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 91 through 100 of 204.00

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  My Blue Bug - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dcrane - March 21 - 10:00 am

  It was my 50th Bday present - - what a surprise - - it has turned heads on the streets now for 5 months

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  problems - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Cookie - February 13 - 10:00 am

  gas door quit working twice; drivers window rattled and was fixed; next day, same window shattered mostly in the door; left windows almost close but back goes back down; weve spent more time at the dealers than we had hoped we would; makes you wonder what is going to happen next time;

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  This car rocks! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By El Guapo - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Just got the new Lifestyle package in Blue Lagoon. The blue and black leather seats are awesome and the turbo eats up these hills in Austin. Owner of a 1972 beetle and it is amazing how far these cars have come.

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  I love it! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bugsy - February 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Volkswagen and I am so glad I bought a bug. A yellow one at that. Everyone says it is so perfect for me and it is so much fun to drive.

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  TDI Plus and Minus - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Terry Thompson - January 11 - 11:20 pm

  The TDI Beetle is a great idea, I bought it because I assumed it would get good mileage and last a long time. Yes and no. It generally gets good gas mileage but there is a problem. Our diesel fuel isnt all that good and the engine has a tendency to combine some of the bad components with carbon particles which, over time, ends up clogging the intake manifold. There has been a solution (a rather expensive one) but VW no longer supports it. You can get to about 30,000 - 40,000 miles before something has to be done. Know this going in, if VW figures out a solution to this problem, the car is a great buy, if they dont stay away.

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  Tangerine - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Trixiebaby - January 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought a new Beetle convertible to replace my 1998 VW Cabrio, with 130,000 miles on it. Honestly, I was quite nervous making this purchase, in light of the recent quality control problems and past poor reliability of this model, at least in the hardtop model. Im keeping my fingers crossed! So far, the car has been a joy - only downside is that the top is a little hard to secure when putting it back up.

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  18 Wheeler VS. Beetle - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By BugDieselVW - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I was hit by any 18 wheeler and the cars protective features really did a super job. I survived the crash with only a few bumps and bruises. Even the windows stayed in tact. I loved my Bug before but now I am in love.

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  Great Buy - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By hstanleys - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Looed at mini,but did not want to pay sticker price.Also concerned about reliability.Drove new beetle and knew it was the better deal.

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  UH HUH - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By YA MAMA - October 8 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS A REALLY GREAT CAR! I LOVE IT!

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  Great Little Bug - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By vance - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Just traded way down from my Porsche Targa to my new 03 Beetle Turbo S. We LOVE it! Goes like the dickens and I feel like a better citizen as well. Nobody hates Beetle drivers...EVERYBODY hates Porsche drivers.