2003 Volkswagen Beetle GLS Convertible review from North America

I was pleasantly surprised to see that VW had recalled my model (2003/4 convertible beetle) for the window latches. I KNEW mine seemed to rattle and the auto roll-down feature didn't always work. Unfortunately, my dealer didn't fix the problem. I heard a off-side comment that gave me the impression I was the first customer to request the recall/repair. Seats and floor boards are hard to keep clean and look grimy already. Dashboard is ridiculously long and makes for a strange visual. The visor may as well not be there : I have to place a hand towel and let it hang down on sunny days to keep from being blinded and sunburned (this with the top UP--not great for safety and visibility either). My driver side blinker has been looked at three times : first two times they said nothing was wrong (rapidly blinks 90% of time). Last time they went in and said a bulb had burned out. The next day? Still blinking rapidly. My headlight was also loose (have had the car about three months). The dealer acted as if I did something to it ("Someone has been fooling with this thing."). I saw another 2003 Convertible this morning whose running light on that side (they are always on when the car is on) was burned out. I thought "Uh, oh. I bet that's what's going to happen to mine too." The inside is a little loud and when you hit a bump those darn windows rattle. It's also unbelievable to me that a 2003 car would NOT have a CD player as standard. To get one you have to pay about $800 and install it in the armrest--in a car with already precious little room.

The colors are great (mine is Aquarius Blue and really puts people back to circa 1971!)

The convertible top is easy and has a glass window vs. a plastic one.

The sound system is good.

The tiptronic/automatic transmission is cool for those rare times you actually WANT to shift gears.

You get LOADS of smiles, waves, beeps, people pointing and folks coming up to you at the gas pump wanting to take a peek inside. Nothin' wrong with that!

The back seat is only suitable for small kids and things that wouldn't fit in the trunk.

Speaking of the trunk---mine is great. I never liked the large trunks my other cars had because I'd end up with cracked eggs and soda bottles all over the place. Nice, tight, but big enough for two weeks' worth of grocery bags. I suspect luggage wouldn't be an option though.

Car handles GREAT and is FAST. I find myself going 80 on the highway without even realizing it. Zipping in and out of lanes with no problems and never feeling like I cut anyone off, 'cause it's so small. Parking is easy and no door dings yet!

Would like to see a CD player and seriously tinted glass (or bigger sun visor) as standard equipment.

Windows are a concern in terms of rattle (people stare at the car door when they get in as if to say "What the heck was that?") and I suspect they are the reason for the inside wind noise.

Automatic car seat adjustment wouldn't hurt. This one is the old-fashioned crank-till-ya-cramp style.

You won't feel low in this car---you feel like you are at the same level as everyone else. And you definitely get a lot of fun attention.

Oh, and yes, there is a bud vase (everyone asks) :)