Overview & Reviews

A Turbo S model debuts, motivated by a 180-horsepower version of VW's1.8-liter turbo engine teamed with a six-speed manual gearbox. Other exclusives for the Turbo S include Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP), a slightly stiffer suspension, 17-inch "Delta X" alloy wheels, revised turn signals and foglights, a front spoiler, a redesigned rear bumper with Turbo S badging and brushed alloy interior accents. Additionally, a rear spoiler will deploy from the hatch when these special Bugs reach 45 mph. Exterior paint for the S is limited to Reflex Silver, Black, Red and Platinum Gray. Later in the year, a Sport model debuts -- it's essentially a GLS 1.8T with a five-speed manual, 17-inch wheels, leather interior and a Sport badge on the deck lid. Changes for the rest of the lineup are minor: New colors such as limited-edition Snap Orange and Riviera Blue further enhance the Beetle's eye-candy appeal, and 16-inch wheels with 205/55 tires are now standard across the board. For 2002, all-new Volkswagen vehicles come standard with an improved four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, up from two years/24,000 miles. In addition, Volkswagen offers a fully transferable limited powertrain warranty that covers five years or 60,000 miles.

• Cute yet classic styling, excellent crash-test scores, affordably priced, turbo models are fun to drive, available six-speed manual and stability control with Turbo S model.

• Compromised rear seat/cargo capacity compared to Golf.

User Reviews:

Showing 61 through 70 of 139.00

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  Few problems-overall largely pleased - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By az owner - May 15 - 5:50 am

  Bought with 88K miles--probably paid too much, but was pressed for time for a move and new job. Purchased knowing would have long daily commute & weekend travel home--excellent mileage on freeway driving, tween 46-50 mpg. In town usually around 38-40. Very keen on quick acceleration. Yes, some frustration with electrical, e.g. persistent glow plug light was annoying, but fixable at low price. Sunroof fun and climate control okay. With back seat down good storage capacity. Sound system good, but put in XM receiver and sold off original system at purchase. Very satisfied all in all-but several of the complaints here have some validity in my view.

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  Piece o crap! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By NOT happy in LA, CA - May 7 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle brand new with 16 miles on it in November 2001. It is now July 2002. So far, it has had the wheel hub, wheel bearings, brakes, ABS sensor, gasoline cable switch inside the car and clutch readjusted. NOW Im waiting for new parts for the bad power windows that all the Beetles have. I should have stuck with Toyota. I owned them for 20 years. Im super bummed. What a terrible purchase!!!!!!!!!!!

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  2nd Beetle! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By reflexpdx - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Loved my first one so much I had to get another!

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  Dont Ever Buy this car - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Priscilla - March 22 - 11:13 am

  I have had my beetle for three years and will get rid of it in 3 months. This is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. My beetle has been in the shop more times than I can count on both my hands. I only have 35000 miles on it and it is three years old. The cup holders are the worst design. It is almost impossible to put your drink in the holer without spilling your drink. The visors are worthless, I can never get the sun out my eyes. If you get this car make sure to get the warranty because you will need it.

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  Blast to drive, and a looker too - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By neonneon23 - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I took a couple of friends to test drive a new beetle turbo S. It was nothing short of a great time. The turbo spooled up quickly, and left us longing for more. Since a salesman didnt join us, we were really able to drive this car. Favorite part was the performance from the beetle. Ergonomically, the rear seats are useless, however they do fold down for ample storage. Also, it bothered me that the car was all but silent. Small pet peeve that may bother performance enthusiasts. Worth a test drive, so take one, or two or three....

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  Love my bug - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Margaret - February 12 - 7:23 am

  I bought my Bug in 2002 because the price was right and, after driving an SUV, I wanted a fuel efficient car. It has been a fine car--reliable and trouble free. Its fun to drive and I never get tired of it. I did not get a turbo, but got a 5-speed and it is plenty fast enough for city driving and on the highway. We will keep this car for our children to drive when they get older.

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  timing belt - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Pete Poindextrer - February 9 - 9:30 am

  We purchased our bug about 11 months ago. We immediately had to replace the AC condenser but later found out that it was the electrical box to the AC. The mechanic said that this was common for this car. We had the timing belt break and it destroyed most of the engine. VW states that the timing belt should last 1005,00 miles. Ours broke at 86,000. This cost us $2600.

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  I want more TDIs!!!!! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Kyle - January 17 - 7:30 am

  We bough this car with 92K on it. It had some minor damage to exterior but love that Gecko Green!!! I have 180K currently on it and have had the following problems: 1. Alternator - $900.00 2. Undercarraige Protector fell off. Did not replace. 3. Serpentim Belt Pulley - $500.00 Not bad for the abuse I put this car through.

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  Yellow Lemon - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By wife of ciscokid - January 9 - 2:30 am

  THIS CAR IS A PIECE OF JUNK, built in Mexico not Germany My wifes car, but I paid for it and fixed it Expensive - Waited 4 months, and paid ABOVE MSRP Unreliable – Spent more time in service center than on the road. Electrical problems (windows, radio, seat) Overheating/cooling fan short Transmission problems AC problems (not fun in Texas summers) My favorite was broken drivers door handle If you buy a car for Looks not reliability then you deserve this car

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  Beetle Turbo S - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By captgw2 - January 7 - 7:36 pm

  I bought my Beetle Turbo S for my girlfriend to drive. This replaced a 92 Taurus, so there was no where to go but up! Its been a good car, but has required several trips back to the dealer for warranty issues (emblems peeling, trim falling off, floormat anchors). Its fun to drive and Id buy another as long as it had a warranty in effect.