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 151 through 160 of 245.00-
My Beetle - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Bianca - January 13 - 10:00 amI have always heard good things about VWs. When the new beetle came out, I could not wait to own one. I finally was able to purchase one last Jan, and I have nothing but good things to say about my car. Not only is it stylish, but it was also a reasonable price. Your car should be a reflection of you, and my bug is truly that: cute, little, and full of great surprises :)
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Fun Bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Ladycat600 - January 8 - 10:00 amThere have been some problems with the window mechanisms, and a recall on the window bolts, but other than those inconveniences, this car is without a doubt a FUN car to own. It is very attractive, with many comments from passerbys on the attractiveness and admired changes in spaciousness, including an impressive sized trunk.I enjoy listening to the camaraderie of "bug lovers" memories shared with me while sitting at stop lights( with the top down.) It is a sharp, peppy, fun car to drive! If you want FUN at a reasonable price, the Turbo Bug Convertible is THE CHOICE!
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buggin in USA - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By mike RICE - January 8 - 10:00 amwE HAD A BUG WHEN i WAS YOUNGER. ALWAYS WANTED ANOTHER. THIS CAR HAS BEEN AN EYE CATCHER. EVERYONE SMILES WHEN WE DRIVE BUY. WE LOVE THE CAR OVERALL...RIDES NICER THAN MY MAXIMA. ONLY THINGS WE DONT LIKE, THE RADIO IS TERRIBLE FOR RECEPTION DUE TO SMALL ANTENNA. NO CD PLAYER STANDARD. HAD EVERY OPTION UNDER THE SUN AND NO CD..COMEON.
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My beetle & Me - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By clc2580 - January 2 - 10:00 amWhen the New Beetle Hatchback came out in 1998, I knew that I wanted have one as my very own. But once the word was out about the Convertible I had to get it instead. I own a Sundown Orange one w/black-grey interior....which was very hard to get (limited availibity in NJ) and I absoultely love it! Great handling, quiet smooth ride, love the blue and red dash...rear seats are more spacious than I thought. Trunk space is a little disappointing, but the head room and "open" feel of the interior makes up for it. Its almost like a clown car...looks so small outside, but once inside you feel so comfortable. My tallest friends (at around 62") fit without any trouble. Limited glove box storage....
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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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Fun, fun, fun - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Brenda Siewert - December 18 - 3:56 amI was looking for a great convertible that would be reliable transportation. This VW convertible never fails to turn heads and get a smile from everyone. We flew to Nashville, TN to pick it up and drove it back to Austin, TX. For 2 over 50 baby-boomers, it was a surprisingly smooth ride home. Very impressed with the power top and pep of the 2.0 liter automatic. Its a second car thats a fun weekend driver, but a very small area for luggage and other passengers. Worth the money. VW is a great automobile.
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MY LITTLE "SWEET PEA" - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By TED CHANOCK - December 1 - 2:00 amI PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 1960 BEETLE AND OWNED IT WHEN I FIRST MET MY WIFE IN 1962. I LOVED IT AND HAD IT FOR 5 YEARS. MY WIFE RECENTLY DIED AND NOSTALGIA SET IN AND I NEEDED TO BE RE-CONNECTED TO THIS WONDERFUL MEMORY OF HER. I AM SO GLAD I PURCHASED THE 2004 BEETLE. IT NOT ONLY LOOKS GREAT, BUT I AM UTTERLY IMPRESSED BY THIS QUALITY MACHINE. IT OFFERS ME EVERYTHING I WAS LOOKING FOR AND MORE.
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My Turbo - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By RRB - December 1 - 2:00 amA few too many recalls for windows & electrical. But the service from the dealership has been great. When looking at this and other cars, I was looking for something fun to drive and I had to stay under a $50K budget. There were no other requirements. This was one of the most exciting to drive and it came in at less then half the budget. The gas mileage might not what youd expect, but I can handle 27 city, 31 hwy. Dont get this one with an automatic, what fun is that!
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The convertible beetle I own - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Tom Ratliffe - November 21 - 10:00 amhandling, manuevability excellent. Gas milage not outstanding but satisfactory. Overall, a fine car for roaming around the island.
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Love My Bug - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By ladybug - November 7 - 10:46 amMy dealers service dept. has been pretty good to work with, I have no major complaints. I love driving my bug. It is fun and everyone justs loves it! Its been very reliable. Every day I want the roof down! The turbo is great for getting on highways! The interior cup holders are very poorly designed though and it didnt come with a CD player. The trunk is hard to close at times. These are minor issues. I would buy another one in a heartbeat!
