2003 Volkswagen Beetle

Pros: handles as well as a volvo.
Cons: Dash is too deep and not enough interior storage.

I bought my (used) 2003 Turbo Beetle because it reminds me of my pug! I was in the market for a non-gas guzzler and always wanted a beetle. As soon as I got the gear shift in my hands, I was hooked. It was so much fun to drive. I got a black beetle with tan interior off the lot. I originally wanted a convertible but settled for the sunroof instead because the convertible one on the lot was black with black interior. I live in the sunbelt and was afraid the car would get too hot parked outside at work. The car really is cute and does have ample room for the front passenger and driver. I ride alone most of the time (except for my dog) and have found my beetle fits the bill on gas mileage. The spoiler does make some noise but it is something that I quickly got used to. It shifts like a dream, handles like a charm, and looks like a princess!

Pros: heated seats, monsoon stereo bumps, lots of leg room in the front
Cons: trunk space cup holders

My husband and I just bought a used 2003 beetle. It's convertible, and the color is mellow yellow. Compared to our big truck and SUV, it looks like a toy. We bought it because all I do on my job is drive - so it gets great gas mileage, and it's sooooo much fun to drive. I can't wait to be able to let the top down in the summer. I have 2 young children and they love the car also - but they won't be allowed to ride with me when the top is down - safety first.
Our friends and my mother have no problem with getting in or out of the car, the seats (to me) are comfortable. The overall experience so far has been good - if something goes wrong - trust me, I'll let ya all know about it.

Pros: low end torque is good, great warranty, suspension/handling suprisingly good, retro-styling inside and out
Cons: Cup holders may as well not be there, no CD player available

My husband and I wanted a car with better gas mileage than my 96 Cobra, and we were originally looking at the Subaru WRX, the Hyundai Tiburon and the Mitsubishi Lancer OZ Rally edition. For the price, the VW was a better made car than the Mitsu & Hyundai, and just plain drove better. The warranty is good, and I was surprized at how much room was inside this seemingly small car. In the Lancer and Tiburon, my husband's head hit the ceiling. In the Beetle, he has plenty of room (he's 6'2"). I can't really compare it to the Cobra performance wise, but it's still fun to drive (as long as you get the 5 speed)I also love the flower pot (hubby hates it) The only thing that I hate about this car is that there is no CD player. You have to buy a changer for the hatch.

Pros: Everything...
Cons: Cup Holders...

I just purchased a 2003 VW Beetle with 28,000 miles on it and I love it! The only con that I can find with it is the cup holders are in an awkward place. They do slide to the right, but they are still a little difficult if you have a big cup of coffee or soda. Other than that, I love this little car very much. Great gas mileage and very roomy in the front, lots of leg room up front also.
I purchased the vehicle for the gas mileage and the style, it's vintage and a classic. It's part of a legacy that will live on forever, and it's fun getting the "Punch Buggy" stares!

Pros: Iconic design. Surprisingly affordable. Handles like a dream.
Cons: None.

We looked at a number of small convertibles and many were excellent cars (e.g., the Miata). But for value, looks, safety, gas mileage, and the cost of insurance, you can't beat the VW Beetle.
All we've had to do was change the oil. The operation of the top is done with one hand, and it only takes seconds. Literally, seconds. And it's very well made. We take it through the local Amoco car wash (select the lowest setting in the car wash), and there are no leaks.
I'm not a mechanic so I won't repeat what you can find in the manual or hear from a salesperson at your local dealership. I can only give you an owner's perspective. I currently also own a BMW 323i, and a beautiful Volvo wagon. And over the years I've owned other Volvos, Hondas, and a few VWs. This is every bit as satisfactory while being much more fun to drive.
I hesitate to recommend the turbo, which I feel is a somewhat reflexive recommendation. Sure, the extra oomph is nice, but I don't have it and I don't miss it.

Pros: classy, fun, a car for everyone, heated seats
Cons: small back seat area

I love my car. I bought my 2003 New Beetle new. I have owned it for almost three years, and, yes, it has had some issues, but it is the best car I could have bought.
The interior styling is cute, but comfortable. I have no problems getting in or out of the car. Other people who have ridden with me have had no problems either, and some have been brave enough to sit in the back seat! The cup older in the front takes some getting used to, and beware if you have a tall drink and someone in the front passenger seat because it will cut into their leg room. I always have flowers in my bud vase, and I really enjoy that little touch.
The exterior styling can be classy or funky. I had originally wanted a cyber green bug, but there were none available in my area. Next I looked at silver, but I decided against that one for galactic blue (navy blue) -- it looks SO CLASSY!
I hope that more people now will be willing to at least try a VW New Beetle.

Pros: Stylish, fun, comfortable and reliable
Cons: cup holder, heated mirrors dont work that great, CD player is not standard

The beetle was my first choice by far. I did look around a bit but could not find as much room inside and features (cruise control, heater side mirrors, tilt, fully adjustable seats) as the beetle has. The car rides smooth and will excel and get you where you want to go REAL quick.
The interior (black/gray) always looks dirty to me. The seats are comfortable and roomy. I am 6'tall and by no means small. Two large adults can fit in the front comfortably no problem. The backseat will fit one adult or two small children. I have sat back there but not for long periods of times. A short trip would be all. The truck is small, but will still fit your groceries or bags from a shopping spree at the mall. I love the fact that it has two AC/DC adapters. At first I wondered why,but now I use them everyday. Nice Feature! There is not a real cup holder to be found. The one in the back is two small and the ones in the front don't hold a tall cup.

Pros: heated seats
Cons: see above

The Beetle WAS great, until the problems started coming.

Light fixtures the dealer has to replace.

But worst is the leaky sunroof every time it rains. During rain season water was leaking into the drain plugs and then onto my fuse box. Water sat in the plugs without me knowing Car wouldn't start, EPC, check engine light -- and endless problems.

The blind spot gets wearisome when you're trying to merge.

Any time you try to fix something (often) the manual tells you to check with your dealer (expensive.)

Pros: comfort / power / great seal on the convertible top / handling / features
Cons: trying to grab the seatbelt

Do yourself the favor of enjoying driving again and get a bug! We bought a 2003 convertible with a 1.8l Turbo a month ago for my wife and we both love it. I drive her car as much as I can! The color is "sundown orange" and it's a real eye catcher. It's funny seeing people faces and adults and kids always seem to smile when they see it. That in itself is enjoyable.

I'm 6'1" and fit no problems (in the front seat anyway!). It's finished very well and a very solid car with great power and handling. You can't complain about the size of the back seats or the truck really because these same people should go buy an SUV if that's what's important to them... That's not what this car is about and those things are obvious. It's like buying a Vette and complaining about how it gets stuck easy in deep snow...

Pros: Lots of leg room in the front, heated seats and rearview mirror.
Cons: Small Trunk, Monsoon Stereo, Seats peel, lack of legroom in back- especially with carseats.

From the moment I saw the first new VW Beetle, I was in love. So, I decided that I would try and have it be my first new car. From the time I test drove it, I knew I HAD to have it..and I wanted the green. (theres a technical name for it, sorry).
Once I sat down, I realized how much leg room this puppy had. When I bought it, it had 0 miles, and extras like heated seats/rear view mirrors.
I was disappointed that there was only a tape deck and stereo. I took it into the dealership twice, because the tape deck just would not work -- still doesn't. Another disappointment was the way the front seats were balling up, the material was- before I even used the heated seats option. Im a smaller person, so I dont think it was a weight issue, which they suggested. And would also not fix.

Pros: fuel economy; easy to load, park; looks great; built to last, great to drive
Cons: diesel fuel more expensive to buy, front seat not roomy when back seat is down

I love my car -- and it happens to be an 03 Beetle TDi. About 44K miles and really is a pleasure to drive. My average mpg (both town and city) has been about 44 -- on the road, I usually get at least 50, if not more.

Diesel is much more expensive than it was when I bought the car, but I still find it pretty economical, beautiful to look at. It has loads of cargo space which can be adjusted by putting the seat down or up.

Because it is a turbo diesel, it also has plenty of zip. I can be cruising at 80 and still have the pick-up to pass quickly if I need to.

I love it and recommend it to anyone.

Pros: looks pretty
Cons: Pain in the butt

I too have had problems with my 2003 Beetle's side window rolling up and down. The dealer has claimed to have replaced the roller tracks once. I have had to take it in 7 or 8 times for the sames problem. They claim to have cleaned and lubricated the rollers each time. Each time, it works good for about 3 days and then proceeds to do the same. Very dissatisfied with this issue.

Pros: Cute
Cons: Seat Belt Fascists - dangerous distraction

VW is the first and only company I've found that refuses to tell how to shut off the selt belt warning.

Doesn't matter if
- you live in or travel to a state that doesn't require seatbelt use
- have a medical reason not to wear one
- put heavy packages on the front seat (because there virtually no truck space in the convertible)

VW says the warning system must stay on and distract you every few seconds.

New Beetle CONVERTIBLE - 6th and last VW

VW NEVER AGAIN