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2002 Volkswagen Beetle User Reviews

2002 Volkswagen Beetle Review Ratings

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Average Ratings from 26 reviews

  • Performance:4 out of 5 stars4 out of 5 stars4 out of 5 stars4 out of 5 stars4 out of 5 stars 4 / 5
  • Appearance:4.2 out of 5 stars4.2 out of 5 stars4.2 out of 5 stars4.2 out of 5 stars4.2 out of 5 stars 4.2 / 5
  • Build Quality:3.9 out of 5 stars3.9 out of 5 stars3.9 out of 5 stars3.9 out of 5 stars3.9 out of 5 stars 3.9 / 5
  • Overall:4.2 out of 5 stars4.2 out of 5 stars4.2 out of 5 stars4.2 out of 5 stars4.2 out of 5 stars 4.2 / 5

Review Highlights Click to filter reviews below

PROS
"ride" 10 reviews
"power" 7 reviews
"fuel economy" 6 reviews
"handling" 6 reviews
"speed" 5 reviews
CONS
"small space" 4 reviews
"seat" 3 reviews
"high maintenance" 2 reviews
"turbo" 2 reviews

User Reviews

Displaying 1 - 10 of 26 reviews 123 Next
yellowbug writes:
2002 Volkswagen Beetle GLS 1.8T Review
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Pros

I love the handling and maneuverability of the new beetle.  It is quick and zippy in and around town and easy to park.  But it is also very comfortable for road trips.  Cargo hold is bigger than you'd think especially with back seats folded down

Cons

Back seat not comfortable for adults for long rides but around town it's ok for 4

yellowbug
75

Cute And Sporty — I've loved this car to commute to school and work. It was easy to drive and park and I always felt safe. It was also so easy to find in a parking lot with the bright yellow paint. I just recently drove up to Big Bear and was stunned at the power I had to climb the hills and maneuver the turns. At this point I need a bigger automobile so sadly, it's time to trade it i

Primary Use: Commuting to work

5 of 5 people found this review helpful.
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PJChilds writes:
2002 Volkswagen Beetle Sport Review
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Pros

Fun to drive, great seats, great brakes, lots and lots of highway go power.  Gets lots of compliments after six years.

Cons

Mileage could be better (it's a turbo thing), poor design causes the driver seat to wear out on the outside edge, car washes can be mean to the silver wheel paint.

PJChilds
55

New Beetle Sport, Still Fun After Six Years And Counting. — In the fall of 2002 I decided to downsize from my Lincoln MkVIII. I was really looking for a Subaru WRX when I spotted my Reflex Silver New Beetle Sport on the lot. The Sport model features the 150 HP version of the 1.8T (Volkswagen/Audi) engine and is absolutely loaded with all the options (except auto trans) and has unique 17 inch wheels which feature body-color trim inserts. This car is very much what you could call a "sleeper" because on the road the only outward sign of performance potential is the automatic rear spoiler, which pops up at over 45 mph. A peak under the fuel cap will show two recommended tire pressure ranges, for sustained speeds of less than 100 mph and over 100 mph. I had considered trading up to the 170 hp Turbo model, or the more powerful Audi TT, but have found for $1,400 and about six hours of greasy fingers and busted knuckles I can upgrade the turbo and re-flash the ROM to end up with about 270 hp. I would also recommend putting on a set of Bridgestone RE 960 AS tires. They're awesome in all kinds of weather.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Katee writes:
2002 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo S Review
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Pros

fast fast

Cons

I sold it.

45

My Fave Car Thus Far... — Review? Read the specs right off the line...fastest Beetle made (or available) in the USA, 180hp stock, torque is 174, 6 speed manual tranny, heated seats and mirrors, 17"rims with p225/45/17. Body is modeled after the Beetle cup race cars, and only 5000 made in US in 4 different colors. Great fun!! Wish I still had it :-(

Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Kendall writes:
2002 Volkswagen Beetle Review
Appearance:
Performance:
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Pros

Color, Comfort

Cons

No turbo in this model

45

2002 New Beetle Gls - Slugbug Awesomeness — This is probably the most fun car I've ever had. While the 2.sl0 engine isn't the peppiest without a turbo, it certainly can get up and go when it needs to. The best thing - it is so incredibly roomy for the driver and passenger.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Brenna writes:
2002 Volkswagen Beetle GLS 1.8T Review
Appearance:
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Pros

very safe, handles like a dream

Cons

few too many bugs

45

Not Too Shabby At All — For some reason, it has its good days and bad days. Braking still is amazing, handles like a beauty. Build quality, have had a few things go wrong. Various electrical problems. Appearance, black exterior, black leather/ cream custom interior Cost, easy on gas, very easy to maintain...so long as its not an electrical problem Fun factor. my personal road legal go cart

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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amy41370 writes:
2002 Volkswagen Beetle Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:

Pros

Heated seats! Good on gas, lots of storage cargo room, over all fun car.

Cons

Have had issues like a hazard switch that went bad three times now in two years.  It's a $35 part but clearly should have been recalled.  Had an EPC switch that troubled me twice as well but that has been fixed.  Little things like that.  I guess the only reason for me that would keep me from buying another one is dealing with the dealership here where I live.  They are nasty and even service centers hate to get parts for me from them.  Otherwise I say get a beetle you'll have fen and look good doing it!

amy41370
35

Fun, Nice Looking, And Sporty! — I love this car. I have had a few issue with it, most of which were still under warranty at the time, but over all I have driven Honda before and this car handles MUCH better and just feels like a nicer car. That being said if you don't get the sport package then you are missing out.

Owner for 5 years, 0 months

Miles Driven per Year:15,000

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Flashmandog writes:
2002 Volkswagen Beetle GLS 1.8T Review
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Pros

Looks and Handling and Power

Cons

None

Flashmandog
25

Excellent, A Definite Keeper. — Excellent car for the money. Added a rear spoiler and it looks a bit like an old porsche 911. Goes better in the snow than my Ford Ranger 4x4. Handles excellent. Ladies love it and so do I. Strongly recommend.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

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jamiefrsmith writes:
2002 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo S Review
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Pros

This car is fun to drive and safe at the same time. It hugs every turn like it is part of the road. It has the pick up and go when needed and the relaxing coast when needed as well.

Cons

The car is surprisingly spacious but it is difficult to put car seats in the back seat.

jamiefrsmith
25

Very Fun Turbo — Very fun car to drive. My dad always says this car thinks its a porsche, and he is right. It's handling and manueverability is amazing. Don't let the cute exterior fool you this is not your average cute beetle. This vehicle has speed and can get up and go along with the best sports cars.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

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dandamanda writes:
2002 Volkswagen Beetle Sport Review
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Pros

Awesome power and handling, beautiful interior and exterior. Brakes are excellent and long lasting. Fun to drive. Love the spoiler. Very strong engine that lasts. Smooth ride, starts easily in cold weather. Excellent stereo system, all the bells and whistles. Lots of room for a small car. Gas mileage is reasonable since it's small. Great city car. Body is rugged and resistant to rust.

Cons

Hates bumps--the sport suspension is very stiff and terrible on rural roads. Low to the ground which can also be a problem. Very costly to maintain, especially replacement of body parts like front end, suspension, etc. Check engine light and other console lights come and go frequently. Parts are rather expensive, and something is almost always broken! Rear seats don't have a lot of room.

dandamanda
25

Sporty City Car, High Maintenance And Not A Commuter — Overall, not good for rural areas, dirt roads, bumpy roads, frost heaves, etc. Better for sporty, fun rides on flawlessly maintained roads. Fun to drive and will last a long time, but not without lots of repairs and maintenance which can be expensive.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

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ARGRITZ writes:
2002 Volkswagen Beetle GLS TDi Review
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Pros

Excellent gas mileage

Cons

High repair costs

ARGRITZ
20

Fun To Drive. — Car was fun to drive and really cheap on fuel cost. Regular maintenance was a bit pricey and repair costs were ridicules. Handling on winding roads was great. For such a little car it had a surprisingly quiet and smooth ride.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

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Displaying 1 - 10 of 26 reviews 123 Next
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Cost $6,046 Average Instant Market Value $5,866 Average Instant Market Value $8,545 Average Instant Market Value
Horsepower 115 115 115
Crash Test Rating 4 5 4
Cargo Volume (cu. ft.) 5.3
Front Leg Room (inches) 39.4 41.5 41.3

Reviews From Other Years

2012 Volkswagen Beetle Reviews

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2010 Volkswagen Beetle Reviews

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2009 Volkswagen Beetle Reviews

2009 Vw Green Beetle By sakina

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Read all 5 2009 Volkswagen Beetle reviews

2008 Volkswagen Beetle Reviews

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Read all 7 2008 Volkswagen Beetle reviews

2007 Volkswagen Beetle Reviews

Love My Little Bug. By 1980Jennifer

This is a fun little car that gets great gas mileage. The back seat gets a little crowded and there's not a ton of room for stuff, but as a commuter vehicle, its perfect. Thanks to The Garage Auto Rep... Read More

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Read all 10 2007 Volkswagen Beetle reviews
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