2002 Volkswagen New Beetle Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

3.96/5 Average
139 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

A Turbo S model debuts, motivated by a 180-horsepower version of VW's1.8-liter turbo engine teamed with a six-speed manual gearbox. Other exclusives for the Turbo S include Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP), a slightly stiffer suspension, 17-inch "Delta X" alloy wheels, revised turn signals and foglights, a front spoiler, a redesigned rear bumper with Turbo S badging and brushed alloy interior accents. Additionally, a rear spoiler will deploy from the hatch when these special Bugs reach 45 mph. Exterior paint for the S is limited to Reflex Silver, Black, Red and Platinum Gray. Later in the year, a Sport model debuts -- it's essentially a GLS 1.8T with a five-speed manual, 17-inch wheels, leather interior and a Sport badge on the deck lid. Changes for the rest of the lineup are minor: New colors such as limited-edition Snap Orange and Riviera Blue further enhance the Beetle's eye-candy appeal, and 16-inch wheels with 205/55 tires are now standard across the board. For 2002, all-new Volkswagen vehicles come standard with an improved four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, up from two years/24,000 miles. In addition, Volkswagen offers a fully transferable limited powertrain warranty that covers five years or 60,000 miles.

Pros:
  • Cute yet classic styling, excellent crash-test scores, affordably priced, turbo models are fun to drive, available six-speed manual and stability control with Turbo S model.
Cons:
  • Compromised rear seat/cargo capacity compared to Golf.

User Reviews:

Showing 121 through 130 of 139.00
  • Nice but lots of trips to the Dealer - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    Nice car to drive. However, has been to the VW dealer four times in the two months I have owned it. MIL for gas cap. Replace knock sensor. Change rear interior panel to eliminate rattle/squeak. Door lock/interior light problem that is hard to track down - may require several trips to find the problem. Dealer is responsive but it is a hassle to keep going back so often.

  • Fun car with personality - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    If you want personality and style this is the car for you.

  • My Killer Bee Rocks!!!!! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    I purchased my 1.8T GLS New Beetle a couple days ago from a dealership in Dalton Georgia. I Bought the yellow concept which they only made 2000 of. The concept has the ricarro seats they put in the turbo S, yellow and black seats, yellow stiching in the seats and wheel, and yellow wheel inserts.I recentaly blew away a 2002 Boxter while it was trying to pass me, boy they looked suprised. This is a awesome car for the money and would suggest it to anyone looking for a nice car that is sweet,fast,and reliable.

  • Old Faithful - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    At 243K, still going strong. Needed new transmission at 230K but likely because I overuse the 5th gear at low speed to improve mileage and wore it out. My only complaint is the interior parts. Rear seat fell apart in the first week. Center console fell apart shortly after. Surprisingly rotten and cheap parts on such a worthy vehicle. Diesel needs to be treated with anti-gel for 3 months of Northeast winter and I had a pre-heater installed after the glow-plugs cooked and were too rusted in to replace. This diesel car had real trouble starting below -10F with glow plugs working and below 20F after they died so a heater really protects battery, starter and engine. Check engine light has been on for last 100k miles but that’s just something you deal with in the age of science and technology. That crap never functions right for 1/2 the life of a vehicle. Still my primary commuter as it gets 45 mpg.

  • go bug go - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    kids love it ...easy to get in and out of the car.

  • Volkswagn Turbo S Review - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    Absolutely awesome car! Fun to drive. Super fast pickup and excellent performance.

  • Not too many bugs in this bug - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    Overall a good car. Have had 2 occasions that it needed towing - mostly electrical problems. Handles well in rain and snow (Buffalo type!).

  • Beetle Turbo S (Spicy) :-) - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    I just bought it today and I drove it around the city with heavy rain. The performance is top notch! Very nice interior and exterior as well. Love the whole Turbo S Package. I got the dealer came down $1K below the sticker price! :-) YIHAA!

  • Dont buy a 99 Beetle - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    Stay away from the 1999 Beetle. In a span of 4 months this 3 year old car has been in the shop 9 times. The dealer told me that I am "not an exception to the rule" when it comes to this year and model. The following are the problems consistant with other model problems: window mechanisms, front seat handles, break light switch to get out of park, engine light over- sensitivity, trunk not sealing appropriately, radio/cassette replacement. I have also had issues with door handles (actually getting out of the car)and door lock mechanisms. Additionally I have had to replace the entire engine. I do not recommend this car at all. Although fun to drive, not worth the headache.

  • What a Dissappointment - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    Had problems with the car from the start. Engine would just shut off while driving 60 mph on the highway. Wife had many close calls with that until they found the problem in the programming. Then car leaked water into the floor of the back seat. VW said it was the sunroof drain. After over $2k in repair charges problem still not fixed. Battery died, car sat a little and leak filled the floor. Ive got bad mold smell, VW cant fix leak and Ive basically got a junk car as I cant afford to replace the interior. What a piece of Crap. Should have listened to my little voice that said VW has reliability problems. Dont buy a VW

Volkswagen New Beetle Reviews By Year:
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