2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Consumer Reviews
Recent Consumer Reviews
(122 Total Reviews)
Great car, horrible top
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I love this car. I'm a BIG guy and I have all of the comfort of my Chrysler 300. The only issue I've had is with the convertible top. I've 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. I've 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!
Favorite Features
Roomy, stylish, fun to drive, great stereo, comfortable.
Suggested Improvements
Just fix the top.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Too many repairs!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 4 | Interior Design: | 4 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I'm upset about the repairs I've had to have done. First the door handle, then the windows, then the convertible top, then another window. The list goes on. The interior is not impressive either. The door handles' plastic coating wore through. The cigarette lighter pop out (I don't smoke) won't shut properly. They said they just glue them shut (!). It looks great from afar, but the quality isn't there. But what really makes me mad is the $$ it has cost me to repair all the stuff. Dont buy one! No matter how fun it is to drive or how cute it looks with the top down, you might be looking at a lemon.
Favorite Features
The way the convertible top goes up and down is nifty. But when it costs over a thousand to repair it (mine won't go down anymore), I have mixed emotions.
Suggested Improvements
Put some quality back in the workmanship! The interior could be nicer and better made for the price.
2003 Volkswagen GLX Turbo Coupe (Betty)
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLX 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
We bought this car when a car of ours was stolen. It has been a really fun and reliable form of transportation. We are planning on keeping it in the family, since it has been so reliable. I would recommend this car and would make the same purchase again.
Favorite Features
5 speed turbo, CD player and sunroof
Suggested Improvements
Cup holders are a bit weird
5 out 5 people found this review helpful
Reliable and Fun
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo S 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Review
This is the best car I've ever owned. I bought it new and have never had any problems. It's fun to drive, is a rare model, and overall takes good care of me. I've driven Japanese cars before but found them to be boring and average. This car has more personality than 100 Japanese cars combined. It's definitely not for everybody but if you truly enjoy driving then a Volkswagen is undoubtedly an excellent choice. I plan to hold onto this car forever. Happy driving!
Favorite Features
Personality, performance, styling, sophisticated engineering, and all the features that come standard.
Suggested Improvements
Make another Turbo-S!
4 out 4 people found this review helpful
I luv my V-Dub!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo S 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Review
I have been driving my Turbo charged, lagoon blue VW Beetle for 2 and 1/2 months now and I just love it! I have great power and stunning looks. It's so much fun to drive. I have not had a single problem with it. Gotta luv the bug!
Favorite Features
Rear pop-up spoiler; rare lagoon blue exterior color; leather heated seats; red and blue lit dash.
Suggested Improvements
Adorable Car with Way Too Many Issues
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Fell in love with this car and bought it new. Within the first three months, I think it was in the shop about 4 times. Since then, particularly during summer months, it's in the shop on average about once every 6 weeks. Have had problems with the windows, the speakers, the battery (twice), the roof has broken countless times, the wiring on the tail lights, the airbag sensors, the blinker - and the door, which still isn't fixed. Also, the service at my dealership is terrible. They once replaced the wrong airbag so the sensor came back on a couple days later. I would ABSOLUTELY NOT RECOMMEND this car. They take no accountability and I will never purchase another VW, no matter how cute.
Favorite Features
It's very cute.
Suggested Improvements
Where to begin? Start by working out the glitches before they put a car on the market. Adequately staff dealer service dept. Spend less $ on marketing and more on building a better product. I'm so done with this car and ready to trade it in.
8 out 9 people found this review helpful
Is it a Lemon?
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 2 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 2 | Interior Design: | 4 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I bought this car used with only 20,000 miles on it. My first car was the old VW, and ever since they came out with the new models I always wanted one. In the 13,000 miles I have put on it in one year, I have taken it to the shop 10 times. The manufacturers warranty has now run out (not due to mileage, but to age) and now I have to use the extended warranty I purchased from Carmax. But they don't know how to fix VW's so I must pay extra to take it to a dealer! (I was never informed of this!) I have had electrical problems with the windows, top problems where it wouldn't go up or come down at times, overheating problems (3 times!), now I am finished! I am trading in this car tomorrow!
Favorite Features
Looks great when it runs, it is a fun car.
Suggested Improvements
Fix the problems! When I bought this car, I had every intention of keeping it until it died on me. I had no idea it was dead when I bought it! I will never buy another VW!
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Love that Car!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
I love it so much that I do not want to trade it in for a 2007, although I probably shall. With every New Beetle there is usually one problem. For the 2000 model, it was the parking gear, which was somehow attached via computer chip to the brake light and the cruise control. For the 2003 model, it was the alternator and the heater. The car handles so beautifully on the road that these are mere annoyances!
Favorite Features
The black leather seats that heat up in the winter and the moonroof. These are a few of my favorite things!
Suggested Improvements
Continue making the Beetle in Lagoon Blue with black leather seats (The Laser blue is not nearly as pretty and the seats are grey). I have to settle for Salsa Red (looks like a big tomato!)
0 out 1 people found this review helpful
Too Cute Not to Love!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I fell in love with the New Beetle when they first came out and I have wanted one ever since. Owning one has been a dream come true! I love my Bug!
Favorite Features
I would have to be typical and say the convertible top. But I also like the sound system.
Suggested Improvements
My only real complaint is the gas mileage. But from what I have heard, the newer models are more fuel efficient.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Still Paying for Itself
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GL TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
Review
This TDI was purchased with the intent of commuting. It returned 47 mpg the first two years of ownership but just 43 mpg since a new set of tires was put on at 60,000 miles. It starts right up in cold weather (as low as -8 F), handles well, and has more than enough power. The car is comfortable and has been dependable to date other than the repeated replacement of headlights (three in 65,000 miles). The interior has held up well despite the miles and three kids. I bought it as a leftover for $16,600 and it has proven to be very reliable. My uncle owns an auto 2002 TDI and gets 42 mpg. Mine is the 5-speed stick. I am looking for a second one for my teenage daughter.
Favorite Features
The great gas mileage, style, and practicality.
Suggested Improvements
The cup holders are poorly designed. The rear seats should fold flat to horizontal.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
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