+ Used Car Home     + Used Cars for Sale     + Car Reviews     + Auto Repair

 2003 Volkswagen Beetle Review
Whether you're about to spend $40K on a brand new car, or half that on a used car, it is always important to learn as much as you can about the used car. Read these car reviews to learn about all aspects of the vehicle. Each of the usedcar reviews cover interior and exterior features, options, road tests, and more.

Introduction | Lineup | Walkaround | Interior | Driving Impressions | Summary & Specifications

 Lineup

Beetle comes with a choice of engines: Volkswagen's 115-horsepower 2.0-liter engine comes on GL and GLS 2.0 models. TDI models are equipped with a 1.9-liter diesel engine called TDI for Turbo Direct Injection that earns an EPA-estimated 49 mpg on the highway. 1.8T models come with a 150-horsepower turbocharged 1.8-liter engine. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard; a four-speed automatic ($875) is optional. Turbo S is equipped with a free-breathing 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Convertibles offer a six-speed automatic with Tiptronic ($1175).

Models and MSRPs: GL 2.0 ($15,950); GLS 2.0 ($17,815); GL TDI ($17,195); GLS TDI ($18,995); GLS 1.8 T ($19,855); GLX 1.8 T ($21,640); Turbo S ($23,540); Convertible GL 2.0 ($20,450); Convertible GLS 2.0 ($21,850); Convertible GLS 1.8 T ($24,100); Convertible GLX 1.8 T ($25,550).

Beetle comes well equipped. Base GL comes with a long list of standard items: CFC-free air conditioning with an integrated pollen filter; a six-speaker AM/FM stereo/cassette; central locking with keyless remote; anti-theft system; four-wheel disc brakes with ABS; tilt/telescoping steering column; clear-lens halogen projector headlamps; heated, power exterior mirrors; cruise control; power windows.

GLS trim level adds front fog lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof and no-cost optional leatherette. Options include leather-trimmed seating surfaces, heated front seats, a three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a leather-wrapped shift knob and hand brake grip, 17-inch alloy wheels (on 1.8 T), Monsoon Audio System, ESP and heated windshield washer nozzles.

GLX also features 16-inch alloy wheels, a speed-activated rear spoiler (also available on GL and GLS 1.8 T), an eight-speaker Monsoon Audio System, a leather-wrapped shift knob, hand brake grip and three-spoke steering wheel, leather-trimmed seating surfaces with heatable front seats, heated windshield washer nozzles, halogen fog lamps, rain-sensing wipers and a self-dimming rearview mirror.

Turbo S remains the most powerful New Beetle with its 180-horsepower 1.8 T engine rated at 173 pounds-feet of torque. All Turbo S models come with the six-speed manual. Other unique features include 17-inch alloy wheels, brushed alloy trim and dual stainless steel exhaust tips.

Convertibles offer a choice of standard five-speed manual or a new optional six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic. The New Beetle convertible is available with a manual or semi-automatic cloth-lined top that features three layers to ensure excellent insulation and appearance. Volkswagen's standard Automatic Rollover Supports serve to provide added overhead support in the unlikely event of a rollover. Sensors in the car indicate whether it is in a rollover situation, causing the Automatic Rollover Supports to deploy behind the rear seats, whether the convertible top is up or down. The exclusive system works in conjunction with the headrests to help provide even more protection for occupants.

Standard safety equipment includes driver and front passenger airbags, side-impact airbags mounted in the seatbacks, a safety-belt tensioning system, a collapsible steering column, an emergency trunk release handle and rear-seat tether anchorage points for securing a child safety seat. Antilock brakes (ABS) come standard. Volkswagen's Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) is optional on the New Beetle GL, GLS and GLX, and standard on Turbo S. ESP will automatically help stabilize the vehicle in the event of a sudden emergency maneuver.


 Other Volkswagen Reviews
2007 Volkswagen Eos Review
2007 Volkswagen GTI Review
2007 Volkswagen Rabbit Review
2007 Volkswagen Jetta Review
2007 Volkswagen Passat Review
2006 Volkswagen Touareg Review
2006 Volkswagen GTI Review
2006 Volkswagen Jetta Review
2006 Volkswagen Passat Review
2005 Volkswagen Jetta Review
2005 Volkswagen Beetle Review
2005 Volkswagen Touareg Review
2005 Volkswagen GTI Review
2004 Volkswagen Phaeton Review
2004 Volkswagen Beetle Review
2004 Volkswagen Passat Review
2004 Volkswagen Touareg Review
2003 Volkswagen Beetle Review
2003 Volkswagen Passat Review
2003 Volkswagen Golf Review
2002 Volkswagen Passat Review
2002 Volkswagen Golf Review
2002 Volkswagen Eurovan Review
2002 Volkswagen Beetle Review
2002 Volkswagen Jetta Review
2001 Volkswagen Golf Review
2001 Volkswagen Eurovan Review
2001 Volkswagen Beetle Review
2001 Volkswagen Jetta Review
2001 Volkswagen Passat Review
2000 Volkswagen Golf Review
2000 Volkswagen Eurovan Review
2000 Volkswagen Beetle Review
2000 Volkswagen Jetta Review
2000 Volkswagen Passat Review
1999 Volkswagen Beetle Review
1999 Volkswagen Jetta Review
1999 Volkswagen Passat Review
1999 Volkswagen Golf Review
1999 Volkswagen Eurovan Review
1998 Volkswagen Jetta Review
1998 Volkswagen Passat Review
1997 Volkswagen Jetta Review
1996 Volkswagen Jetta Review
1995 Volkswagen Passat Review
1994 Volkswagen Eurovan Review
1994 Volkswagen Passat Review

Used Car Home       Used Cars for Sale       Car Reviews       Auto Repair
UsedCar.us.com - Copywrite - All Rights Reserved