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 21 through 30 of 204.00

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  My first new beetle since 1970 - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By BigJer - August 3 - 2:00 am

  This was supposed to be my wifes car and I didnt drive it until several weeks after we had made the purchase. Once I drove it I found it to have excellent ride and handing. I didnt think that 115HP and an A/T would be ample for interstate merging and passing but on a recent trip from La Quinta, Ca. to Las Vegas, NV I was traveling 75mph on long upgrades and still had plenty of the "GO" pedal in reserve. Terrific little car!

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  Not suited to the weaker sex - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By gebrimner - July 23 - 10:00 am

  The convertible top is the reason to buy but it is not easy to use. The handle to pull and latch the top is hard for a woman to use. Likewise when the top is down the cover boot for the top is required to be in place and it too is difficult to latch. The cover boot was replaced for a better fit but still suffers from difficulty to push the latches into the locking slots. Dealer suggestion to place the boot cover on while heated up is a joke!

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  Please do not buy - save yourself - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By lpdjam - July 16 - 2:00 am

  This car has been in the shop over 15 times in 8 months. The roof does not go up or down most the time. The windows dont go up and down some of the time. The conv. top cables, motor, computer sensor. The roof and electrical system are a total mess. Not even to go into the airbag light going on and not parts available to repair at this time.

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  Awesome - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Buddygirl - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car guys. Keep up the good work. Blue lagoon on VW looks awesome. try it out

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  i love it - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By gofyourself - June 27 - 2:00 am

  its great but i wish a cd player came stock with the car other then that i love it

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Sballgurlie - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought my new beetle back in December of 2002 and i absolutely love it! I wouldnt give it up for anything. Its a fun car to drive and even though it may be look small on the outside, it is very spacious inside. The beetles are built very well and i havent had one problem with mine, whatsoever!

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  Best Little Mouse that roared... - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By nicastepper - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Ok, first my bias. I have loved these things ever since Herbie hit the screen well, way back when... That said, when I purchased this car, I was looking for two things: a car that would handle well and have some power without too much cost in mileage estimates and a car that would be extremely comfortable for someone that has a hard time finding that in any car. The Beetle met both of my requirements and continues to do so after 5000 miles of 100 mile per day driving. I have seen several stories of people having quality problems with this vehicle but I have yet to see that in mine.

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  Fastest Bug Ever Made (STOCK) - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By captbill - May 5 - 1:30 am

  This is one of the most fun, sportiest, fastest little speed demons on the road today. It is 6 speeds of pure driving pleasure. Mine has every option that you could have on a little machine from heated leather seats to heated mirrors. This machine rocks! I LOVE IT! Volkswagen outdone themselves on this little baby. The way every window and sunroof closes at 85 to keep you safe and aerodynamic is amazing.

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  Great car, horrible top - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Todd - May 3 - 8:40 am

  I love this car. Im a BIG guy and I have all of the comfort of my Chrysler 300. The only issue Ive had is with the convertible top. Ive had it in 4 times because some cables in the raising and lowering mechanism come off track and get caught up in the whole works and it screws up the top liner. It seems to be fixed, but now it happened to the other side and it pulled more cables loose, part of the interior molding and broke some other pieces that are down inside. Ive only had the car for 9 months and have only been putting the top down for 3 of them. It only had 24,000 miles when I got it!

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  smiles! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By henrywoody - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful Blue w/cream leather, big alloys and the perfect shape-just a lot of fun! Turbo lags a little, but kicks it just fine once it gets rolling. Top is a blast to work and seals up great. Our 11 year old has got dibs on this one for high school!