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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  Fun Yet Pragmatic - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Jabberwocky - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Handles extremely well. Its not a sports car, but youre never lacking for power. Great gas mileage makes this a terrific commuter car for me. Even though its a diesel, it isnt noisy. It has extra headroom (important for tall guys like me). Extras, such as the alloy wheels, carbon trim, side airbags, rear disk brakes, electic windows/locks are all standard features. Hey, it really is fun to drive!

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  Volkswagen should be ashamed of themselves - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By IhateVW - September 22 - 7:06 pm

  I purchased the car of my dreams an aqua blue Beetle convertible, little did I know, my dreams would turn into a nightmare. Since purchasing this car last year it has been in the shop 12 times. I did not have it in for minor repairs these were all MAJOR! New transmission, new computer system, the top broke 2 times, the heating and cooling system failed 3 times and the car overheated twice. This car a piece of junk and I would not recommend it to ANYBODY. When Volkswagen was contacted regarding these issues, I basically got a so what tough luck response. SHAME ON VOLKSWAGEN.

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  Traded in my BMW for this - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By andydrew86 - September 21 - 11:21 pm

  Ive been used to luxury and honestly this VW is not bad. Asian cars are always skimpy on features, and performance. German cars are just as reliable, have tons of technology in them, but do cost way more to maintain. I got it with 78K and put 10K more. I have had no problems at all. The Turbo is so FUN. I Guess it depends where you buy your car from. I got mine from Carmax, I would definitely recommend them. BTW the stereo is GREAT, it seriously rivals the one I had in the BMW 745. I have the optional 17" wheels and sport suspension. This car is SO FUN TO DRIVE, and doesnt put me to sleep like the BMW

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  Blast from the past - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Kathi - September 8 - 5:10 pm

  I have only owned 1 previous VW. It was in 1968. I wanted a new one every since I saw the new design. They just keep getting better. The gas isnt what it use to be, but the quality out weighs that. What a pleasure to have this automobile. Driving it is so much fun. The only thing that I didnt get when I bought it was the wind stopper. Other then that I wouldnt have any other car. I picked the black over the silver convertible because it seemed so rich looking. It is everything I ever could have imagined. I love this car!

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  Heartbreaker - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By RachieSLC - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I was so excited when I bought my Beetle. I had wanted one since they came out in 1998. I had about a good 2 months until I realized the air conditioning didnt work, which was just the beginning of my repair woes. I have had my car in THREE times to have the air conditioner fixed along with the windows and window switches, the gas and trunk hatches, the temperature guage, and other problems. In the two years I owned this car, I took it to have it fixed TEN TIMES. My clutch went out and it cost $1400 to have it fixed. The week after that, my check engine light came on. I sold that lemon and bought a Civic Si.

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  fun for awhile - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By caprice2 - September 5 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for about a year. After that, expect it to be in the shop about every 6 months to replace the shoddy power window mechanism. You should also beware of the engine light, its super sensitive. Mine has been on for about a year and the dealer cant figure out why it wont stay off. My AC is now going out and Im trading it in. Cant survive in Texas without an awesome AC. Avoid adding fancy wheels, the brake dust is terrible. The numerous blind spots in all models is really bad.

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  Fun - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By jriley - September 1 - 10:00 am

  This is the most fun car I have ever owned. It handles like a sports car but with a smoother ride. The 5 speed manual transmition is fantastic. Exceleration and ease of shifting add to the overall thrill of this car.

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  Never Again - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By txjules77 - August 30 - 11:36 pm

  Im just waiting for my lease to end. This is my 2nd VW (I leased a Jetta previously, similar problems). I refuse to take it to the dealership for oil changes bc it would cost me $80+/oil change! This car has lived in the shop. Ive had constant electrical problems, including the traction light staying on (and waiting a full day for the new part to come in), the seatbelt light coming at random (they said they "couldnt duplicate the problem" so they couldnt fix it), back latch doesnt work. Im fed up with VW in general. And customer service sucks. With all the repairs, they dont offer a free rental car. The only way I got on with the last repair is the guy who drives you home was not in.

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  VW New Beatle - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By gilandis - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I have has several problems with the vehicle. The most recurring problem has been with the windows switches. They have been replaced three times; two under warranty and once at my expense. The battery needed replacement after 3 years.

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  The Cutest Car on the Road but... - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By colorado1974 - August 15 - 5:06 am

  We, like 1,000 other VW owners are filing for lemon law this year. Of the few months we have had it, most of the time has been spent in the dealerships service driveway instead of ours. The windows randomly go down, the front logo peeled off, the starter doesnt work all the time, the radio quit, the top broke twice, there is a metallic sound from the front and the kicker is that I am only getting 20 mpg at best. The window sticker said Id do much better. Everytime I get the car back it is fixed but after a couple weeks, more problems seem to set it back. Ugh.