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 71 through 80 of 245.00-
Poor Quality - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By mas16 - December 19 - 5:34 amStay away - engineering and quality are very poor. I bought the car new for my daugher for a graduation present. With just over 50K miles we have had to rebuild the transmission and replace the cytelitic converter. Also had numorous annoying but slightly less major problems. My daughter had to stop usign the convertible top several years ago. The darn thing is too complicated and something breaks about every third time it was used. The scary thing is that every we encountered a problem I look on the VW forums and found that many other owners are experiencing the same problem.
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Well Engineered - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Igmandada - November 26 - 2:00 amStill having the honneymoon effect with the beetle, however, we are exceptionally pleased with our 03 GLS TDI 5M. First fuel tank at 43 MPG mostly around town. Very smooth driving and top rate handling & braking. Very easy and fun to drive and gathers speed much quicker than we anticipated. Speedo shows 70mph and it feels like 60, I keep thinking it must be wrong. We love the sunroof and so far very glad we purchased it. I cannot keep the wife out of it. G. Miller
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Happy Bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By dave341 - October 19 - 8:48 pmAfter 6 years and 65,000 miles we still love the car. Great fun in the summer with the top down. No mechanical problems yet, a trouble free experience.
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Buy a New Beetle! You will be so happy! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Gsusfsh - October 14 - 2:00 amI have been very happy with my New Beetle. If I could buy a new car agian I would buy a new beetle again. The only difference might be a convertible. There are so many different surprises in the features. It says "limited cargo room" but come on! Its a 2 door car! I am impressed about the amount of room in the car. You can also let the back seat down which greatly increases the amount of cargo room. Baby car seats also fit well in the back seat because of the anchors build into the seats for that very reason. I love my car!!!
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Much more spacious than I thought - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By LoveBeetle - October 9 - 10:00 amBeetle is one of kind. You do not need to mention VW Beetle. It looks so distinguish that it never losses in LA traffic. We all know that, but the most impressive thing is the interior space which is much spacious than I judged from its cute exterior. The fronts have the most head room, the back seats actually fit two teens with comfort. It is a fun car to drive, practical daily car and low cost to own too. How many car can offer all these?
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A Car With Personality - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Pinkmartini - October 9 - 10:00 amI picked it over the BMW and Mercedes CLK convertible. It says, "Im fun and Im happy" whereas the other convertible say, "Im a snob." VW is one of the only convertible that doesnt strive to something its not. Its not trying to be a luxury car. This car has so much more personality. Being a former BMW driver, I surprised myself when I picked the VW (fully loaded). I live in California, so I have the top down all the time. I cant even begin to tell you the number of people that give me compliments on it...while I am driving my car. My whole family loves it and sometimes I find my car missing because someone else borrowed it.
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bernie - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By jennychan - October 4 - 10:00 amBeware the 40,000 mile service costs $1,000 ... they must have this VW confused with a porshe ... when you figure that added expense, you can wave goodbye to any fuel savings
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Beware of Electrical Problems - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Kristen - September 27 - 9:20 pmEven though this car is absolutely darling, it has had numberous electrical problems. I have had my car in about five times for electrical problems. Windows unaligned causing rain to come in, not going back up or down, radio stays on when key is removed door shut and locked, air bag light on, coolant light on, tail lights going out several times and the dealership just does not care about it at all. I am trading it in and going back to Toyota. I will miss my little bug but its unreliable. Good thing I dont work, I would be fired for the times I have been without a car and unable to go anywhere. I am afraid to take it on a road trip. Purchase a Toyota or Honda.
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I Love Beetles - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Nancy - September 19 - 7:53 pmI really enjoy this car. I was hesitant at first to get one, but now am so glad I did! It is great on gas, fun to drive, and very comfortable. There is much more room inside than one would expect in a small car. I have the 1.8 turbo. It is a great performer and so fun to drive. It handles really well. I would highly recommend this car to anyone looking for better gas mileage without sacrificing fun and performance.
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New to VW - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Tierri - August 27 - 2:00 amI really like driving this car. I switched from a larger gas taking car to this auto. Im also 64 and have plenty of head room in this car. Since Im the only one driving the car I dont have to worry about people sitting behind me. The car is very distinctive and has some get up. Definitely fun to drive. The included i- pod was a feature I didnt expect.
