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 41 through 50 of 245.00

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  I love my car!! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By tehj151 - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for just three months. The only thing I can say negative is that the seats are not very comfortable to sit in for any length of time. I keep a pillow in the drivers seat behind my back to help with back pain.

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  Cutest piece of junk on the road! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By LPKAY - July 16 - 9:50 pm

  This car has been in the shop 4 times for window motor replacement, countless times for various electrical and sensor problems, the convertible top motor broke,bad headlights, impossible to clean seats, etc. Ive had every problem that everyone else has had. This is the least reliable, most poorly designed car with the worst customer service Ive ever had; its also incredibly cute and very fun to drive! I would never spend another penny on a volkswagen, especially if it was my only car. We have other cars so it wasnt a problem that has been in the shop almost 20 times.

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  My dream bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By topdownbug - June 10 - 2:00 am

  This is the most enjoyable car Ive ever owned in my almost 40 years of driving. It is so stylish and although I like many other cars - nothing says pure fun better than a bug and when you add the topdown to it - its the best!! I have a second car that I drive in the winter - so my BUG is truly a great toy for me!

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  I love my new beetle! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By nicknmanda - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy driving my New Bettle it is so much fun!

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  my beetle - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Diogo - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I love my New Beetle and I am planning to lease a new one when my old lease ends. I love the New Beetle looks.

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  Turbo S - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By wkuhl - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Great fun to drive. Roomy in front seat. Turbo S interior styling is great.

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  Love my Bug!!! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By CHRISTIE - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I had been waiting for the NBC since the New Beetle came out years ago. This is a peppy little car! Does it handle like a sports car? No. However, it handles great, its comfortable to drive and has plenty of front seat leg room.

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  Stay Away from the New Beetle TDI - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Surface - February 2 - 4:00 am

  2003 5-Speed TDI. My expectations of VW quality have been all shut down. This is the worst new car purchased. 2 year old car that needs repairs all the time. Things that should work for years to come break, for example the gas cap release mechanism is a part of a large list of things. Gas milage of this vehicle is great, but what others do not tell you is that maintenance required for this car is horrible, Timing Belt Change every 40K miles required. Parts Sales person from VW told me that all the money you save on gas milage are spent on either repair or maintenance [TDIs mostly]. Have you checked VW reliability ratings? Search the web,you will be surprised that VW is in the Daewoo region!

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  Buyer Beware - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By heartbroken - January 17 - 11:50 am

  My beloved dream car has an engineering flaw that apparently comes to light after 60,000. The auto transmission becomes erratic clunking into gear, screeching off, staying in 2nd gear. After months and hundreds of dollars of investigation and fixes, the only cure is a valve and electronic trans. replacement to the tune of $4000-$7000. VW will not admit to any problems or pay for a fix. The government car safety website (safercar.gov) has 28 complaints registered about this issue. I would not recommend any VW product to anyone-new or used.

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  Great Car - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By janet brown-wooten - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I love my VW Comvertible Beetle, I own the Turbo, black,cream interior. This car has great pick-up speed, comfortable, reliable, and very sleek looking.