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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  Awsome Car! - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By The pocket rocket - January 15 - 11:46 am

  My mom bought my 1998 Bug a few years ago. She bought it used and fell in love with it as sonn as she drove it. It is awsome. She has now sold it to me and has gone and bought a 2002 (used) turbo sport. We call it the pocket rocket becuase it is so fast and fun to drive. We have five VWs (2 Bugs, a Golf, Jetta, and a Eurovan) and we love them all. They sometimes have small problems, but never anything bad. We will buy VW probably for the rest of our lives.

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  Love this Bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Momsmoose - January 12 - 7:23 pm

  My wife has always wanted a Bug ragtop. This is our first convertible and we just love it. It rides well, looks great, and really goes. Ours is a silver, 1.8 Liter Turbo with a black top and black leather. It also has the low profile tires and custom wheels. An older gentleman asked me if it was a Porsche, so I told him, Why yes it is! While no Boxster, its great fun. Do yourself a favor and buy one!

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  My Favorite Beetle Ever - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By 1drbug79 - January 10 - 9:33 pm

  I love this car more then any of my other Beetles. Its power is great, I dont even mind the fuel economy after all Im the one driving that way. The change VW made to the cupholders is great. The style charges, as small as they were, are terrific. This car needed to become a real good looking car and it did. My husband can even drive it and not feel like hes driving a girly car, that kind of bugs me though now he takes it golfing on nice days. I miss her. Yes its a her, Rosie.

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  New Beetle Convertible - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By meyer - January 10 - 1:26 am

  After driving the Audi A4 Cabrio and Nissan 350Z convertible, I sat in the Beetle. What a difference. Unlike the Audi, the pedals are far enough apart so you dont hit the brakes while touching the gas. Unlike the Z, you have SPACE! Needless to say...after taking a quick spin, I wrote a check for the car. I got mine for a fair price - less than its Edmunds.com TMV...on the road! I just took an extanded long weekend road trip. What a blast. I wish they had lumbar in the seats...like my two Passats though.

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  Lemon! - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Hannah - January 3 - 4:00 am

  Ive had my Bug for a year and half and had only heartache. I thought a Bug would be a good choice as my aunt had her 78 Bug for 17 yrs and was in still great running condition when she sold it. I was disappointed to find that this high reliability no longer exists in the new Bugs. To begin with the sensors had to be replaced, and the seatbelt covers. Then the oil pan sprung a leek, the axle bent, the cd player broke. Now my drivers seat no longer stays locked as it should. The sunroof visor is now off track and to top it off my air filter is now over heating the car and causing it to die and need a jump start. I cant run the air at all. Ive thrown over $4000 into the trash for this lemon car!

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  Not what I expected - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By maciosaig - December 25 - 3:20 am

  I bought this car for my wife and after buying an 07 Passat and being extremely satisfied with that car I figured Id be just as pleased with the bug. Was I in for a shock Ive owned convs in the past so I was away of frame/body flex but this car takes it to new extremes. The handling sucks, power is poor and comfort is great for the driver and front passenger, and my small 3 year just about fits in the back seat. Now there is a rattle in the front end somewhere and the thing is noisy on the highway. For the money they charge these cars should be much more powerful and handle better. Im not sure how the fit and finish will stand up over the next few years, but Im not confident

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  The most fun car on the road - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Luka82271 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I got my VW Convertible as soon as they were fairly available and I have to say, this is by far the most fun car Ive ever had. Top down or top up its zippy and styled so well. You would never regret owning this

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  A happy bee outside but mad bug inside - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Billy Tam - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I own it for 2.5 years now. I wanna say so far most of the things are ran fine. I mean new car doesnt means no problems, but old car should be have some problems. So for my bug, while under warranty, it replaced fog beam light bulg, replaced rear brake pads at the 20k factory service, fixed the error on driver side window, and this is it. For the commute of 15 miles one way, it gets 24 miles a gallon city and freeway.

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  Rock solid! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Thokas - December 19 - 10:00 am

  In the year and a month I have owned this car, its brought me nothing but smiles and enjoyment. The turbodiesel engine is smooth, quick, and rather quiet. The power comes on strong and keeps coming until redline. Its a great highway cruiser and long-distance traveller. Why go hybrid? Get a TDI! Its more fun!

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  Never buy a VW Beetle - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By naty4419 - December 19 - 4:26 am

  I purchased the Beetle as my very first new car! I loved the design, the color...but I had numerous problems with the car but I was not able to lemon law it. Do not waste your money on one. I ask Beetle owners what do they think about the car and the reply is always the same. They stink!