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 81 through 90 of 204.00-
Fiesty with no pick-up - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By zaharrah - December 8 - 10:00 amI love my care truely love it. If I had 3 things to change i would make the cup holders more accessible, increase the trunk space and the pick-up on the car. The engine is the same as the Jetta and due to increased safety weights the car goes 0-60 in 10 minutes! But I dont need the speeding tickets. I love everything else. Its a fun cute car.
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My Dream - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By TrevorJames - November 6 - 2:00 amWhen my yellow Beetle was driven into the showroom for me to view I said that it must be in my garage at once. Comfort, ease of driving, a sporty feel, and people look at you when you drive!. The workmanship on the car is remarkable. Solid build. Side airbags and a great sound system. Heated window washers and side view mirrors. I bought it for my Happy New Year to me present.
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Poor build quality and transmission lets it down - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By ricochet65 - September 19 - 3:38 am2003 Convertible, lightly driven with 43000 miles. Transmission failed, due to what now appears to be a known problem with the "valve body". VW support extremely poor. This car looks nice but has been nothing but trouble: windows do not work correctly, have been fixed twice, roof gets stuck and VW fitter wanted $1500 to repair (it took me 10 minutes to snap the loose clip back on and cost nothing - so much for service. Everything is a hassle to repair - battery is over $200, bulbs cannot be replaced easily, airbag light cost $250 to temporarily repair. If you want the beetle style spend the money on a restored air cooled one, from when VW knew how to make serviceable vehicles!
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What a Surprize! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Moab - September 14 - 10:00 amI compared the New Beetle TDI with the Mini Cooper. The Beetle won out as to ride, handling, and economy. The panel instrumentation was also better. What won us over was the ease of getting the Beetle it serviced. The dealer also gave a deal on oil changes that was less than Jiffy Lube quoted for 100K miles. I wish the low fuel light didnt come on with 125 miles left on the tank empty.
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great car - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By dd - August 3 - 10:00 amyesterday i got a 2000 vw new bettle but it is the same as 2003. i love that car you feel very comfortable when in it and the back seat really isnt that small two people can fit in it easily.
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Diesel "BUG" TDI - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By PV ALEX - July 2 - 2:00 amGreat car for the $$$$$, I am getting close to 40MPG in town and 50 on the road. Great car, tight ride, needs to provide temp gauge along with other standard gauges, seats are very good
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Worth a look - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Rhino - June 20 - 10:00 amThe wife always wanted a new beetle and now she has one. I made her get a black Turbo S.(LOL) Ok, now the review. Smooth shifting 6sp. Power band on the turbo S is great, no big bang just a good stream of power. Interior leather is great. Exterior is nice. I wish it was more different than the other beetles. I do like the exhaust tips. Dash seems way to big but you get use to it. Cup holders are a big problem. I like the route 44s from sonic and they will not fit right. We have a three year old and getting him in and out is not as bad as one might think. MPG could be better but my wife drives the car like she stole it.
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Beetle - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By addkev - April 21 - 2:00 amLove this car, it is so fun to drive and everyone stares.
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For all the whiners out there! - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Dave Smith - April 14 - 10:00 amI bought this car with the expectation I would love driving it and getting lots of attention! This car does both and I hve had it back to Youngblood VW for a couple of things and they got them fixed and I was just as anxious to get back into it like it was the first drive! I didnt complaint about the car going back in the same as I wouldnt if I had to go see my Dr. Sometimes things go wrong and they have to be excepted and move on and quit whining!.
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Future Buyers Beware - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
By No drop top fun - April 1 - 2:00 amSilver 03 Convertible, transmission not working at time of delivery, fuel door quit working, top quit working twice. Currently, 3rd week without a working top. Yugo had better quality. At least you knew what you were buying. You will get more enjoyment out of a typical fast food drive up window than from VW customer service. This is my 3rd and final VW convertible.
