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 121 through 130 of 204.00

• 

  Even better the second time! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Matthew - August 25 - 2:16 am

  Had a 2001 dark blue turbo beetle before and loved it so much i upgraded to a red turbo S. I cant imagine driving anything else (getting in other cars just seems so dull)! Not one single problem has occurred- VW has improved tremendously on their reliability.

• 

  Best Car Ive Had!!! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By TDI - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I love this car!!! It get sweet gas mileage!!! The design is awesome!!! Dealership was great. No complaints!!! VW nice jobe :-)

• 

  New Beetle Turbo S - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dharris - August 12 - 10:00 am

  This is my third New Beetle. My first was a GLS TDI then my second was the GLX Turbo. Now I have the Turbo S. I love this car. I have had no problems with it! The car is nice because it looks different than the other New Beetle models (exterior and interior). Handling is awesome. The 180hp engine is a ton faster than the 150hp. The 6 speed tranny helps in this area. I love it! I wouldnt change a thing!

• 

  TDI is the name of the game! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Garfield - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Just finished a short trip through the NC mountians. The car handled almost as good as my A4 Audi Q. Just think of it as a new bettle with the sound of an old one. I took it up 15% grades with 4 adults in 4 gear at 60mph with no problem. Thats not bad. Car is solid on the road and handles very well. Buy one and you will agree.

• 

  GLX Turbo!!!! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By GLX TURBO!!!! - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I have read the other reviews and I would have to disagree with the negative comments! This car is great. The first mistake they did was buying the GLS 2.0. That is only bad model of the New Beetle. It is gutless. The GLX 1.8T on the otherhand is fast!!! Great car! Thank you Volkswagen!!!

• 

  Worst car Ive ever owned - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Glenn Acheson - June 13 - 3:16 pm

  This car is the worst car Ive ever owned. The transmission shifts hard when its warm - dealer says thats normal. When shifting from Reverse to Drive or vice versa, you have to wait several seconds for it to engage. Replacing the battery was a royal pain, not to mention expensive. Replacing one of the front headlights was even worse. Now one of the front lenses has fallen off... The front left turn signal fell out of place from some clip thats broken. Now the check engine light is on - who knows how much THATs going to cost. Performance is wretched, even for a 4 cyl. Mileage is only 25 mpg hwy. My 6 cyl 2000 Taurus gets 28!!!

• 

  Never again - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By twilliams - May 22 - 10:33 pm

  Bought car w/only 17,000 miles-1 owner. Brakes/front needed new w/rotors @ 37,000 miles. R/brakes w/rotors @ 58,000. R/hatch takes 2-3 hits to release. Have had 4 low beam bulbs burn out! Dealer charges $$$ 2 replace. Check engine light on, thermostat eng. Temp light on yet nothing wrong at all. Interior continues to fall apart- radio presets, visor clip, hand brake knob, dash vent close knob, tilt/tele. Rubber knob loose, glove comp. Latch ready to fall apart anytime now. Will never buy a Volkswagen again no matter what model. Have a few months to pay off, then selling it before it fails me for good. I maintain my cars well & drive them easy. Worst car ever owned- period.

• 

  Adorable Car with Way Too Many Issues - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By LS - May 16 - 2:03 pm

  Fell 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.

• 

  With the wind in my hair... - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Kristabelle - March 15 - 1:43 pm

  Never thought Id have a VW, much less a convertible, but here I am. This car is so cute, fun and fun to drive. Ive had the top down non-stop and have had to figure out the best way to keep my hair fixed and out of my face! Gee, what a problem to have! Im 30 w/no kids and 2 dogs. Cant wait to buy doggles for the dogs to wear in the back seat...with the wind blowing in their hair...

• 

  A Breath of Fresh Air - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Buglover - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Shortly after purchasing my bug, I made plans to drive from Chicago to California. A solo trip with diversions north and south of the direct route. I travelled through 13 states, through many twisting mountain passes and boiling deserts, and this car was atreat to drive! Tight turns on hairpin corners-she held at three times the recommended speed. National parks with a 360 degree view with the top down! Close enough to pet the buffalo at Custer State Park in SD. My bug handled the snow and off road terrain at Crazy Horse Monument. My 6CD changer and Monsoon sound system blasted and relieved other drivers from my questionable singing voice.