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 191 through 200 of 204.00

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  Save your money!! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Heather Boyd - September 22 - 2:00 am

  This is the worst car that I have ever owned. Repairs are as follows: Headlights 2 times,Disc brakes and rotors (at 30000 miles), Check engine light on constanly(costing $90.00 every time) EGR valve,Air dam,Brake switch,Fuel line freeze up at 25 degrees. Not to mention the 24/24 warranty.Dealer is tired of me coming back all the time. Save your money!!! Also... At 50000 miles it will cost you $500.00 to replace the timing belt.

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  Too Cute Not to Love! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By R. P. - September 4 - 6:10 am

  I fell in love with the New Beetle when they first came out and I have wanted one ever since. Owning one has been a dream come true! I love my Bug!

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  Let Me Tell You Whats BUGn Me - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By steelfab - August 30 - 1:23 am

  We bought our 03 Beetle with the 1.8L with about 50,000 miles on it. Within weeks it had an engine light on. I have battled the engine light, among other things, ever since. We changed an injector and a coil pack on the number 2 cylinder because of a persistent miss. This was after diagnosis of codes would not narrow the problem down. Immediately following it began cranking hard on start and not starting until the second attempt. First code said crankshaft sensor so we replaced that. Had to replace camshaft sensor thereafter to fix the problem. Next it threw a coolant system code so we replaced the ECT sensor. After that the thermostat. This car was a reliability nightmare. Never ever again.

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  Makes me smile - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By mobigman - July 11 - 10:00 am

  This is the only car ive ever owned that just brings a smile to my face each time I drive it. Im a large person, and I REALLY APPRECIATE the interior room. I love the design and the sportiness.

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  Too many repairs! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By lvnlyf - July 4 - 12:56 am

  Im upset about the repairs Ive had to have done. First the door handle, then the windows, then the convertible top, then another window. The list goes on. The interior is not impressive either. The door handles plastic coating wore through. The cigarette lighter pop out (I dont smoke) wont shut properly. They said they just glue them shut (!). It looks great from afar, but the quality isnt there. But what really makes me mad is the $$ it has cost me to repair all the stuff. Dont buy one! No matter how fun it is to drive or how cute it looks with the top down, you might be looking at a lemon.

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  Happy Fat Man - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Chanman - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Our Beetle is a 2003 Convertible GLS with leather and a six-speed automatic. This past Fall my wife and I took our 2003 Beetle Convertible on an 18 day, 5000 mile excursion to Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon and most points in between. We packed a weeks change of clothes for warm and cool weather, plus a cooler packed with drinks, food, and cameras, ect. NO PROBLEM!! I am a big, big man, pushing 400lbs. Yet we were both very comfortable and the car performed without flaw. Let me tell you...there is nothing like the Rockies in a rag-top!!

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  NEW BEETLE GLX CONVERTIBLE - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By DAVE - April 17 - 10:00 am

  JUST PICKED UP A GLX TURBO CONVERTIBLE THIS IS THE ONLY WAY TO BUY. I DROVE THE 2.0 NOT ENOUGH GET UP AND GO TO PURCHASE ONE FOR FUN. THIS CAR HAS LOTS OF ROOM, HANDLES VERY WELL AND IT IS A REAL LOOKER. THE ONLY COMPLAINT THUS FAR IS THE CONVERTIBLE BOOT COVER LATCH NOT THE BEST DESIGN, MADE OF PLASTIC AND SHOULD BE STAINLESS STEEL.

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  LOVE THIS CAR! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Halvorson - April 17 - 10:00 am

  We love this car. It drives like a dream and is a real head turner.

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  NOT CUTE! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bruintoo - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Really a fun car to drive. The turbo engine makes a difference when compared to the normally aspirated engine. The 6- speed tiptronic shifts imperceptively. The body is rigid with nary a cowl share or twisting. The 10 speaker monsoon powered system is strong. The backseats are narrow but still usable. The same goes for the trunk. Its such a wonderful care that you almost want to forget that its too cute.

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  VW NEW Beetle 2002 - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Tina Bonham - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive. So far its been very dependable, no problems with mechanics or other. Easy to drive. The drive of this car is very comfortable and solid. It is not noisy in the interior when driving on the highway. I have enjoyed this vehicle. I will have it forever, probably~ its a classic!