5 Star Reviews for 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle

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 11 through 20 of 139.00
  • I love my bug. - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    This turbo diesel does have some get up and go while getting awesome mileage. Its fun to drive & as small as the car is, I somehow feel safe inside it. I will buy another Bug. I just hope they keep making the TDI.

  • My Silver Beetle - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    I love my Beetle and so do my grandkids!!

  • New Beetle "Fun to Drive" - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    Although not a Turbo..has enough power to get you where your going. Very comfortable and dependable. Overall quality...excellent. We owned several bugs..no comparison. New Beetle drives and handles like a big car. Wonderful Volkswagen reliability..need I say more.

  • Probably the best in its class - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    Needed more build quality. Overdrive with automatic transmition is annoying

  • Experience!! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    Surprisingly the vehicle handles like a much bigger car. It hold the road very well at top traffic speed. It is a flashy, fun to drive big car in a little car body.

  • Booboos Cool Ride - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    This is the best car I have ever owned! Great comfort, excellent fuel mileage and all around fun to drive! This car made for an outstanding 10yr. anniversary gift...husbands do get it right sometimes!!! :-)

  • LOVE THIS CAR! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    The VW Beetle was my dream car, and I finally was able to find one, which I purchased used from a dealership. There is the possibility of some electrical issues, but I keep it well maintained and absolutely adore it. I still just like looking at it, and driving it every day. Repairs can be costly, again the key here is maintenance. I get compliments on my car almost daily. Cup holders inadequate, as are the sun visors, but other than that I really cant complain.

  • I know others complain about VW but... - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    I love my Beetle! I have had no complaints in the 4 years I have owned this car. It is so much fun to drive, and feels like a more expensive car. My husband is trying to talk me into a new one, but it is so hard to find something of equal cost with the same features. The only concern: the transmission is sealed and the fluid cant be changed. They say its lifetime fluid, but I dont buy it. If not for that, I would drive this baby till the wheels fell off!

  • I LOVED this car, just too small... - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    I absolutely adored this car. She was gun-metal grey and I named her Judy, after Judy Jettson. Also lovingly called her the bubble-mobile because EVERYTHING inside is round or rounded. Super fun to drive, very reliable, very comfortable. But it did some weird stuff, as do all my vehicles. The overheat light kept coming on, even when Id first start it up. Then it would go off. Then come back on. Eventually I was driving on the highway and it severely overheated, melted the head gasket and there was anti-freeze in the oil. Ridiculous. I had thought the light was malfunctioning, not the cooling system. Only complaint about it is that any time something went wrong, it was EXPENSIVE to fix!

  • Diesel - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
    By -

    Only problem I have had is replacing the timing belt twice @ 40K & 67K. VW is not responding quickly on this one. They were proactive in the brake light recall, & that was fixed (it worked fine on mine) w/ no problem.

Volkswagen New Beetle Reviews By Year:
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