at three times the recommended speed. National parks with a 360 degree view with the top down! Close enough to pet the buffalo at Custer State Park in SD. My bug handled the snow and off road terrain at Crazy Horse Monument. My 6CD changer and Monsoon sound system blasted and relieved other drivers from my questionable singing voice.

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  cool car - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By jeff suttle - March 14 - 10:00 am

  geat car fun to drive and economical its a real blast

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  Go Beetle Go! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Rob Tarbell - March 14 - 10:00 am

  This car will fly! drives smooth, handles bumpy roads very well, excellent air conditioner- gets cool quickly and car still has excellent power while running air,heated seats are wonderful, excellent warranty, this is my 3rd beetle and each model year gets better,turbo is best model to have

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  If your not a mechanic dont buy the Bug - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Not a mech dont buy - March 14 - 9:06 am

  Windows failed out of warranty, rip off repair. A/C quit needed new compressor, condenser and expansion valve, I put them in. Front wheel bearing right side went bad, I put new one in. Lights fail alot hard to change both rear and front lights. Parking brakes cables stuck from rust, I replaced. Rear brakes wear way too fast, calipers go bad for no reason. Water pumps fail randomly, I replaced that. Beetle needs may parts redesigned for reliability. Simple things cost too much, center of hub caps emblems fall off cost 30 dollars way too much for nothing. Gas door gets stuck, adjusted alot to make it work right. VW engineers have no clue on design for easy of maintenance nor reliability.

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  Save Yourself - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Thomas Davis - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The reliablity of this model is far below expectations, requiring over $5,000 of repairs in the past 4 years especially exhaust windows and amenities and gear shift/gear train. Stay away from this lemon!

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  I love this car - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By J man - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my first car, and its better than any other car i was looking for. its fast and stops very quickly. handeling is very responsive.

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  Love it! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Beth A - March 7 - 8:06 am

  I was really nervous plunking down $22,000 cash for this car, but so far Im thrilled with it. Its so comfortable -- tons of room inside. The engine has lots of power and its getting more than 40MPG. I debated between a hybrid and this, and Im so glad I got this -- its so much more fun to drive compared to the relatively blah hybrids. The back seat is really, really tight -- not a problem for me since I have no kids, but if you need to use the back seat for anything more than storing stuff, you probably shoudl think twice. But I really have no complaints at all.

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  My Herbie - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By psperl - February 28 - 8:23 am

  I turned in a 2002 Lexus LS 430 sedan for my Beatle. I wanted to make life simpler for myself upon retiring from professional life. The Lexus was a great auto,but I didnt need it anymore and dont miss it, as my Bug is such fun to drive.

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  Most Fun Lemon Ive ever had - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Husky44 - February 26 - 7:30 pm

  Bought my 2000 Volkswagen Beetle as a certified used vehicle for my wife to replace her 1999 Passat wagon (the 1st VW lemon we owned). I swore Id never buy another VW, but she loved it, and this was a manual, instead of an automatic transmission, which gave us so much trouble in the Passat. This car is an absolute blast to drive. Unfortunately, VW quality is poor, and VW service is abysmal. We have had numerous electrical and drivetrain problems with this car. We have thorougly described and documented all of the problems, and have been told by the dealer that they dont exist. We have replaced too many parts to list. When I complained about the turbo spoiler not working automatically at 90+, the dealer told me not to go that fast (then why offer the feature?).

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  NB 1.8T automatic - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By smokeonit - February 26 - 10:00 am

  very satisfied, auto tranny perfect, even w/ only 4 gears, the new tranny has 6 gears....