Overview & Reviews

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.

• 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.

• Compromised rear seat/cargo capacity compared to Golf.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 139.00

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  Broken Dreams - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ashellris - June 13 - 11:17 am

  When VW re-released the Beetle in 98, I had found my dream car. I was 15 at the time, about to get my license and sent away to VW for an information packet that I used in a presentation for my parents in hopes of receiving one. Needless to say; it didnt happen- Until 2005 when I purchased a used 2002 VW Beetle. I purchased the car for $15k and have since put at least $8k into it (Not including maintenance). The check engine light is always on, and repairs are never ending and expensive. I was able to get almost 400 mi per tank when I bought it; now I get just under 300 mi. This has nothing to do with neglect, this was my dream car. Be prepared for expensive repairs with any VW.

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  2002 Volkswagen Beetle - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dumb buyer - June 8 - 9:20 pm

  We have never bought a new car that had so many problems in such a short mileage life, the window fell out in the first month it was purchased. The brake lights went next, then the a/c, it had a hesitation from day one on take off and after 2.5 years the mass air finally failed, there are no turn signals on the dash gauges [intermittant]. The latest is the dealer said the fuel pump failed and they wont replace it because it had bad gas. They want $600+ to fix it and the car is under warranty. Im a mechanic and I have never seen a electric fuel pump fail because of so called bad fuel, a defective part yes. I got a different VW dealer to agree to repair it.

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  A Guys Beetle? - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Mtman - May 26 - 10:23 am

  I bought a new red VW Beetle Turbo S recently and am very happy with it. I previously shied away from the new Beetle due to its image as a "chick" car, and its lack of power. When I test-drove the Turbo S, however, my mind was changed. Clearly, VW is trying to appeal to the male driver and they just might succeed with this car. Its quick, agile, and holds the road well even in sharp corners. Im planning a few performance mods, but even stock this new VW is very entertaining.

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  I love my bug. - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By nancyg - March 15 - 10:00 am

  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.

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  My Silver Beetle - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Janice H - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I love my Beetle and so do my grandkids!!

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  My Second New Beetle - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Beetle Turbo S - November 24 - 5:00 pm

  The Turbo S is a much more refined vehicle compared to my previous New Beetle, a 2000 GLX. The car is a blast to drive, just as the other. It does everything smoothly and with ease. I hope, for a change, it gives me a few years of trouble free service.

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  New Beetle "Fun to Drive" - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By JPick - November 12 - 2:00 am

  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.

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  Mostly Good - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Heatherdear - October 30 - 1:16 am

  For the most part, my Beetle was a good car. It was small, easy to park, fun to drive, and got fairly good gas mileage. However, it seemed like every 4-5 months it had to go to the shop to get worke on because something went wrong. I went to the Post Office once and when I went to leave, the brake sensor went out so the car wouldnt recognize that I had my foot on the brake so I couldnt take the car out of park. It had to get the coils on several cylinders replaced multiple times. There were other issues as well but I still enjoyed the car. I can honestly say that in a bad accident, the has great safety features, providing miniscule injuries.

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  Probably the best in its class - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By newbie - October 19 - 7:40 am

  Needed more build quality. Overdrive with automatic transmition is annoying

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  Up In Flames! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By diannr - September 27 - 12:46 am

  Bought our 2002 TDI in December for our daughter. Two weeks later we discovered it had a messed up transmission. Counting on fuel savings over the next 5 years, we spent $3500 to have the transmission rebuilt. There were alot of rattles in the interior but we planned to address those after recovering from the trani. expense. Last weekend the brakes failed while parking, proceeded to smoke from the rear then caught on fire! A total loss for us however the salvage yard is scoring a good engine. Apparently firewalls work from both directions. I would not recommend this car!!