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 61 through 70 of 245.00-
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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Luxury Class w/ no Pretense! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Blondie2000AZ - May 22 - 2:00 amSaw it. Had to have it. No test drive and still paid less than sticker! When everyone involved has confidence in the value of a car, its an easy, painless transaction. I love this car because its classic and unique at once. Down to earth, but very stylish and fun. Compares favoribly w/ likes of BMW only without the pretensiousness.
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This is a great car! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By bug owner - May 5 - 10:00 amWe love this car! It makes us smile and whenever we drive it other people smile and wave. It is great with the top down and quiet with the top up. We put one of those hood covers (used to be called a bra) on it and it looks even sportier. .
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awesome car - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By babyblu766896 - May 1 - 12:16 amI bought a new Beetle as a gift for myself and i really love my car. Its peppy around town and gives me great mileage. I do have some gripes though (interior lighting) and automatic transmission. There are a few other gripes but they arent that serious. I do love the handling and the visibility at nighttime. Overall I love my car but i dont think i would buy one again.
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2004 VW Beetle GL Coupe - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By jesmari - April 26 - 3:43 pmThis is a great car for the small unique design. It is fun to drive and has great stability. It is very reliable. The only con is a minor electrical fault in the airbag system. The system frequently gave a false alert of having problems, without there actually being a problem.
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Topless fun in TX - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Kevin_pharmd - April 16 - 10:00 amWife and I bought it about 2 weeks ago and we cant stop driving it. We had a bit of trouble finding the Aq Blue with to options we wanted, but the dealer took care of of. The car is absolute fun to drive, handles corners at 55mph w/o problems, rides low and fast. Auto is fun with tiptronic and seat warmers great in the fall. Warning lights hard to see on dash when sun in behind you. You have to get you one!
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I love my bug! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By laurenp - February 15 - 10:00 amMy 04 bug is so much fun! I love the colors, Harvest Moon with a tan top. Now that its sunny in CA, the top is down whenever Im driving. This bug is great for any season. Ive taken my bug snowboarding in Lake Tahoe a few times with no problems. The monsoon sound system is great. Eveything about my bug is great!
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Piece of Junk! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Kay Highland - February 8 - 10:00 amIf you are thinking about buying a new VW Beetle, think again! This is the biggest piece of junk on the market! I have lost count as to how many times my car has been in the shop. It is in there right now because it will not start! They are cute and fun to drive but not reliable! I have had just about everything you can imagine go wrong with my car. I have had five oxygen sensors replaced, my CD changer replaced three times and have had several other issues. My Instrument Cluster went out and it is $300.00 to replace. The dealership charges $235.00 for a new battery! I just spent $300.00 two weeks ago to replace a bad Temperature gage. Do not buy!
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Step on this Beetle and it goes!!! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Nancylb50 - January 3 - 10:00 amWe purchased this vehicle used with 53,000 miles on it as a daily driver for my wife. She travels 46 miles per day round trip. We both love the car. It is easier for me to get into and out of than my 1997 Cadillac Sedan DeVille! Im buying a convertible Bettle this year to replace the Caddy.
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Lemon - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By dfalasch - December 28 - 10:00 amThe top broke within the first three months, stuck open, less than 2,000 miles. It took 3 tries for the dealership to fix it, and still not sure if it is fixed for good. The windows were part of a recall (clamps loosened so they added adhesive post production). Never got the recall notice, but the windows rattled so bad it sounded like it was falling apart. The last time I got the car back they misaligned the driver side window so that is hits the stops and makes a clunk. In addition, the windows still all rattle like the car was put together with Elmers glue. VW has a history of window problems. The sound system makes a loud hissing sound.
