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 91 through 100 of 245.00

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  Beetle convertible -first impressions - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Robert Skaleski - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle drives well and is comfortable. It has style and a personality. I was pleasantly surprised at the ride which was solid and controlled. It is not the beetle of old, but a new and more sophisticated car with 3,100 lbs of fun, electronic features and a zippy motor.

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  LOVE IT !! HEADS TURN, MANY COMPLIMENTS - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By JOAN YOVAN - May 28 - 10:00 am

  GREAT RIDE,SMOOTH,QUIET. TAKES BUMPS EASY.GOOD LOOKING. USE P/T IN FLORIDA.

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  Roomiest of all Vehicles, Handles great! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By otter63 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Im 6 feet, 6 inches tall, need lots of headroom. This is the only car, truck, or SUV in which I have ROOM TO SPARE ABOVE MY HEAD. Got the GL, as a sunroof would have eliminated the headroom. Surprising amount of "hip room". I have plenty of room to let my knees out to the side, without hitting power window or gearshift consoles. Got the diesel with the intent of running biodiesel, helping eliminate our dependence on oil, but VW says that will put my warranty at risk. Anyway, Im AVERAGING 50 mpg with petroleum diesel. Best so far is 62 mpg - seems to be more efficient at 70 mph than 60.

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  I love my bug! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By tweety76 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Its quick, its fast and its a heck of alot of fun to drive!

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  Awesome - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Regina Ferrer - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is beautiful it is perfect for me!

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  LEMON BEETLE - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dilyse - May 27 - 7:27 am

  Bought this cute bug 6 years ago for my daughter. Has been in the shop more times than I can count. Ive always had it serviced right on time either at a dealer or by a VW specialist and still have tons of problems. Main ones: - SUNROOF LEAKS - ruined interior! Have taken it to a VW dealer 4 times and an independent specialist once. Still leaks. Really bad design! - POWER WINDOW MOTOR - Replaced - Misc Buttons - pop off. Design is also really a 2-seater as the rear seats are virtually useless for anyone over 5 feet tall. My daughter wanted this based on looks alone. At least this has been a great lesson for her. NEXT TIME SHELL BUY QUALITY IN ADDITION TO LOOKS. AVOID THE BUG!

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  2004 model is a winner - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By DJRHINO - April 26 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 GLS model is very fun and nice to drive. Its a joy to travel in. We like the classy design of the alloy wheels for 2004, and the now standard Monsoon Audio system. Handling in the curves is great, and makes one not want to put the car back into the garage at the end of the day.

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  LOVE THIS LITTLE CAR - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By classyirish - April 9 - 7:13 pm

  I am a PROUD new owner of a used 2004 VW New Beetle convertable. I LOVE IT! So far so good. I have dressed her up with lashes and lipstick, she is fast, smooth, comfortable, roomy, and so very nice to look at. I have read the reviews about this cute car, and I see that a few have had issues, maybe the issues have been taken care of before I bought it, I did have to take her in as the check engine light was on, they fixed it, and she is running smooth. there also was a severed wire under the driver seat, fixed that and now the airbag light is off. I hope to keep her a good 10 to 15 years, and trade her up for another.

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  A bug in the Bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Beetle fanatic - April 5 - 5:36 pm

  We bought our beetle looking for a fun car that we can take the top down. Ive had the sports cars, the expensive convertibles, and even a 74 beetle. If you want a car with the hot factor, get a beetle. If you like to turn heads, this is your car. We have the mellow yellow. The bad part Id within 48 hrs, we have already made a list of things to ask our VW dealership about. (rear Windows, weather stripping, a couple extremely small rust spots) but I havent lost hope in the car considering it is my dream ride,

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  only a bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By marthap - March 8 - 2:00 am

  i love my convertible bug. i have had 3 bugs in my life. a 72 convertible that was really hard to get worked on so as much as i hated to i sold it. then in 2001 i bought a new bug and then in 2003 when having the oil changed in my bug i bought a 2004 convertible bug - mellow yellow. i havent had alot of "without" top time yet since i bought it end of fall early winter but im looking forward to summer fun. i am counting on this being my last car.