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Used 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle Consumer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars
144 reviews

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3.13 out of 5 stars

bugged

woodymc, 07/14/2004
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Way too many reliability problems, for a car with under 8k miles the following went wrong: Limit switch on brake that allows the AT transmission selector into gear fails easily! Car was towed for warranty service to dealer. Then they lost the car at the dealership. They found it after a heart to heart talk w/ the GM. ABS valve recall. Electric windows had a mind of their own. Rear hatch must be slammed shut before electric closure mechanism will "catch". Which of course broke from the slamming. Other than that, it really was a good commuter car. I cannot recommend this car to anyone who lives more than 15miles from a dealership.

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5 out of 5 stars

World's greatest car

Helga, 05/09/2002
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful

I do lots of highway driving and wanted an fun car to drive that's economical. I found the PERPECT CAR! The New Beetle TDI is fuel efficient (42 MPG highway), rides like a big car (smooth), and is a blast to drive. You wouldn't believe what I can stuff in this car too!

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2002 Volkswagen New Beetle for sale near you
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4.63 out of 5 stars

Cute, Charming, and Economical

Megan, 05/11/2006
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful

My 2002 VW TDI bug has been wonderful since the day I bought it. I have only had one minor problem with a valve in the engine. My car is fun to drive and very reliable. Not only are TDI bugs cute, but they also have great gas mileage. I have done a few modifications to my car, such as chipping the engine, which definitely increased the power. I recommend this car to anyone looking for something eye catching, easy to drive, and economical. This is truly a great car.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

2002 New Beetle GLX Turbo

Stephanie Ross, 01/10/2004
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLX 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful

I was interested in this car because of the retro design and the performance of the turbo engine. It's an eye-turner car; however, I've been having continual problems with this Beetle. With less than 30K miles, I went through two transmissions, new A/C unit, and defective power windows (suddenly fell inside door and broke). I'm not impressed with VW and was really disappointed with this car. It's not reliable and I'm anxious to sell it before the warranty expires!

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4 out of 5 stars

My Second New Beetle

Beetle Turbo S, 03/03/2002
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo S 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The Turbo S is a much more refined vehicle compared to my previous New Beetle, a 2000 GLX. The car is a blast to drive, just as the other. It does everything smoothly and with ease. I hope, for a change, it gives me a few years of trouble free service.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Turbo S

Joy, 04/29/2002
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo S 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The turbo s is a luxury car in a small package. It's a dream to drive with power to boot.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

not for short trips

Marla, 03/27/2009
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased a diesel specifically so I could run it on biodiesel made from used cooking oil. I was in touch with a good source for an unlimited supply of bio and not sending money overseas to people who don't like America so I was happy until...I had a $2,000 bill to clean the engine due to it being "carboned up". It basically stopped running because it was clogged up with carbon. My driving needs and style are mainly to blame since I take short trips, many not on the highway so the engine doesn't get to warm up and clean out. If I were still commuting 100 miles per day this would be a perfect vehicle but not for the driving I'm doing now. It got 40 MPG and smelled great running bio.

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2.88 out of 5 stars

What a Dissappointment

RDFreier, 03/18/2010
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo S 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Had problems with the car from the start. Engine would just shut off while driving 60 mph on the highway. Wife had many close calls with that until they found the problem in the programming. Then car leaked water into the floor of the back seat. VW said it was the sunroof drain. After over $2k in repair charges problem still not fixed. Battery died, car sat a little and leak filled the floor. I've got bad mold smell, VW can't fix leak and I've basically got a junk car as I can't afford to replace the interior. What a piece of Crap. Should have listened to my little voice that said VW has reliability problems. Don't buy a VW

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4.38 out of 5 stars

surprising beetle...

kathryn, 08/20/2003
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I also always wanted a beetle, and when they returned a few years ago, I couldn't wait to own one! It's adorable, and the test drive was amazing- how it hugged the road. I love the sound of the engine. I bought a black one, and all was well until...a front headlight burned out after owning it for only 3 months?? Next? A light came on indicating that I could not drive without damaging the engine...most recently? The car died- fine one minute, dead the next. It needed a new battery after 18 months?? Oh- and the other headlight burned out. I do still love the beetle. Would I buy another one? No. It's unpredictible.

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5 out of 5 stars

My Silver Beetle

Janice H, 04/12/2002
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love my Beetle and so do my grandkids!!

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