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 111 through 120 of 204.00-
Baileys review - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Jim Ragan - February 8 - 10:00 amI love to drive it and am very proud of the little guy. It feels like Im driving a much heavier and larger car.
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Gotta have one... - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By JSP - January 24 - 2:00 amThis car is pure fun. I used to drive a 91 Saab, but the body style got boring on the newer model... so I defected. My friends thought I was nuts when I was considering this car, but the review once they rode in my Bug was "this is the coolest car I have ever been in." The pep of the turbo rocks and the luxury features on the GXL are a great value. I got everything I wanted for $22,600 vs. $30+ for everything else I was considering. Picture a sunny day, sunroof open, stereo cranked, leather wrapped wheel in hand, turbo kicking in on a straight-away... sounds like a beach day to me. F-U-N!
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WOW! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By valeriee03 - January 13 - 10:00 amI love my new beetle. its practical, efficient, and reliable! its the best quality car out there. I feel safe with all of the safety features and the bonuses are a joy.
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My Horror Story - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By azuki - December 19 - 7:34 amThis was my first car at the age of 18. When I got my Beetle, it had about 72,000 miles on it, and not even 4 months after receiving it, the problems began. Immediately, my transmission died completely. My warranty company gave me a $4,000 check and voided my warranty after seeing the $12,000 repair bill. Then, the battery died. Twice. As did the alternator and air conditioning. My rear window also got stuck and that would have cost me 4 hours of labor fees just to get to the broken bits. Its not like I drove it a lot - over a course of 3 years I didnt even drive 10,000 miles. For the love of god, stay away from this car. It is one problem after another, literally every 3-5 months.
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Electric Gremlins - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Fernando alemany - December 12 - 2:00 amWe had ro dipose of the car (trade it in), at 46,000 miles even though we had purchased the aditional 100,000 mile extended warranty. It started giving us too many problems with the electric systems. Oue dealer was less than friendly in dealing with us. We sold it at a loss just to get rid of the headaches.
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VW does it again - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By aromatic hydrocarbon - October 20 - 10:00 amVW pulls another "Rabbit" out of the hat. I am 6-3, and fit this car like it was made just for me. I didnt buy it for performance, thrills, and such, but its simply amazing what a 90 HP engine prodcuing 155 ft-lbs of torque can do. The creature comforts for the GLS level are well done, the sunroof is in the right place, the thoughtfullness and operation of the controls are, well, so German! And thats a compliment. Good drive- ability, outstanding, frugal economy, and reminds me an awful lot of the "real" bugs we loved so much in the 60s and 70s. I wouldnt want to go back there, this is a superiour car
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Good so far - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By JMorr - October 20 - 10:00 amA great car so far. The design and engineering are terrific for the price. Car drives well and has quite a few features for the price.
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Everyone loves my car - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By always a VW fan - October 13 - 10:00 amI was the first person in the city to purchase this car. I had been waiting for several years for it to come out. I love everything about this car. People are always shouting out thier windows at me about how much they love it too! My daughter and her friends love to ride it in. My daughter thinks shes getting it in 3 years - yeah right!
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Worth Babying - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By stoontdi - October 9 - 6:10 pmIf everybody had one of these, it wouldnt be as much fun. The TDI can pull a 1500 lb. boat and trailer better than a gas with all that torque and still get over 32 miles to the gallon.
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electronic issues - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Heidi - September 29 - 2:53 pmVery disappointed in the electronics of my bug - it has had so many "bugs". Ive had the seat belt/airbag sensors replaced, various other sensors, the catalytic converter and every time I get in it theres seems to be some dash light that comes on indicating a problem. The car has 75,000 miles on it and is a lot of fun to drive, but Im not recommending purchasing a Beetle because of the issues it has had. Ive written a letter to the headquarters regarding the issues along with receipts from my repairs. Every time I take it to the dealer they want to charge $80+ for diagnostics. Im at the point now that Im looking to purchase another vehicle because of the problems Ive had.
