Used 2003 Volkswagen Beetle Summery & Specs at InternetAutoGuide.com

2003 Volkswagen Beetle Review Summary

Read this professional review summery and road test of the used 2003 Volkswagen Beetle with a complete test drive evaluation in all driving situations including an overview of the Hatchback's specifications, 29 hwy / 23 city fuel economy, safety features and more.

2003 Beetle Review Summary & Specs

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2003 Beetle Review Summary & Specifications

Volkswagen excels at engineering and the Beetle is a fine example of that. Beetle feels tight and responsive. The ride is smooth and sporty. Handling and braking are excellent. It rides well and there's little undue noise from the road or engine compartment.

With a price starting at $20,450 for the GL, Volkswagen aims for the New Beetle convertible to be the highest-volume, lowest-priced European convertible in North America. That should be an easy goal, especially since the Golf Cabrio is now gone.

The standard 2.0-liter engine is smooth and quiet, fine for most people, but driving enthusiasts will find its acceleration performance lacking. Beetle 1.8 T is fun to drive. Its mild manners make for a pleasant ride around town, while its acceleration performance give it sports appeal. It's best with a manual. Turbo S is for enthusiasts who want sporty handling and performance.
2003 Volkswagen Beetle Specs
Vehicle CategoryCompact Cars
EditorMitch McCullough, Editor-in-Chief
Model LineupGL 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)
Engines (standard)2.0-liter sohc 8-valve inline-4
Transmissions (standard)5-speed manual
Engines (optional)115-hp 2.0-liter dohc inline 4-cylinder; 150-hp 1.8-liter dohc 20v turbocharged inline-4; 180-hp 1.8-liter dohc 20v turbocharged inline-4; 90-horsepower 1.9-liter, inline-4 turbocharged diesel (TDI)
Transmissions (optional)5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic; 6-speed manual
Safety Equipment (standard)dual frontal airbags; side-impact airbags mounted in the seatbacks; safety-belt tensioning system; rear-seat tether anchor points for child safety seat; ABS
Safety Equipment (optional)ESP
Basic Warranty4 years/50,000 miles
Assembled InPuebla, Mexico
Manufacturer Phone1-800-DRIVE-VW
Manufacturer URLhttp://www.vw.com
Base Price MSRP15950


2003 Volkswagen Beetle Specs as Tested
Model Tested MSRPVolkswagen Beetle Convertible GLS ($21,850)
Standard EquipmentABS, traction control, electronic differential lock, air conditioning, AM/FM/cassette stereo with six speakers, power windows, power mirrors, power door locks with keyless remote control, cruise control, tilt and telescopic adjustable steering column, anti-theft alarm system, rear window defroster, pollen/odor filter, bud vase, plastic daisy, front center armrest; power top
Destination Charge575
Options as Tested (MSRP)Leather Package ($900) includes partial leather seating surfaces, leather steering wheel, shift knob and grip, heated front seats and heated washer nozzles; wind blocker ($250); ESP Electronic Stability Program ($280); Monsoon sound system ($325)
Gas Guzzler Tax
Price as Tested24180
Layoutfront-wheel drive
Horse Power115 @ 5200
Torque122 @ 2600
Fuel Economy24/31
Wheelbase98.7
Length/Width/Height161.1/67.9/59.1
Track Front/Rear59.3/58.5
Turning Radius35.8
Seating Capacity4
Front Head/Hip/Leg room40.7/NA/39.4
Middle Head/Hip/Leg room
Rear Head/Hip/Leg room37.2/NA/31.5 in.
Trunk Volume5
Payload
Towing Capacity
Front Suspensionindependent
Rear Suspensionindependent
Ground Clearance4.7
Curb Weight3082
Stock Tires205/55HR16
Brakes Front/Reardisc/disc with ABS
Fuel Capacity14.5
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2003 Volkswagen GTI Photos
2003 Volkswagen Beetle Photos
2003 Volkswagen Golf Photos
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