2002 Volkswagen New Beetle Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
PRO: I am 65, I have and had numerous automobiles, but my 2002 VW Beetle is the best vehicle I have ever owned. I bought it new for cash in 2002, soon to be 14 years ago, and it is still as reliable and efficient , over 45 mpg, as it was new. I change oil (synthetic) every 10,000 miles and have never had to add a quart of oil between oil changes. I drive from Florida to Ohio on a monthly basis, without regards to the mileage of over 330,000 currently, because it is extremely reliable. It is comfortable and handles well in all weather and road conditions. Parts service life is extraordinary, e.g. tires (90k+), manual trans clutch(300k), brakes (175k+), a/c compressor (278K), injection pump (rebuilt at 310k) so the "down" time has been minimal and the operating costs are low. My goal is to reach 500,00 miles on my Beetle. CON: I do most of the maintenance, so the condensed engine compartment makes it challenging to change the alternator (100k)
VS
Critical Review
This could be the cutest car ever made, but that is one of the few redeeming values. The electrical system burned up while driving on the highway. It has never had a service at VW for less than $176 dollars. It is nearly impossible to work on at home, and I am fairly handy. The bearings went bad at 95k miles. We have replaced almost every light in the car and you can't buy aftermarket lights because the car operates on a 12v system (very european).
2002 New Beetle Reviews
Showing 8 of 1,179 reviews.
good fule econamy
too expensive to fix
not only is this more enxpensive to fix then a BMW its wayyy too small with only 12 cu ft for cargo space and only 4 seats and more expensive then its competitors like the insight and the spectra but the isight is way more dooky then this yeah dont buy it
Great gas mileage great for a single person
Its costly to fix but worth it
I love my bug it cost a little bit more to fix it but it was worth it.....now it drives like a champ lots of power....I redid everything new brake booster tune up oil drained everything.....I love it....great on gas.. .
car in good condition and good shape. keep up maintenance. Not original owner. been garaged since owned.
I have owned a 2000 new beetle since I bought it new. It has been a wonderful vehicle with little to no problems. I needed new glow plugs once and a new turbo at 19 years old. ( this is a TDI) I don't think that is a bad review. Plus I get 35 miles city and 54 miles mpg hwy if I stay at 65 miles per hour. Otherwise 48 mpg.
i love my beetle. this is my first car, i got it used in 2020 (~71k miles), and it’s run pretty well for the past few years. i usually get around 300 miles per tank and i can comfortably drive 80+ on highways (for legal reasons i do not speed and do not condone speeding). it’s super cute (mine is “gecko green” and i believe all of them come with a little flower vase next to the steering wheel), totally fits my personality, and everyone i know loves it too. despite being small, it’s pretty roomy (although the back seat is more comfortable for shorter people). it has a cd player (which, as someone who still buys cds, i LOVE), but no bluetooth capabilities (an aux cord is a must). the control panel for radio/temperature (idk what it’s called) is straightforward and easy to use. since it’s small, i have no problem parallel parking or driving in narrow spaces. there is no backup camera, but i don’t mind that (i honestly prefer looking behind me when backing up). i will say that this car is not without its problems. in order of most serious to least serious, the problems i’ve had over the last 3 years are: brakes failing once (low brake fluid i think), ac not working (it took 3 trips to the mechanic to get it fixed, but now it’s fine), driver’s side window sticks and you have to force it closed (used to only happen when it was cold, i went to get it fixed and now it happens every time i open it), to open the trunk i have to press the button, pull the trunk door up slightly, then press the button again to actually open the trunk, and the cd player stops working after using it for ~1.5 hours straight. i don’t know if anyone else has run into these specific issues but i know i’m not the only one who has had problems with my beetle. i know the list of problems may seem long or turn some off to this car. however, it’s a great first car and it’s otherwise been super reliable. overall, i love this car and i do recommend it to anyone who thinks it might be a good fit for them, but have some extra money saved for when something inevitably goes wrong.
feels spacious. good AC. heat seaters.
tricky trunk. small back window.
Love my bug! It has great AC in the summer, and great heating in the winter, despite the fact that its a convertible. The seats are hard to get in and out of because of the height of the car, but it comfortably fits passengers in the front that are 6'6". The back seat is a bit tight, but you can squeeze three smaller people there. Very spacious feeling car, large windshield and dashboard. The back window is small, not too easy to see out of. The trunk is somewhat spacious but hard to get into, there is no handle or anything. Its definetly a fun summer car.
Super fun car
Noisey slightly
Always amazed at how the car handles and the power . Would certainly recommend this car to anyone who is looking to buy one
fun to drive, u get to hit people, very cute
uh lotta problems
i loved this car so much. she was my first baby and i took her everywhere. i spoiled her and made sure she was always running.i couldn’t afford her anymore and it broke my heart.
