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 161 through 170 of 204.00

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  Love My Turbo S - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bren - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This car is one of the best purchases I have ever made. The 6-speed manual and 180 hp make this so much fun to drive. I also get many looks and good comments about it. The cars "get up and go" is great. I love how this car is unique to all the other New Beetles. The two tone leather interior is awesome. Some may gripe about the back seat being too small. All I have to say is that this car is not a "family car", it is a car to have fun in! This car has made me nothing but happy since the day I bought it.

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  A kick to drive, but... - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By CAClaire - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for fun, power & speed, & it delivers . However, there are drawbacks, some which arent a problem for me (small cupholders), & some that are, especially the lack of sun protection on the side windows. Sunbelt residents beware. A really big disappointment - I just got back from a long trip that revealed APPALLING road noise! Forget using your nifty monsoon sound system unless you crank it up full blast, forget using your cellphone, forget a conversation with your travelling companion at any level lower than shouting. Bad, bad, bad.

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  It looks good but... - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Reggie Heins - June 24 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my VW Beetle for three months. The whole right side lighting was out from the day I bought it and an officer pointed it out to me. Found out the fuses were falling out and broken. The window rolls up on auto but when it gets to the top it comes right back down. The tail lights have already burned out and had to be replaced after a full 5000 miles. And last but not least, the drivers seat apholstry seperated on the door side and the little platic hinge cover on the right side of the drivers seat broke off and fell in the floor. The dealership said I must have broke it because they have never seen one do that before, and refused to fix it.

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  Love My Beetle BUT....no clearance under - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Rene - June 11 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased the beetle three days ago and am quite pleased. Actually the process was so smooth and easy however am disappointed in one feature that seems impossible to alter...clearance under the vehicle. Therefore I feel the dealership needs to make sure the potential buyer understands the cars limitations in this regard. See below....

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  good - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By joan clark - June 5 - 10:00 am

  the only thing i do not like is the noise from the sun roof

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  number 1 car review (volkswagon beetle) - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By shocker1029 - June 5 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car you could ever have! I think the 2003 Volkswagon Beetle Convertible should get a perfect ten on both style and performance. I fell in love the minute I first layed eyes on this perfect car.

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  Buy a Bug! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By michaels - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I love my convertible! I have wanted to get a new beatle for a while and I am happy I purchased it. The tiptronic is a fun way to speed up for merging and the S or Sport Mode is nice for country drives. While the GLS isnt going to win anybody over who just HAS to zoom everywhere they go, this bug has got some pep to it. An overall fun way to drive.

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  BEETLE A GOOD CAR - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By KELLY - May 22 - 2:00 am

  BOUGHT AN 03 BEETLE AND PUT SOME MONEY INTO IT AFTER A ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AND IT HAS BEEN AN EXCELLENT CAR. i HAVE PUT SO MANY MILES ON THE CAR, THAT I WAS AMAZED THAT I DID NOT HAVE TO PUT AS MUCH MONEY AS AN AMERICAN CAR. IT IS DOWN TO THE WIRE AND I AM GETTING READY TO GET A NEW CAR AND THE BEETLE WILL GO DOWN AS ONE OF THE BEST CARS EVER MADE. tHE vw HAS SOME QUIRKS BUT I NEVER DROVE A CAR THAT DID NOT. tHE GERMAN TECH IS amazing!!! THE CAR LOOKS BRAND new ON THE OUTSIDE AND I HAVE BEEN GIVEN OFFERS TO SELL THE CAR BECUASE OF THE UP KEEP. VOLKSWAGON IS NO LONGER MAKING THEM AND I DOUBT THE BEETLE WILL RETURN SO I THINK A BEETLE IS BEST AS A SECOND CAR . I AM SAD BUT READY FOR NEW!

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  2003 Bug - Sunroof - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Bragi - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed driving my 2003 bettle ever since I purchased it. The interior and exterior are both great and it is a lot of fun to drive. The interstates in Louisiana are often warped because of the hot temperatures and the bug does not handle the bumps well at high speed, other than that I dont have any complaints. It is a very reliable vehicle. The bottom clearance is low for the vechicle so you have to watch out for that. The trunk space is small but adequate and the fold-back rear seats provide more room if necessary. I enjoy having the windshield further away from the driver as it gives a more spacious feeling.

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  Still Paying for Itself - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By driven - April 15 - 6:43 am

  This TDI was purchased with the intent of commuting. It returned 47 mpg the first two years of ownership but just 43 mpg since a new set of tires was put on at 60,000 miles. It starts right up in cold weather (as low as -8 F), handles well, and has more than enough power. The car is comfortable and has been dependable to date other than the repeated replacement of headlights (three in 65,000 miles). The interior has held up well despite the miles and three kids. I bought it as a leftover for $16,600 and it has proven to be very reliable. My uncle owns an auto 2002 TDI and gets 42 mpg. Mine is the 5-speed stick. I am looking for a second one for my teenage daughter.