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 41 through 50 of 204.00-
The not too bad, the good and the great! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By ruzzeld - October 19 - 4:05 amThis is/was our 2nd VW New Beetle TDI. Both 2003s. I can say that Ive been very happy overall with both cars. The only downside is the maintenance expense compared to Toyotas (zero unscheduled maintenance expense with every Toyota Ive owned). But kinda boring. BOTH Bugs: FUN to drive! More comfortable (Im 63"). Great road trip car, for my wife and I with plenty of room for luggage with the back seat folded down. GREAT mileage (never less than 43 with everyday driving and up to 55mpg on road trips). We used it as a 2nd car and whoever had to drive the furthest that day.. WANTED the bug. Fun and cheap!
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Spend your money elsewhere - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By julianna33 - September 21 - 8:07 pmFrom my experience with VW my car and others they are junk. They all break easily. I have had to repair so many things a 1K a pop 5 times at least. Not including maintenance things. The design so compact requires many hours of labor to remove and replace to get to certain things. Plus the headlight lens falls off and cost ALOT of money to replace which i have done twice now at $400 each lens assembly and its falling off again! Just a crappy car. My sister has a golf the transmission and engine are going. Other family members have toyota and honda and hey i have never seen a repair as stupid or as costly or as often as VW repairs are. Junkie cars and they say German engineering is the best HA
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vw beetle-theyre greeeeeeeeat - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By smea - August 26 - 2:00 amgreat car, it is a blast to drive and it is pretty to look at
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lemon beetle - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By verna portugues - July 10 - 8:53 amI have spent over $8,000 trying to get my beetle to stop jerking without avail. Now I have to spend another 6,000 to replace the transmission. And I still owe on the car. the beetle is a pretty car but not worth the hassle.
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I love my convertible - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By CK - July 1 - 4:46 amLooking for a fun car thats sure to get peoples heads turning? The Volkswagen new beetle convertible is it! This is the best car Ive ever owned. It is reliable, sturdy, gets great gas mileage. Ive had no problems with it. I would highly recommend this car! If youre thinking you see a bunch of bad reviews--try it for yourself, it may surprise you with how great it is. Thats what I did, and it was the best choice. Good job Volkswagen!
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Problematic bug, unhelpful dealers - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Trevor Hirst - June 11 - 10:00 amMy bug has had many recurring problems from the day I took delivery. I have had problems with the roof mechanism, the rear lights (both turn signals and brake lights) and the passenger-side window, which shoots back down when the window is raised. I have asked VW to buy the car back as a lemon. I have taken the car to two dealers for warranty work, neither of whom are particularly helpful. I never got a call from the dealer advising me that an ordered part arrived - I always have to call them. When the car itself was on order it was the same. I not buy VW again.
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Beetle Convertible Punch Buggy - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Berni - June 5 - 8:20 amGreat fun car with space for 2 adults and 2 children. Easy to open/close top. Lots of extras.
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Over Powered Go Cart - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By johnrushing - June 2 - 8:19 amIve owned my Turbo S for almost 6 years and have loved every minute of it. I love the power the little 1.8t makes and how smooth the power comes on. I left mine stock up until last year and then started modifying it. I love the look on Mustang drivers when a little beetle pulls ahead of them. The handling is great, like its on rails, and the fuel economy is good. Before modifying the engine I got my best mpg of 32 mpg by driving no faster than 65mph and not doing any jack rabbit starts. With the mods I am still getting 29mpg. I plan on keeping the beetle and seeing exactly what type of performance the 1.8t has in it, have seen a few putting out over 350hp and still very drivable.
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Counterbalance to bad reviews - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By zenpuppy - June 2 - 2:00 amI had my bug for over 2 yrs and I still love it! It is almost the most comfortable car that Ive been in. It picks up on the freeway 60 mi in 10 sec. Its like driving a sportscar without being crammed in. Its extremely user friendly and has a personality of its own. You wont believe how much will fit in this seemingly small car. Ive had the power window stuck while it was still on warranty. You should check users website and read how much most people love their beetles. Just drive one and you wont be able to walk away from it.
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I LOVE MY M&M - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By SANDWOMAN - May 17 - 10:00 amThis is the very best car in the world to own. For all of you grannys out there, we have a fun car to keep us young. This car is safe, fun and the grandchildren love it. As my granddaughter says........it is a happy car. I have had Lincolns and Caddillac which can not even come close to the performance of the Beetle. I highly recommend this vehicle.
