Overview & Reviews
Volkswagen makes the TDI and 150-horsepower 1.8T engines available on the base GL trim level. All GLs now come with power windows and cruise control, and the GL 1.8T and all GLS models get alloy wheels. Stability control (ESP), heated seats, and the Monsoon sound system will be available across the line. All models except the GL get a standard sunroof and a larger center console container, and the GL and GLS have new cloth upholstery. Note that last year's Sport model has been discontinued. All models have a more comfortable rear seat, a clock/temperature display on the rearview mirror and turn signals mounted on the outside mirrors. Finally, if you've been holding out for a Beetle convertible since 1998, your wait is almost over -- the first drop tops should arrive at the dealers just in time for, well, winter. The first ones will be 2.0 GL and GLS models in February 2003, 1.8T-equipped GLS and GLX models later in the spring.
- Cute yet classic styling, range of engine choices, long list of standard features, good crash test scores.
- Tight rear-seat accommodations, limited cargo room, high price of Turbo S model.
User Reviews:
Showing 71 through 80 of 204.00-
Cute Car, Fun-to-Drive - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By JessAshley - August 28 - 10:00 amIve had my New Beetle for 4 months. No complaints, thus far. Lots of power for such a little car. It is very fun to drive; its like my car knows me and how I drive. Its a very attractive car too!! Good deal.
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Couldnt be better - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By toconnell - August 1 - 2:00 amOkay, so I bought a "new" Beetle in 2001. I have enjoyed every mile I have driven, from commuting in the city to long trips. It holds an amazing amount of equipment with the back seat folded down, and gets super mileage. Even loaded with my best friend, her dog, my dog, and gear for a weekend camping, the car can pass anything going uphill. A marvelous machine!
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Not my wifes car! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By - June 26 - 10:00 amWhen it was time to replace my 95 GTI VR6, much beloved for its power and utility, my goal was 4 seats and at least as much performance. My kids wanted a "punch buggy." My wife loved the snap orange New Beetle. I test drove the 1.8T but felt it was a step down, and had a rubbery shifter. Then I test drove the Turbo S and fell in love with the noticeable increase in power, 6 speed shifter, and great seats. My wife can get an orange one next time; mines a black Turbo S!
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Bleck - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Michael Pollack - May 9 - 10:00 amThe interior rattles are ridiculous, and the dealers that I have brought it to have not fixed them and do not seem to care. It has had rattles from day 1, and the dealers have only made it worse, or simply lied about serivce that was not actually performed. It has been disappointing, and I cannot wait to get rid of it. Its cute and that is about all it has going for it. Forget about picking up more than one person at the airport.
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2003 New Beetle Turbo - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By iatros - May 1 - 12:51 pmI bought our 2003 New Beetle Convertible Turbo with auto 6 speed in June 2003 for my wifes birthday. We had to go to Arlington, TX, to order one of the first to come into the USA. My wife has loved this car! The handling and comfort are great, and she loves to leave the pickemup drivers standing at the lights. We dont drive it much, but one highlight was trip from Huntsville, AL, to Ashville, NC, in October. But I worry a bit. There have been several service issues, including one coil recoil. The latest service, with 57,600 miles, was the appearance of Service Engine light. Dealer wants only $2200 to fix everything!
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opened can - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By gephart meinstroff - April 27 - 10:00 amdont buy it, have had 4 problems with convertible top, no parts available.
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review - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Kimberlee - April 16 - 10:00 amThe car is a dream to drive and is always fun to be spotted in!
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LOVE MY NEW BEETLE - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By HOLLY - March 3 - 10:00 amLOVE MY NEW BEETLE. FUN AND EASY TO DRIVE AND VERY COMFORTABLE.
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Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By E2Z - January 27 - 9:00 amWe have had the Turbo S for two years and 43,000 miles. We took it back to the dealer once for a recall. Other than that it has been perfect! It is fun to drive, comfortable, economical, relatively fast (my wife also has a Corvette) and dependable. We use it to commute 160 highway miles a day.
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Dont be Fooled by the Hype - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Jeff A. - January 26 - 10:00 amThe heated seats dont work like they have in the past. Dealer insists there is a temperature sensor in the seats to determine how hot the seat should be. Even with the air-conditioning on in freezing temperatures, the 5 setting does not work at all. Not impressed with the fuel economy in the cold months. Averaging 21-22 mpg in the city. Power windows have a tendancy to roll back down after youve rolled them up. Sluggish start after sitting overnight. There is a wind vibration inside the car if the sunroof is open and traveling less than 20 mph. Very annoying.
