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 1 through 10 of 139.00

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  One Sweet Bug - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Megabug - December 27 - 10:00 am

  I was originally looking at a Jetta GLI, but when I saw that my dealership had the Turbo S, I had to test drive it. All I can say is, SOLD! The quality of this car is top notch. VW went out of their way to make this NB solid. The interior styling is superb and the exterior is agressive. The rear could have used an RSI style wing, though. Still, this car screams "class". Driving its a blast. The acceleration is astounding. Turn off the ESP, though, and take offs are a scream. No lack of power here. This car makes passing easy. The Turbo S is the best car Ive ever owned.

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  My Dream Car!!! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Daisymae - December 18 - 10:00 am

  I love my bug!!! I have wanted one for years and have enjoyed every second of driving and owning it. The dealership has been great about fixing anything in a short time with no appointments. It is so fun to drive, handles great especially steering into turns. I traded in a minivan so this is a dream to drive.

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  Great and Horrible - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ChasYoshi - November 20 - 11:06 am

  I bought this car and immediately loved the way it drove and the gas mileage. After a year or so, the paint began to chip off of the hood from road debris. Then the whole paint job on the front of the car started to fade from the sun. After that, it just went downhill. I put to water pumps on it and replaced a head gasket. The drivers side window only rolls up when its wet or when I push it up as Im pushing the switch. When it rains, water leaks into the back seat and the trunk. The airbag light is on continuously. The volume control on the Monsoon radio will only turn up if you hold it a certain way. The high-beams have stopped working altogether. I just sold it today...

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  Biggest POJ on the road!!! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By pflower - November 8 - 8:13 pm

  This is the worst car i have ever owned. i bought it new and have had absolutley nothing but trouble. it was fun to drive when it was running. i have had to replace the battery 5 times, the transmission twice, the entire engine at 60,000. have had at least 15 recalls on it since i bought it. massive electrical failure twice. this has been nothing short of a complete headache. i cringe when i see new ones on the road!!! Dn not let the cute factor sway you, these are absolute pieces of junk!

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  Squash the bug - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By franko - November 1 - 1:06 pm

  Very very expensive for a car of this low quality. Got rid of it after 25k miles, the single worst quality car I have ever owned. Transmission problems, AC problems, electrical problems, cup holder broke and spilled a slurpee on the floor. First of all it seems that every part of this car is built with the bare minimum of material. And to make it worse seems to have been assembled by kindergarten dropouts. By the way the old ones were not much better but at least they were cheaper. You are better off with a korean car or american car.

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  Buyer Beware - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Brian - July 12 - 8:30 am

  I bought my Volkswagen Beetle new in 2002. Weve had nothing but trouble with it. It has tons of rattles that cant be fixed. the hatchback shocks failed three times and the CD player has never worked. We had to have a complete engin rebuild at 58,000 miles (the engine came apart) and a dealer that doesnt give a darn. Do yourself a favor buy a Honda or Toyota.

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  So I bought another! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By SilverBlur - July 9 - 10:00 am

  This is my second New Beetle (I bought a 98 when they first came out). What a great car! Between the two (and theres not much difference beyond the engine) I have driven it from Washington to Los Angeles, from Florida to Nova Scotia, and 92,000 miles beyond. The New Beetle is par none one of the most comfy around-town and cross- country small cars. None of the aching back and butt you usually get after a few hours on the road. Well-placed controls, a full-size spare, and a Monsoon sound system make for an all around great experience.

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  Real fun car - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By 1.8T-Fan - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This a stunning car. The performance is phenomenal and roadholding is excellent. I bought it as a second car for my wife. I have an 2002 Audi A4 which is also awesome. The A4 has the same engine in it but the gearing in the Beetle is much better so that it is really a pocket rocket. The best thing is that 4 of us fit in the Beetle just as well as in the A4. Definite buy again.

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  I beat you with a bug! ha - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Chase - May 28 - 10:00 am

  this car rocks, smoked a rsx type s and most other honda appliances, engine has mad potential. fun to drive.period. excelent quality

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  Paid too much - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ABD - April 9 - 12:10 am

  2002 Beetle GLS 2.0 Bought in July 08 trying to sell in July 09. My son paid $7,900.00 he put 10M miles (96M miles) on it and is trying to sell it for $4995.00. Had to fix driver side power window. Cat went bad VW has 10yr extended warr. Replace brake cables. New tires. 6 disc change went out replaced it. Replace seat buckle to get the air bag light off. Orig key and remote didnt come with car son bought one $200.00. Quick lube shop stripped drain plug. They paid $400.00 to replace oil pan. Now they mechanic says it should have timing belt and water pump replaced. What a money pit. I own 2 toyotas and you change oil and tires when needed and they just keep running. Wouldnt buy VW or Audi