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:

• 

  Age of Aquarius! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By tmeyedoc - January 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd New Beetle Convertible. 1st was 2.0L Tiptronic...too little power. Went to 2004 1.8L Turbo 5 speed...When you accelerate in this car you feel like the front is lifting off the ground! The turbo made all the difference. Plus, the retro look in the aquarius blue is icing! I love my car!

• 

  never again for me either - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By cademan1 - January 29 - 11:43 pm

  I bought this car as a computer just before gas went crazy the first time in 03. Im a big guy and I fit very well. I didnt want to but Japanese. I should have recognized the omen of the check engine light coming on during the test drive. The car is regularly in the shop. The dealer cashier knows my voice on the phone without me telling her. The VW dealer could never fix it the first time usually taking three times until I gave up. The independent shop is marginally better, mostly because he costs about 50% less.

• 

  Turbo fun - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Pjacuzzo - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for 2+ years. I have had no problems what so ever! The car has been reliable and I have averaged 27.5 mpg around town. The turbo is plenty fast and reaches speeds in excess of 120 mph with ease. The after market for this vehicle is huge if you like to costumize your car. I have tuned my 1.8T for 200hp 240 tq with no problems what so ever!

• 

  My Black Stink Bug - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By BMO - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Too many repairs at 45k mi!! Yesterday the drivers side window got stuck down in the door--either motor gave out or window clips broke. Two weeks ago I replaced the battery and also recalled part changed. Already replaced the brakes at 30K. Broken window switches, replaced engine belts, replaced relay sensors for horn to honk again ($500). Peeling interior. Stiff suspension and bottoms out easily. Trunk doesnt always close easily. 6-CD changer doesnt always register. Have a crack in windshield but costs me extra to replace d/t over- size. The worst part is the sucky dealership service. HATE VWs now. Im dumping this thing for a generic but RELIABLE Honda

• 

  NEVER AGAIN!!!!! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Piperboi - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I had nothing but problems since day 1! The dealer had my car more than I did. I take very good care of my cars, this one just did not see to want to hang in there. my egnition coil, window swithches, brake light switch, temp gage, emergency brake handle, glove box lever, cooling system, power locks, moonroof/shade, and gage cluster all went bad or broke! To replace a headlight you have to go to the dealer!! ($50.00) Breaks are VERY expensive too! I will never own a VW product again! If you are in the market for a bug..THINK TWICE! DO NOT BUY! The warrenty is awful! even with an extra warrenty i bought, i put in $3000 more!

• 

  shoulda got the pt cruiser - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By sam spade - January 24 - 10:00 am

  when the roof is open it sits too high. it obstructs view of rear view mirror. when roof is closed there seems to be several clunks and rattles every time i go over a bump. the ignition key seems to be in a hard to reach position, makes it hard sometimes to get the key out. rear seat folds out which makes little sense. it should fold the other way to make more room for hauling. the little side doors that open for the roof to close and open seem to be awful flimsly to me.

• 

  Worst VW Ive Owned (out of 3) - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dsmark - January 23 - 1:47 am

  Without a doubt this is the worst VW I have owned. Had a 71 Bug in high school and I would rather have that car back then this 2004. We bought this car in 2006 for my wife, she loved the red/black coloring, and the convertible top. Since buying the car we have replaced the water pump 3 times, drivers side headlight keeps going out, convertable top was vandalized (not VWs fault) the power windows dont auto close correctly. Its just one problem after another...I will never buy another VW

• 

  luvmybug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By krislvsbug - January 20 - 10:00 am

  So far so good. I have had a few interior issues ie: Window sensor briken after first mont, passenger side reare seat handle broke off after little use but dealer very easy to deal with and issues not large enough to upset me. Get more people stopping me and talking about my car. Even my husband loves to drive :)

• 

  a good friend to travel with - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By vwbugr1 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Its just a great car in more ways that one: great gas mileage, dependable - not a problem with it since I have had it - sporty and smart - handles great on the highway - I live in PA and it has been terrific in the snow - I am getting ready to purchase a second one. I travel long distances with it and not once have I been let down - I never worry about getting stuck in a bad part of a town I dont know with this car - vw knows what they are doing - drive one youll see...

• 

  survivor - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By whodafunk - January 16 - 2:00 am

  vw survived a pretty good broadside from a big old econoline. car needs lots of work, but, driver, me is still walking and wasnt squished like a bug in my beetle. i was a messenger/currier in this vehicle and drove it 12 hours a day, stop and go, harsh city driving, these cars are reliable and safe and fun.