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 1 through 10 of 204.00-
LEMON - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By zozo - November 28 - 10:00 amI had my car 4 days and I had to take it back (Car was brand new, it had 3 miles when I picked it up) Anyway the dealership ended up making my 1st car payment because they had it a month. The car had to have its breaks replaced and the sensor panel replaced (IN A BRAND NEW CAR), and the window kept coming off track and the car was taken back 4 more times due to the breaks.
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NOT AS FUN AS YOU THINK.... - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By cathybee - November 28 - 10:00 amThis is the only car I have EVER wanted and after having it for a year, I will never own one again. I have had it in for repairs at least 20 times-- everything from a basic turn signal not working to the entire electronic system completing going. The drivers side window also malfunctioned---and when it was 30 degrees outside! Can you believe that for a car thats a year old? No thanks. Volkswagen can keep it.
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Not suited to the weaker sex - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By gebrimner - July 23 - 10:00 amThe convertible top is the reason to buy but it is not easy to use. The handle to pull and latch the top is hard for a woman to use. Likewise when the top is down the cover boot for the top is required to be in place and it too is difficult to latch. The cover boot was replaced for a better fit but still suffers from difficulty to push the latches into the locking slots. Dealer suggestion to place the boot cover on while heated up is a joke!
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Please do not buy - save yourself - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By lpdjam - July 16 - 2:00 amThis car has been in the shop over 15 times in 8 months. The roof does not go up or down most the time. The windows dont go up and down some of the time. The conv. top cables, motor, computer sensor. The roof and electrical system are a total mess. Not even to go into the airbag light going on and not parts available to repair at this time.
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3rd Tow in the Month of June - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Bug Hater - April 5 - 10:00 amVehicle has been towed for the 3rd time in the month of June 04 - each time for repeated, but varied electrical problems. Not my idea of a "finely tuned German automobile". First repair took seven days due to parts availability and then vehicle only operated for five miles. Second repair was exactly 61 miles later, again another electrical problem. Repeated calls to Volkswagen CustomerCare center have only produced repeated apologies, but no solutions - At this point, I would not recommend this vehicle or wish my experiences on anyone.
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Future Buyers Beware - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By No drop top fun - April 1 - 2:00 amSilver 03 Convertible, transmission not working at time of delivery, fuel door quit working, top quit working twice. Currently, 3rd week without a working top. Yugo had better quality. At least you knew what you were buying. You will get more enjoyment out of a typical fast food drive up window than from VW customer service. This is my 3rd and final VW convertible.
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Cute, but at a pricy - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By sherry - March 22 - 5:26 amI have to say, I love my Beetle Convertible, but I am not impressed with VWs reliability or dealer service. In less than 19,000 miles my Beetle has COMPLETELY broken down twice, and I had to have it towed both times through roadside assistance. In fact the first one was on my way home from vacation in Florida, and the delay was not a pleasant expereience. So far Ive had the entire ignition system replaced, new battery and alternator and most recently had to have the front bumper removed just to fix a broken sensor. (A "quick" 6 business day fix) I think VW is right on target with their design and engineering, but they just dont make it all work. I will not be buying another VW.
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Adorable Car with Way Too Many Issues - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By LS - May 16 - 2:03 pmFell in love with this car and bought it new. Within the first three months, I think it was in the shop about 4 times. Since then, particularly during summer months, its in the shop on average about once every 6 weeks. Have had problems with the windows, the speakers, the battery (twice), the roof has broken countless times, the wiring on the tail lights, the airbag sensors, the blinker - and the door, which still isnt fixed. Also, the service at my dealership is terrible. They once replaced the wrong airbag so the sensor came back on a couple days later. I would ABSOLUTELY NOT RECOMMEND this car. They take no accountability and I will never purchase another VW, no matter how cute.
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Great Design, Bad Quality - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By SkipG - May 20 - 10:00 amThe car looks great - inside and out, but it feels cheap. After 7k the window broke (supposedly fixed in this model year). After 10k the dash board started rattling. In General, the car does not handle or perform well. I long for my old celica.
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German Engineering? - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By julse520 - March 4 - 12:02 pmI bought this as my first car thinking I was being smart by buying something with good fuel econemy and reliability. I love to drive the car when its working properly.For the first two months or so, she provided me with all of that until one day, during rush hour traffic, the car lost ALL power completely. After that, car SLAMS into gear. Now, the car likes to do that randomly in awful places. The turbo lag on a hot day is ridiculous. I feel like Im going to be killed sometime soon. And also, all the plastic finishes in the interior break. Car is made extremely cheep. Oh yea, german engineering? Its made in MEXICO if that explains the awesome reliability haha
