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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Get a manual - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Sarah - December 2 - 12:26 pmAfter reading some of these reviews, Im not surprised that people had a lot of problems with the automatic transmission. My second VW was an automatic and I had to replace the transmission at 60K miles. Instead of letting the lease run its course, I got a great deal on my Bug Convertible. Its a manual transmission and have experienced NONE of the problems that my last VW had. The car is fun and sporty. Not too fast, but I drive like an old lady anyway. I also dont commute for work so my mileage is way low. I would recommend this car to anyone thats willing to buy manual, makes it even more fun.
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Fair, but fun to drive! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Bob The One - December 1 - 2:00 amThis car has been un to drive, and we got a killer deal on e-bay for it. But the engine light came on at about 32,000 miles and it has minor mechanical problems from time to time. But it sure is a cute car, and my wife loves to drive it.
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love the bug - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By lamama - December 1 - 2:00 amThis car is great for what it is. A fun, cute car perfect for one person, maybe two. I have a two year old who has only know this car and loves it still, but its starting to get too small to be a family car. Still Ive only had good things come from driving it. I hate to see it go. My only complaints are that its hard to see the front of the car, because of the design, so you really have to get used to it and drive by instinct instead of sight. And the side panels are wide and create blind spots. But its only caused me to be more careful.
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MY LITTLE "SWEET PEA" - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By TED CHANOCK - December 1 - 2:00 amI PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 1960 BEETLE AND OWNED IT WHEN I FIRST MET MY WIFE IN 1962. I LOVED IT AND HAD IT FOR 5 YEARS. MY WIFE RECENTLY DIED AND NOSTALGIA SET IN AND I NEEDED TO BE RE-CONNECTED TO THIS WONDERFUL MEMORY OF HER. I AM SO GLAD I PURCHASED THE 2004 BEETLE. IT NOT ONLY LOOKS GREAT, BUT I AM UTTERLY IMPRESSED BY THIS QUALITY MACHINE. IT OFFERS ME EVERYTHING I WAS LOOKING FOR AND MORE.
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My Turbo - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By RRB - December 1 - 2:00 amA few too many recalls for windows & electrical. But the service from the dealership has been great. When looking at this and other cars, I was looking for something fun to drive and I had to stay under a $50K budget. There were no other requirements. This was one of the most exciting to drive and it came in at less then half the budget. The gas mileage might not what youd expect, but I can handle 27 city, 31 hwy. Dont get this one with an automatic, what fun is that!
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2000 Volkswagen Beetle - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By sandy - November 29 - 9:43 amI purchased this car for my daughter. Its the worst car weve ever had. Major problems. Interior parts come off in your hand. Go to web sites before purchasing a bug. I traded it for a Saturn!
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Most Excellent Car - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By galacticbubble - November 23 - 2:00 amI am no car expert but I have had the best time driving this car. I have had no problem with enough power starting off or on the highway. This car has plenty of zip to move in and around city traffic which I do a lot of. It holds to the road quite nicely and I would not have it any other way. It has been so much fun to drive! The gas milage is great!
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Good Car - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Aaron - November 21 - 7:50 pmMy 2005 VW Beetle is a very good car. We have had it 1.5 years and have put 75,000 miles on it. It has had no problems and we get 45 MPG highway. It is one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned. We got 60,000 miles on the factory tires. The dealership was impressive also, they provide good customer service. I will buy one again.
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The convertible beetle I own - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Tom Ratliffe - November 21 - 10:00 amhandling, manuevability excellent. Gas milage not outstanding but satisfactory. Overall, a fine car for roaming around the island.
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I love this car - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By sammyjack - November 17 - 2:00 amThis is the best car I have ever driven for the money. Mine even has heated leather seats, which are so nice. I even bought the car used, and it is in great condition.
