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

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  New Rag Top - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Beth 66 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Great car, fun to drive, lots and lots of looks from other jealous drivers. The top is very easy to put up and down and does not leak!

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  It a GREAT car - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Cricket Loftin - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had my "bug" for only about 5 months it is the best car i have ever had.I am only 18 but it will last me a lifetime. I would never give it up. I trust it.

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  Its has a few faults but its about LOVE! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Beetleboy - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my aquarius blue convertible for 5 months now. I love the car. It is fun to drive, people notice you, young and old love this car. I had problems with my air bag light that wont go off and windows that will not go back up under the convertible top. It has been to the service dept several times for these problems. They are happening less frequent now. My dealership and service advisor have been great. They bend over backwards to please me. I finally broke the 30 mpg barrier after 4500 miles.These are little problems people have. This car is great to drive!! Oh, by the way, this is my 3rd VW and I will continue to buy them.

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  only three complaints! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By TiffieTu - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my second new beetle in as many years. The first a 2000 GLX, I kept a year before VW of Amer. replaced it with a 2001 GLX, gratus. Car kept loosing power after coming to a stop and attempting to accelerate again. They spent a year trying to correct without success. New 2001 does the same thing and now they "own-up-to" its "Turbo-Lag which all Turbos have and They cant do anything about it."

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  blue bug - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Blue Bug - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I love my convertible bug! However, the drivers window shattered due to a malfunction. Truly cant put alot in the vehicle but its a fun car!

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  smiles! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By henrywoody - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful Blue w/cream leather, big alloys and the perfect shape-just a lot of fun! Turbo lags a little, but kicks it just fine once it gets rolling. Top is a blast to work and seals up great. Our 11 year old has got dibs on this one for high school!

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  not baby friendly but still good. - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By chicloso - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Beetle is a very good car overall, with only a few annoying quirks. The ride is sporty, yet supple where it needs to be. Very easy to control. Just try to get it on 3 wheels or to spin out of control...it aint easy. Braking is top of the line & out performs most Japanese cars & many domestics. No one can match the headroom, not even a truck,unless your in a convertible. Power windows,locks,alarm,sideairbags,heated seats,etc are standard. It has an excellent safety record too. Beetle has a solid feel to it.

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  convertable top - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By stu - November 9 - 10:00 am

  dont buy this car until vols fixes their problems with the new top. mine goes up and down but you cannot always latch the top at the windshield. they tell me to let it sit in the sun. not the best answer when it starts to rain and you cannot get it to close. dealership has no idea how to fix

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  The not too bad, the good and the great! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ruzzeld - October 19 - 4:05 am

  This is/was our 2nd VW New Beetle TDI. Both 2003s. I can say that Ive been very happy overall with both cars. The only downside is the maintenance expense compared to Toyotas (zero unscheduled maintenance expense with every Toyota Ive owned). But kinda boring. BOTH Bugs: FUN to drive! More comfortable (Im 63"). Great road trip car, for my wife and I with plenty of room for luggage with the back seat folded down. GREAT mileage (never less than 43 with everyday driving and up to 55mpg on road trips). We used it as a 2nd car and whoever had to drive the furthest that day.. WANTED the bug. Fun and cheap!

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  lemon beetle - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By verna portugues - July 10 - 8:53 am

  I have spent over $8,000 trying to get my beetle to stop jerking without avail. Now I have to spend another 6,000 to replace the transmission. And I still owe on the car. the beetle is a pretty car but not worth the hassle.