Skip to main content

Used 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle Hatchback Consumer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars
115 reviews
2...

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

Great Value for the Price

Easley, 07/23/2018
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

If you keep in mind that you are buying a small, compact economy car, you will be pleasantly surprised - I am. Great visibility combined with quick reaction and maneuverability in (Los Angeles) traffic with exceptional fuel mileage and only normal expected wear and tear expenses make this a great value. Very easy to park. 5 speed manual transmission is very reliable. 33 mpg on open road. Uses a quart of oil each 1,000 miles based on design, I am told. Michelin Pilot A/S Sports lasted 51,000 miles. Replaced timing belt, water pump and plugs at 135,000 miles. Most parts are reasonably priced. Drive 1800 miles o/w or 3600 miles r/t for trip home each year, sometimes twice. The car is adequately comfortable for those road trips altho there is a bit of road noise. It holds the road well on Interstate roads at zippy speeds. The Monsoon radio has very good sound (remember, it is an economy car) but it would have been nice to have an AUX input or BlueTooth option. Was bumped/rear end 2x in traffic. Other cars sustained damage, the Beetle only lost the license plate lights (easy replaced). The 'soft-coating' on some interior parts starts to peel away but can be removed with rubbing alcohol. Based on car ads, it will return a good price if sold now. If you keep in mind that you are buying a small, compact economy car, you will be pleased.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse

3.5 out of 5 stars

Broken Dreams

ashellris, 03/18/2011
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

When VW re-released the Beetle in '98, I had found my dream car. I was 15 at the time, about to get my license and sent away to VW for an information packet that I used in a presentation for my parents in hopes of receiving one. Needless to say; it didn't happen- Until 2005 when I purchased a used 2002 VW Beetle. I purchased the car for $15k and have since put at least $8k into it (Not including maintenance). The check engine light is always on, and repairs are never ending and expensive. I was able to get almost 400 mi per tank when I bought it; now I get just under 300 mi. This has nothing to do with neglect, this was my dream car. Be prepared for expensive repairs with any VW.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Reliable Car

VWfan, 07/07/2003
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I saw all of the problems others were having and felt compelled to speak up. My experience with this car has been fantastic, a few small problems, but nothing to put the car out of service for more than a day and nothing requiring a tow. The car is fun to drive, has way more leg and head room than any other in its class, and is good on the pocket book. All these people that have problems have failed to mention the standard 4 year 50000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. The car is well designed and the company stands behind their product, not sure what else you could ask for.

Report Abuse

4.63 out of 5 stars

So I bought another!

SilverBlur, 06/10/2002
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

This is my second New Beetle (I bought a 98 when they first came out). What a great car! Between the two (and there's 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.

Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

My Killer Bee Rocks!!!!!

Robert Rittweger, 08/08/2002
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I purchased my 1.8T GLS New Beetle a couple days ago from a dealership in Dalton Georgia. I Bought the yellow concept which they only made 2000 of. The concept has the ricarro seats they put in the turbo S, yellow and black seats, yellow stiching in the seats and wheel, and yellow wheel inserts.I recentaly blew away a 2002 Boxter while it was trying to pass me, boy they looked suprised. This is a awesome car for the money and would suggest it to anyone looking for a nice car that is sweet,fast,and reliable.

Report Abuse
2...
Items per page:
5