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 51 through 60 of 139.00-
extreamly pleased - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By W. Bowman - March 13 - 2:00 amThis vehicle is addictive if one enjoys driving. Ouite and clean running with more room than you might expect. Excellent for the long runner and snappy for the sprinter.
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obvious VW cheaped out on lots of things - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By indy photog - January 31 - 1:46 pmWhen it works, its great. Problem is, there are always small things going wrong. Car is well cared for with regular Mx as per the service manual. Electrical issues have been the worst...no history of flood damage or anything similar. Have been through three brake lights and two crunched driver side windows (all pre recall of course, good luck getting $ back from VW). Wheel bearing replaced, airbag light permanently on, trunk latch issues, and now...the car wont reverse. All sorts of other little annoying things too numerous to mention.
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Almost 1 year with not a single problem - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By sailflorida - January 29 - 2:00 amStill love it after 10 months. Have still not found anything wrong with this car. I have looked since day one for build defects and found none. As a perfectionist it has given pride. I am however waiting for window problems because I hear alot of complaining about it but so far OK. I am sorry my warranty is the old 24 month one because I hear bad stories of dealer charges (and ineptness) where I live. I am hundreds of miles from selling dealer and that is a bummer.
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238000 miles - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Rose - January 26 - 5:40 amTo all the skeptics: sit down and read this! 238,000 miles on my TDI Beetle. No major engine issues. Serviced regularly: oil change every 6k; 20k/40ks; 60ks timing belt. Tire rotation every 5-8k on the best Mich. Destinys. 3 complaints: seats are not made for comfort, whats up with the head light lenses falling out:replaced 5 times and rear seat is not for passengers with legs. Had to put her to rest this week. A ford driver with bald tires had a blow out on the mountain, swerved to miss her, slammed into guard rail. Saved a life, yet totaled my new beetle. Gonna miss her. If you have in-laws or pals that say you should sell your TDI...DONT LISTEN!..There just jealous of your mpg!
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turbo s - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By the drake - January 15 - 10:00 amI love my bug. It has been a blast to drive and very reliable.
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Lots of Little Problems - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By dc - December 14 - 12:43 amDriving the car is fun, but the electrical components are lousy. My local service department is not very good and is very costly. We have had a lot of trouble with it, nothing with the drivetrain, but lots of little electrical problems.
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Knockout at 18900 - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By coastie - December 7 - 10:00 amWow! Having driven Japanese econo boxes for the last 7 years, I am quite impressed with the Bug 1.8T. I was on a shake down cruise to Reno and paced an Audi A4 all the way over the mountains on I80. It seemed that this car was not going to unwind or unstick from the road!
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Artificially Sweet - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Artificially Sweet - August 2 - 2:00 amDo not buy this car unless you love going to the repair shop. My BUG was Artificially Sweet. With-in the last five months my old car has been in the shop three times for the same reason will not start, always some starter problem. VW has decided to build the complete car in Mexico where QA is not the most important thing, but cost is. VW cars are a good example of poor QA. The car has been in the shop about 7 to 8 times for some BUG problem with-in the last two years. I just hate coming out of a restaurant, get into my new car and have the car not start. No more little kids seeing my car and playing the punch game.
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RUN!!! Dont walk away - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Shane-in-FL - July 8 - 10:00 amReliability issues have been prevelant ever since it was reintroduced in 98. The window regulator issue was present from 98- 02 and coilpack failure plagued turbo model cars from 00-03. I had my car just two weeks when it failed to start after the starter selenoid shorted out. I dont expect such problems from a car that holds a MSRP of $20,900. I suggest people who are considering a Beetle as their next car to closely look at the Acura RSX(~S),Mercedes C230 Coupe, or Mazda 6 just to name a few. The market for used Beetles is HORRIBLE!
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Perfect for ME!!! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By kmck1083 - May 26 - 9:06 amI bought the car from a dealership in 2005. It had one previous owner, and that was a lease. The car had 28,000 miles from the three years of ownership. Ive taken this car on road trips and drive it mostly back and forth for work/school and I LOVE it! Im an average sized, young female and it fits well. Its easy to drive and shifting is a breeze. No sticky gears or clutch problems.
