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 81 through 90 of 139.00-
More Reliable than my Bmw, Benz, Range Rover - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Cp - May 1 - 12:13 amThe Beetle is so cheap to operate it makes it worth keeping. I was a car dealer that mostly bought high end European vehicles and they all had issues. Ding, and another message would appear with an expensive issue. After leaving the business, I rented a friends 2002 Beetle GL with 112,700 miles for $150 a month until I financed a Benz or Bimmer, that never happened. I bought it for $1,000, replaced the timing belt and waterpump. $10 gets 100+ miles, oil changes are $22, tires are $53, I now have 160,000 miles. Its so easy to clean, and the yellow paint is bright and holds up well. Interior plastics break, theres rattles, its slow, but who cares it gets me everywhere and barely costs me a dime. I baby it to death, wax it, only run chevron but no premium gas and I dont use synthetic but will now cause I want to just keep it going.
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FUN Bug no problems - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Ivan - April 21 - 7:26 amI bought the 2002 Beetle Turbo S used with over 30,000 miles on it. I have about 42,000 on it now. Heard about realiability issues but have had none so far. Fun car to drive, sporty, and fast. Comfort is a little weak for 61" guy but overall not bad. I have added a sub to stock Monsoon radio and it sounds way better.
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My Herbie - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By psperl - February 28 - 8:23 amI turned in a 2002 Lexus LS 430 sedan for my Beatle. I wanted to make life simpler for myself upon retiring from professional life. The Lexus was a great auto,but I didnt need it anymore and dont miss it, as my Bug is such fun to drive.
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Mixed Feelings - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By eeyoremc - February 24 - 4:44 amI bought the car used from the VW dealer in Manchester NH. Started off ok. But last week had to replace the coolant system which was about $500. Now THIS week car disengaged from gear while driving (clutch not pushed in) and first mechanic (not dealer) says I need a NEW transmission? Its only got 85K on it and I have never, ever needed a clutch or transmission in an of my manual trans cars. And I drive - often. Now at the dealer but Ive now been without a car for almost a week and Im disillusioned. This is my 2nd Bug, I do love them, but if its the transmission it was a build issue for sure. Be wary.
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2002 Turbo S - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By John Parrish - February 10 - 2:00 amAbsolutely fun to drive. Has been therapy for a hard working professional that enjoys performance in a vehicle and some fuel economy to boot.
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My Dream Car - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Scott - January 26 - 9:46 amI have had my Bug for about a month and I absolutley LOVE it! I have wanted one of these cars forever! It has an excellent ride and features. During my first of week of ownership, I had the check engine light come on though. The dealer said it was the spark plugs, no biggie. This cars German engineering is amazing. It handles sooooooo well, that you can hardly feel the corners! What a fantastic car. Volkswagen has made me a customer for life!
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bugged - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By woodymc - January 8 - 10:00 amWay too many reliability problems, for a car with under 8k miles the following went wrong: Limit switch on brake that allows the AT transmission selector into gear fails easily! Car was towed for warranty service to dealer. Then they lost the car at the dealership. They found it after a heart to heart talk w/ the GM. ABS valve recall. Electric windows had a mind of their own. Rear hatch must be slammed shut before electric closure mechanism will "catch". Which of course broke from the slamming. Other than that, it really was a good commuter car. I cannot recommend this car to anyone who lives more than 15miles from a dealership.
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Fun little car with great mpg - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By mishka1012 - November 1 - 11:11 amIve had this car for couple month now and I drive everywhere on it. Even though mine was rebuilt from the ground up after an accident not shown on carfax and it was rebuilt from junk and old parts and silicone glue it holding up marvelously. I mostly drive everything it got out of this little car and let me say its not just faster than most four cylinders on the road. It beats some v6s because its stik and it only got 100hp! But I still manage to get 45 mpg consistently, never got less but once got 55 mpg on biodiesel and light driving style (speed limit and slow acceleration tryoing to stay in 5th gear at all speeds (even 30 mph)+ rolling down the hill). the rest sucks alot.
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Its the Little Things" - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By AngiMen - October 24 - 10:00 amI purchased this in the end of 2000. Although I find it adorable, this model still needs a little tweaking. I have had problems with the windows (passanger side broke), fuel tank lid, ignition, radio/cassette, oil is used up fairly rapidly and the oil sensor never went on. Will be taking it in for an oil consumption testto see what is up. If it werent for the little glitches this car would be perfect! Its just the little things. Id still buy another one, but a Turbo.
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fun for awhile - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By caprice2 - September 5 - 10:00 amThis is a great car for about a year. After that, expect it to be in the shop about every 6 months to replace the shoddy power window mechanism. You should also beware of the engine light, its super sensitive. Mine has been on for about a year and the dealer cant figure out why it wont stay off. My AC is now going out and Im trading it in. Cant survive in Texas without an awesome AC. Avoid adding fancy wheels, the brake dust is terrible. The numerous blind spots in all models is really bad.
