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 201 through 204 of 204.00-
disposable car - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By ruizd - February 26 - 2:10 amI bought a 2003 convertible beetle with 60k. one week after driving it i notice a hard shift, a few days after an oil leak was noticed. I took it a Volkswagen dealer and they did a diagnostic and confirmed what I told them, suggested that I do a transmission fluid check and it could fix the problem I said BS. I had read all the complaints about this car and my mechanic also told me that I should have never bought it, he pointed out the the transmission could not be serviced and all of the hoses are made of plastic that with heat they become brittle and break.. so I took my loss and bought a Honda accord. dont buy this car is disposable. I would never buy a volkswagen again..
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Love/Hate Relationship - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Sarah - February 24 - 1:03 pmI bought this car just 3 months ago and the love of the car died very quickly. 2 weeks after having the car the check engine light came on and it needed a thermostat and temperature sensor ($600), then a few weeks after that the oil light comes on, cant figure out why, now 3 months later the moon roof has decided to pop up and down all on its own, its creepy, I have just gotten to the point that I laugh at the car when one of the lights comes on. I love the look of the car and its fun to drive, people wave at you and smile when they see you but Volkswagen did a horrible job at making this vehicle and really makes German engineering look bad. I will never buy another Volkswagen product again
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I love this car! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Ron Bruce - February 22 - 10:00 amI just sold my Audi 4000S which I had for 19 years. I was nervous about getting this New Beetle, but I took the plunge. Three months and 5,300 miles later, I am so delighted with it. Even though it has plenty of power, people do not expect it to be a hill climber or a speeder, and so I think it is cut some slack surveillance-wise.
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Good, but not great - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By York - February 2 - 10:00 amI was expecting more from VW. Though my Beetle was a fine car by all standards, it didnt offer much that was great. The second row was very cramped, and the side-view mirrors were a pain-- they gave a blindspot. It was, however, quite interesting to own.
