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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Cool Vehicle - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Mr. Magoo7 - February 28 - 2:00 amBug is fun to drive and handles very well. Plenty of power. I am getting 40 mpg in the city and Close to 50 mpg highway.
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Fun car to drive - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By TurkZero! - February 23 - 10:00 amThe car has exceptional ride and handeling for a vehicle of its size. The drivers seat is comfortable and adjustable. The vehicle seems much larger than it really is. The car feels solid and confident until pushed to its limits.On the dependabiltiy side, there still seems to be some issued that need attention. My car had an start and stall routine from time to time. The engine and transmission require close attention to keep the motor from redlining. The engine revs fast and requires shorter shifts than the 150 hp 5 speed. It is a good car and a good choice for single or two passenger vehicle.
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Nice looking but at a price - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By nohoguy - February 17 - 11:40 pmBought the car because I liked the styling, the handling and the turbo engine. These good things about the car are lost in the inconvenience this car has brought me. Since I got this car four years ago, I have had five lightbulbs blow out - two in the headlights, two in the console and one taillight. The armrest has broken twice. Both power windows have malfunctioned. Plastic shielding has fallen out of the moonroof twice, one time falling on my shoulder. Worst of all, my ac failed right in the middle of summer, for my ac problem I went to an ac specialist who tested my ac for $0 while the dealership in Santa Monica wanted to test it for $200. No joke, these cars are very unreliable.
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Love My Bug - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Tammy - February 17 - 5:06 pmI love how it handles. Its very peppy and fun to drive! It feels very solid!
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littleporsche - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By vacation - February 17 - 10:00 amblack with cream interior. Lots of fun to drive, get lots of looks and people telling me it looks great. Good performance, turbo is the only way to go. Good stereo. Top fits well, had a minor problem but dealer fix it while I waited. Nice little extras, turn lights in side mirrors and time and temperture in front frame of windshield. Not a lot of room in back seat, but not to cramped. Small trunk.
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Dont waste your money! - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Jess - February 16 - 3:50 amThis was the first car I ever bought and have I ever regretted it! It has absolutely no room. Not to mention all the mechanical problems Ive had with it from the moon roof to the locks and the trunk latch breaking. It is definitely not worth the money. VW is way too pricey for this all around poor quality car.
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Own for 5 years - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By garner61 - February 10 - 1:43 pmI bought this car Feb.1st of 1999 after waiting almost a year to get one. Great gas mileage - I have 106000 miles on it still get 44 mpg. The A.C. compressor has gone out twice. Left door window broke and have had lots of trouble with lights. But all told I have saved more on fuel than repairs. About 2100.00 so far on total repairs. Have changed belt out at 60k. Hope to run till 200k.
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For the Love of Torque - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By linderov - February 10 - 6:50 amThis has been a terrific car, very durable and reliable and looking good doing it. My kids dont ever complain about being cramped although I think they probably are. Its cozy and all their friends love it. With the sunroof and windows open, its like a convertible, too, fun and loud, and like a party ready to go. Even though the car is now 6 + years old, it still attracts attention, and not just from kids, although kids really love it. It gets 45 mpg in mixed use, typically. Ive never had problems here in Detroit with the cold weather and diesel. The diesel is quiet and pleasant sounding in normal use, and has a higher pitch singing sound when you hammer it to kick in the turbo.
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happy to drive! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Laurie Deadrick - February 5 - 10:50 amSo far, so good. This car is fun to drive (turbo gives extra power) and is great on gas.
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Super B. - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By skiman - February 5 - 2:00 amThe Turbo S is very fun to drive and has been a very reliable automobile. I love the cars overall design but would make a few slight improvements. Great handling and performance, "dont be afraid to drive it to the limit". Youll be impressed with the Turbo Ss high speed maneuverability. The faster you go the more fun this car is!
