2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Review Summaries

What reviewers liked most about the Volkswagen New Beetle:

Front seats are comfortable and supportive.

-- Consumer Guide

The New Beetle 1.8T [turbo] never feels underpowered or overworked.

-- Edmunds.com

Large doors and forward-flipping bucket seats make rear ingress/egress quite manageable.

-- Motor Trend

Steering response is excellent.

-- The Car Connection

What reviewers liked least about the Volkswagen New Beetle:

The sharply sloping roofline curtails [rear] headroom.

-- Automobile

Wheezy 2.0-liter [base engine].

-- AutoWeek

Rear windows do not open; so rear-seat passengers might feel a little claustrophobic on summer days.

-- New Car Test Drive

Awkwardly placed [seat] recliner knob.

-- Road Test Online

Volkswagen New Beetle Comparisons:

It isn't a family car like the Volkswagen Golf or Jetta.

-- Chicago Sun-Times

With...the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Ford Thunderbird, and Mini Cooper stealing headlines, der Beetle no longer basks alone in the retro-fad limelight.

-- New Car Test Drive

Best one-liner about the Volkswagen New Beetle:

Cup holders, glove box, and sun visors are for Stuart Little.

-- Car and Driver

Flower power + good ergonomics = New Beetle interior.

-- The Car Connection

Cuddliest car on the market.

-- Motor Trend