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 1 through 10 of 245.00-
Like to Worry About What Will Break Next - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Not happy - January 20 - 7:53 pmMy VW Beetles air bag sensors keep breaking, making them inoperable. I have had this problem repaired twice, the automatic top repaired three times, window regulators, clamps and motor repaired for a total of four times, and seat release replaced twice. The radio hisses, never fixed as it is a "design flaw." All of the windows rattle so badly the car sounds like it is falling apart at times, never fixed "design flaw."
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get out the raid - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By raid - January 15 - 2:00 amThis is the car for you....if you dont mind interior pieces coming of in your hands. Im on a first name basis with the service manager at my dealership.... Center console has been replaced 3 times.Back seat electrical outlet has been replaced 5 times. Hood latch.....4 times. CD changer 2 times. Air bag sensor failed....took 4 months to get the part from Germany.
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Bugged OUT - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Donna Tedjeske - January 10 - 10:00 amVW replaced my 2003 Beatle because of PA state Lemon Law (it was in the shop 13 times in the first year!). The 2004 they replaced it with is NO better. If you want to spend time in the shop and drive a rental car....buy the New Beatle Convertible. This girl is bugged out!!
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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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Listen to the lemons! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By queromare - May 23 - 11:30 pmLike many others, I couldnt list all the things that are wrong with this car. The most important one is it stalls constantly when its 100+ degrees outside. Completely unreliable, gas tank exploded one day and poured gasoline everywhere, numerous electrical problems. The car is adorable and pretty fun, but has no power, a terrible turning radius and is poorly designed for comfort inside. A vase isnt worth the hassle. I ignored the warnings, dont make the same mistake as I did! This stupid thing has cost me $6,000 so far! I now pay $500/month for it to sit on the driveway! I wont drive it past warranty! Doesnt even get good mileage ie 25/gallon!
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Hate This Bug: Buyer Beware - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By ekl - July 23 - 1:40 pmThis was the car I always wanted. Although parts of the first two years of ownership were fun, overall this is the worst purchase I have ever made. I will NEVER buy another Volkswagen! Ive owned this car for 4 1/2 years. In the last year, my bug has been towed into the dealership 3 times because it will not start, and Ive shelled out $3,000 in repairs. Ive had the seat handles replaced multiple times, the trunk will not open on the first try, the headlights short out constantly, etc. To date, Ive had the following replaced: throttle body ($800), front airbag sensor ($450), alternator ($500), windshield ($350), front grill ($500). I know the bug is very cute, but dont buy this car!
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Do not buy this car - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Carrie - June 17 - 3:56 amThe first week I owned by brand new Beetle, the alternator went out on it. Since then, I have brought it in for so many other problems, I cant name them all. From three window motors breaking, to flooding when it rains through the door, to stalling, to a faulty CD changer. The car is not built right. For the asking price, its not worth it and its not a reliable car. Mine isnt the only lemon, a friend of mine has one that had its top gets stuck and not come back up. Its been in the shop for that two times. Sorry, but Ive tried to get the dealer to take my car back more than five times. Warning!
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I would not recommend this car. - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By SAM# - March 28 - 10:00 amThis car to me is very much not worth the money. There are way too many problems with the car as you can read on the other forums here in edmunds. I have had mine for four months and overall am not happy with it. The automatic transmission is not good at all - horrible shifting at all the wrong times. Cruise control is the worst Ive used on any car. At cruseing speed the engine whines at a most annoying pitch also. MANY problems with the Beetle and check engine lights, airbag lights, power windows not working correctly, motors on the hatch not working with many other problems. This is not a one car problem, so watch what you buy.
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Worst Mistake Of My Life - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By design_o_mite - December 22 - 10:34 pmWithin three days of buying a 2004 Beetle convertible from a used dealer for $8,600 (incl CA sales tax and dealer fees), it became obvious the tranny had issues. (88K miles on the car.) Less than 2 months later, Ive replaced the transmission, and axle, the triptronic...to the tune of $6500. Im not into this car 15K and every week, something new (engine valve) keeps popping up. The dealer had to have known--the car didnt "know" what gear it was in the first time I took it on the highway. It only made it the 5 miles home after purchase uneventful. Ive now maxed out my credit cards and even w/ the new tranny, the car is STILL shifting choppily!
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Worst VW Ive Owned (out of 3) - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By dsmark - January 23 - 1:47 amWithout a doubt this is the worst VW I have owned. Had a 71 Bug in high school and I would rather have that car back then this 2004. We bought this car in 2006 for my wife, she loved the red/black coloring, and the convertible top. Since buying the car we have replaced the water pump 3 times, drivers side headlight keeps going out, convertable top was vandalized (not VWs fault) the power windows dont auto close correctly. Its just one problem after another...I will never buy another VW
