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 201 through 210 of 245.00

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  Maintenance is too High! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By jt - November 5 - 10:10 pm

  The car is beautiful and drives beautifully, however the cost of simple things like brake jobs is too high and it is always a battle to get "Warranty" work done. The dealership claims that simple brake pads cost me $172.00 just for the pads for the front of the car. I was quoted over $400.00 just to replace the pads for the front of the car. I think that is inappropriate for a supposed economy car. Read below as well about the two times I have been stranded.

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  Sad Cute Car - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Heather Maurer - October 31 - 8:26 pm

  Unfortunately, I have had to bring my car in 5 times for repairs. 4 times because the automatic convertible roof wouldnt go up and 1 time because the motor in the back electric window broke. I love the look, feel and drive of this car and I am completely disgusted and greatly disappointed with the convertible top not working properly. According to the dealership, I am not using due diligence when opening the trunk when the top is down. They are indicating that the top is getting stuck in the trunk which is causing it not to go up and that it is my responsibility to make sure this doesnt happen. This sounds like a design flaw to me!

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  What Fun! - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By bbg - September 26 - 1:03 pm

  I am having a wonderful time driving this car! It handles beautifully and brings an element of fun to my dull, everyday driving. Just put the top down and go! Even strangers make comments about how great looking the car is. It has a zip to its acceleration. We have had four of us ride comfortably, and the trunk has room, more than you would expect (15 plastic grocery bags worth of room!). Its gas mileage is excellent, and I dont cry when I fill up at $3.00 a gallon. The roof has not had one drip or leak even in the heavy rain. This car has surprised me with its many small touches of thoughtful design (e.g. the cupholder that moves right to accommodate a large size bottle). A+ choice!

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  The PERFECT Car - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By ColeopteraVW - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This, I must say, is the best car I have ever driven, and I have driven quite a few. I LOVE the turning radius! And ADORE the fact that I can get in and out of tough parking places! I am personally not a performance freak, so this may not be for those who want dangerous acceleration. The great gas mileage is a huge bonus! And you cant forget safety! It has belt tensioners, dome roll-cage (convertibles have stability thing I think), six airbags, and anti-intrusion door beams, and more! If someone offered me a Corvette for really low, Id take it...then sell it and buy a couple Bugs!!!

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  good fun - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Anne - August 20 - 4:10 am

  Great fun to drive and decent mileage. After driving a Mazda Rx-7 for 15 years, the backseat of the VW convertible looks roomy to me. Unfortunately getting in the back seat can be a problem. The handle to lift up, which causes the front seat to push forward allowing entry to the rear is designed so most people attempt to pull it out before lifting it up. The handle then breaks off. One of the handles had to be fixed before I took delivery of the car, and then has broken twice since then (even after total replacement), before I could warn people to "lift" the handle and not to pull it out. The "retro" look is great!

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  A MISTAKE - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By Rikky Huskanovic - August 16 - 9:39 pm

  First got this car when it was around 80k miles, and it was super cute and super fun for a few days until I noticed that something was wrong half the time when you tried to accelerate. However, it lasted me a few months- all while check engine turned on, it didnt acknowledge gears, etc- until it left me on the side of the highway with the engine and everything inside fried. We got it "fixed" and looked at so many times until it literally just died. No one wanted to even look at it, and the one mechanic that was willing said that all hope was lost. No reliability, no durability, doesnt seem to run over 5000 miles. You will be throwing your money away if you buy it.

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  I LOVE MY SLUG BUG - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By BUGABOO - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THE NEW BEETLE. ITS THE FUNNEST CAR I HAVE EVER DRIVEN. WOULDNT GIVE IT UP FOR ANYTHING, UNLESS ITS A BEETLE CONVERTIBLE!!! ITS GOT A TON OF HEAD ROOM AND VERY ROOMY REAR SEAT. MY DAD IS 64" TALL AND RIDES COMFORTABLY IN THE BACK SEAT.

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  the anti-midlife crisis mobile - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By dandune - July 18 - 2:00 am

  had bugs throughout the 60s. 2 vans, 2 bugs, and a ghia. one got chopped into a baja. then i bought an american car. ...got screwed! then i started buying japanese, reliability was amazing, but got bored. wanted a beetle when they first came out, but didnt feel the waiting lists were worth it. Well, i finally got around to buying a turbo bug... ...wow handling, pep, comfort, all first rate i like the car, and i like the way it makes me feel when i drive it. no pretense, and i live in the land of pretense.

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  Rag Top Problems - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By frantommy - July 14 - 10:00 am

  My rag top has been broken twice in one year now the dealer tells me the company does not reconize this as a major problem for this reason it might take weeks to fix,(summer is here now). Has anyone had this problem? Seems that other beetle owners have had this problem at my dealership. Does anyone know what to do?? Is this a LEMON?

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  mb - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By mab - June 12 - 2:00 am

  What a pleasure to drive! Smooth, quiet, and very peppy. Gear ratio is great in traffic or on the highway. The ride is comfortable but I would not put anyone in the back seat for any distance. Lots of fun and perfect size for virtually every errand.