Overview & Reviews
For 2004, the New Beetle is no longer available in GLX trim. There's an improved TDI engine and restyled 16- and 17-inch wheels. Turbo S models get uniquely styled 17-inch wheels as a late-year addition. New safety features include head curtain airbags and upgraded head restraints. The Monsoon audio system is now standard on the GLS and new GDL headlights are optional. Later in the model year a fixed rear spoiler will replace the power-operated unit and a CD player with MP3 capability will be added. Convertibles get new exterior colors and color combinations. All Beetles get a new fuel cap warning light this year. TDI models can be equipped with a Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), which is a six-speed manual transmission with electronic control of the clutch and gearshifting. It can be operated in full automatic mode, like a traditional automatic, or shifted manually like a Tiptronic.
- Cute yet classic styling, range of engine choices, long list of standard features, good crash test scores.
- Tight rear-seat accommodations, limited cargo room, high price of Turbo S model.
User Reviews:
Showing 31 through 40 of 245.00-
Beware! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By msmollon - December 3 - 2:00 am1st month top wouldnt go down took 6 weeks to repair after my wife threatened the Corp office. 8th month wouldstart two weeks to repair said they replaced the starter. one week later the same problem currently at the dealer cant wait for the same problem to arise so we can initiate the LEMON LAW!
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1ST FUN CAR - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By YOUNG 68 GUY - September 24 - 3:50 amMight be oldest bug buyer of 04. Enter/ exiting very important for this senior; tested many small size convertibles, by far my volks the winner. The quietness with top up (not a rattle) is sedan like. Goose the turbo, wind in my face, smoothly hugging the road...thrilling. Old guy/gal friends are very comfort impressed. Purchased 10 new cars but never before went for a drive just because it was fun !!!
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Worst Car - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By lvazquez1watcx - September 11 - 4:55 pmI bought this car on June 2011. it had less than 90, 000 miles on it. few months after i bought it, the flap panels broke, headliner started falling apart and the inside began to deteriorate. when it hit 100,000 miles the transmission started acting up, the valve body ended up need replaced. the headlights and anything electrical really is always acting up. i got this car at the VW dealership and thought i was getting a good deal on it, but not even 2 years later and i have already put thousands of dollars into its repairs. I am a nursing student and this is probably the least reliable car you could own. Have filed a complaint with the BBB, but never received a response.
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ITS A TON OF FUN - SOLID PERFORMER - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By PALAW2004 - September 9 - 2:00 amBOUGHT AS CAR FOR WEEKEND FUN, IT HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY GREAT. BACK SEAT IS FINE FOR KIDS. HEATED FRONT SEATS ARE EXCELLENT. 5 SPEED MANUAL TURBO PROVIDES PLENTY OF PUNCH. MONSOON SOUND IS ALSO EXCELLENT. I GET MORE SATISFACTION FROM DRIVING THIS BEETLE THAN MY OTHER GERMAN CAR (BMW). IF YOU WANT TO GET AWAY FROM DRIVNG LARGE SUV TYPE VEHICLES AND WANT TOP DOWN FUN, DONT MISS THIS TRYING THIS MODEL. YOU WONT BE SORRY.
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Why this is my last VW purchase - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By finalstraw - September 2 - 11:15 pmAfter owning many VWs and with a lifetime of great memories Ive got to accept the fact that VWs have never been reliable and Ive spent waaay too much time and waaaay too much money for those memories. The final straw happened today; I received a Warranty Extension notice in the mail about the transmission valve body in my convertible. WOW!...VW finally admitted there has been a problem and they were going to fix it. WRONG! I was out of the warranty window by 2 months - but they could repair it for $2-3k! VW lost me forever. I wish I could recapture the time that Ive wasted fooling with VWs. Unless you want to spend a chunk of your life hanging out in garages with mechanics - stay away!
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Its Got Go. - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By feedle - August 24 - 10:00 amWhat an amazing, fun little car. I have a TDI diesel, with the Tiptronic transmission, and this is hands down the most fun car Ive ever driven. Out of the gate mine has had a few minor hiccups (CD player stopped playing CDs on the fourth day, airbag system isnt working properly [diag. light]), but the dealerships Ive dealt with have been quick to repair and cooperative. And, the fuel economy is AMAZING! 400-500 miles on a tank of diesel is "normal" for this car, and with some conservative driving, Ive pushed it to nearly 600. A worthy successor to the "Beetle" name.
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Cyber Bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By cybergypsy - July 28 - 2:00 amI bought this after having two bugs a 2000 TDI and a 2002 GLX...really wanted the turbo but i took this little bug for a test drive and fell in love... it handles great :)
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Super Turbo Fun Bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Royce 1 - July 28 - 2:00 amMost fun car I have ever owned. Reliable, low cost, good economy and "QUICK"! 130MPH no problem. Great features and stable as a rock on a long trip. Even at "freeway" speeds -- HA AH! Put over 3,000 miles on it over New Years and was totally pleased. Great car. Very little fatigue and thats saying something for an old scudder - Im 64 years old...
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My engine Blew...VW wouldnt help! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Meggie Boo - July 17 - 10:00 amI loved driving my car until one day my engine destroyed itself. The manufactureer sugests that normal oil should be fine a a turbo engine. But I PAINFULLY found out that synthetic oil is the only oil that is supposed to be used in a turbo car. The normal becomes so thick that is is as hard as tar and is causes blockages! this cause the engine to stop AFTER it has broken the pistons and destroyed the valves! I know 4 people who this has happened too!
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Great - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Michael Cheeks - July 17 - 10:00 amThis car has alot of geat features for such a great bargain. It rides wonderful and gets great gas mileage. If I get the chance to get another one I intend to do so.
