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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  Best looking car ever - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By cpapakon - August 13 - 10:00 am

  No problems until 30,000 miles Everythings works like new. Awesome car.

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  Love this bug - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By tb - August 11 - 10:50 am

  I love my yellow color bug. No problems, fantastic on gas. I love all the features on the car. My car is a 1999 VW Bug. I love how the inside dash board lights up blue at night. The seats are really comfortable. When you get on the highway it really responds fast. The car has been mantained.

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  volks - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By richard coughlin - August 10 - 9:13 pm

  so far I like the car. The car handles well and is fun to drive. It is good in the snow. The fuel mileage is not impressive. I got around 26 mpg in mixed driving. There are a lot of rattles when driving over potholes. I bought the car for the fun factor. Im waiting for the spring so I can put the top down. Also I plan on wintering in the sun-belt starting next year so I bought the convertible. I hope gas prices do not rise a lot more. To early for a fair reliability assesment

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  New Beetle - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Cary - August 9 - 7:56 am

  This is by far the worst car I have ever owned. I am a mechanic, and I can barely keep this thing running. It only has 49000 miles on it, and it costs about $200 a month in replacement parts alone. This car just falls apart, and you cant keep up with all of the broken items. This is definitely the last Volkswagen I will ever own.

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  AMAZING FUN CAR - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By JoeyjojoLA - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Its the funiest car I have ever owed..Driving near the beach in it, I have a blast. Good pickup, exceelent room and Im a big guy.

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  I love it! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Lauren - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I got this car for my birthday and I love it! It is the most reliable and it is so cute! Well I love it and... It is a great car!

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  Great Car! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Gabe - July 30 - 6:16 am

  Tremendous value. I put in an InMotion stage 2 kit with chip remapping and injectors .216. I had to put in a VR6 clutch because of all the extra power. I had a few electronic problems (instrument cluster replacement, a few recalls). Best car Ive ever had!

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  Oh Ya! Awesome! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dnyed - July 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Platinum Gray Turbo S for a few months now. I have never loved a car more. The 6-speed, the heated leather seats, Monsoon stereo, 17-inch wheels. Way too much fun. This is a "road trip" car. The headroom is excellent for my 64" hubby, he loves it. My first VW, traded 02 Explorer for it. VW from now on!

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  Luv the bettle - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bettleluvr - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This car is perfect. Its sooo cute even after being on the market for like 5 or 6 years people still stop and ask me about it. This car is awesome!!!

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  Reliable Engine, Cheap Interior Finishes - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By VW_Convertible - July 14 - 9:06 pm

  I am generally happy with the reliability of my VW engine but am disappointed with the quality of the interior fittings. The Front Power Window mechanism (was faulty) broke several times when the car was nearly new and had to be replaced with re- designed motors and chains (very expensive if car is out of warranty) The rear power window mechanism breaks often and is expensive to repair.....The Car overall is beautifully designed and finished on the outside, has very comfortable front seats, and has a quiet, smooth, stable ride with a well appointed dashboard and easy-to use controls. Automatic transmission started to jerk & stick at slow speeeds > 75,000 miles...Keys cost > 350$ to replace