2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Consumer Reviews
Fuel Economy
22 - 38 mpg
Recent Consumer Reviews
(189 Total Reviews)
6 years of Reliability
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
Review
This is one of the best and most reliable car I have ever owned. Special Ordered before the big gas crisis. I can count on my hand how many times this car has been to the dealer for unscheduled service. First 100 miles the waterpump failed and was replaced without any hassles. Second time was due to the city of Chicago not posting any hazard warning for street work, destroying the bottom oil pan at 40,000 miles. The other times for regular wear and tear over the span of time.You will not be disappointed.
Favorite Features
Firstly the fact that it's a TDI, you save lots of $$$. The heated seats are help cold morning starts.Average mileage ranges from a frugal 58 mpg to mad gas stomping and fast driving 38 mpg.
Suggested Improvements
Firstly the radio casette player, it needs a cd player, why Vw in 2003. Next the am amplified antenna failed, I listen to alot of am radio,the reception is non-existent.Daytime running lights on my 3rd set. Lastly the window regulator is failing after 84000 miles.Hence the 9 on build
Worst car I've ever owned
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 1 | Fun-to-Drive: | 2 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 2 | Interior Design: | 1 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 1 | Exterior Design: | 2 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
This car is the worst car I've ever owned. The transmission shifts hard when its warm - dealer says that's normal. When shifting from Reverse to Drive or vice versa, you have to wait several seconds for it to engage. Replacing the battery was a royal pain, not to mention expensive. Replacing one of the front headlights was even worse. Now one of the front lenses has fallen off... The front left turn signal fell out of place from some clip that's broken. Now the check engine light is on - who knows how much THAT's going to cost. Performance is wretched, even for a 4 cyl. Mileage is only 25 mpg hwy. My 6 cyl 2000 Taurus gets 28!!!
Favorite Features
none
Suggested Improvements
Power train Interior (sun visors that actually work???) Quality of design and product...
lemon beetle
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I 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.
Favorite Features
At this time none
Suggested Improvements
better transmission
3 out 3 people found this review helpful
Coil Packs, Coil Packs, Coil Packs.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 4 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Review
Purchased this 2003 Beetle with 39k on 12-31-08 for daughter. I've had to replace three coil packs, the 4th was already replaced when the car was purchased. VW had a problem with issue, but told me this car was not covered under the recall back during 2003. I was also told that I could take this car to the dealer and pay $100.00 to get the codes read and if I keep the receipts and if they ever do recall this issue, then I could send in for a refund. I decided to use the $100.00 code fee and purchase new coil packs. I did buy a code scanner off of eBay for less than $30.00, it reads and clears the Check Engine Light after you make the repair. This car has the 1.8T engine.
Favorite Features
Looks good, handles great when running like it's supposed to.
Suggested Improvements
Replace all 4 coils when the first one goes out. They cost $44.77 each at the dealer and can be purchased online for about $25.00 each, if you can wait a couple of days for the shipping. By the way, did I tell you that this car only has 39K on it.
4 out 4 people found this review helpful
Dead at 66.000 Miles!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 3 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo S 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Review
I purchased my Beetle for 4 years in 2003. It was in the shop 6 times the first year! Now at 66,000 miles the engine has lost all compression. My local mechanic could not find a reason so I had it towed to the VW dealership to see if they could tell me what happened. They did not have a clue, but said the engine is definitely dead. I had the oil changed every 4000 miles. The power train warranty expired at 60,000 miles (before 2003 it was a 100,00 mile warranty. I am through with VW's! (oh yes, and I still owe money on this pile of junk)
Favorite Features
Love the style, and handling of the car
Suggested Improvements
build a better car!
4 out 4 people found this review helpful
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.
4 out 4 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
6 out 6 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
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