2002 Volkswagen Beetle GLS review from North America

2002: One assembly defect was found a week after purchase. The rear window defogger had a bad ground. Cost: $0, it was under warranty.

The impressive parts about this car are its retro-style, and the high level of fit and finish.

First impressions was that the car was built very well, and precise. The problem with high tolerance design is that it requires more maintenance.

The car handles crisply and exact with a good center feel. It has very little pitch in the turns and gives a feeling of confidence. The lightweight engine and wide wheelbase gives the car decent weight distribution.

The manual five speed shifts smoothly with good weight behind the throw.

The interior is very comfortable for the front two passengers. Head room is excellent for tall people. The seats are very firm and supportive, especially for long trips.

Visibility takes time to get use to because the dash board is like sitting at a giant table.

Maintenance on the beetle is difficult. The layout under the hood is hardly form follows function. For a simple oil change, plan to spend the entire afternoon removing several panels and dodging radiator and condenser hoses to get to the oil filter. Good thing the oil change interval is at 10,000 miles when using synthetic oil.

This car is fun to drive and a pleasure to own. It will take extra maintenance for the German car, but it is well worth it, if one is a fan of European cars.