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 211 through 220 of 245.00-
Big mistake - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Bluesunbug - June 10 - 9:06 pmBought this car used. It was Clean on Carfax and had only 6,700 miles on it. I have only had it month and a half. It has been back for repairs 4 times. The window stopped going up and the convertible top would jam. Also, it has starting squeeking and rattling so much it drives you nuts. VW service is the worst. They take forever to get you your car back and then most times have not fixed it properly. I am fed up already thinking of bailing. I had a 99 Isuzu Amigo that ran 10x better and never a problem. I should have learned about German cars from our nightmare BMW 740i.
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Way Poor Quality - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By BAClayton - May 20 - 10:00 amThere is no mistaking that this is a beautifu car, especially in the Harvest Moon exterior and black top. Beauty aside, however, the car has been a bit heaache. 1) The dealer didnt inform me that they put a significant ding in the bumper when they detailed it. 2) Within days, the automatic transmission didnt work correctly, and I discovered that the console lock pulled right out of the console - the car had to be serviced before I made my first payment. 3) The Turbo is malfunctioning at 4000 miles - driving a non-turbo is horrendous weak. 4) The door has to be slammed shut so it closes correctly and the window tucks away under the roof. 5) I dread the other problems Ill face.
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My Lemon - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By SmartyPantsGirl - April 13 - 10:00 amMy new beetle convertible was in the shop over twenty times in a six month period! The top broke a total of sixteen times, the windows stopped rolling up and down, my transmission went out at 4,000 miles, my brakes failed me while on the freeway at 6,000 miles, it puffed out all kinds of white smoke... It was a mess- do yourself a favor and save your time and money, I filed the lemon the law and got all of my momey back.
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Sick of Dung Beetle - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By abroome - March 29 - 2:20 pmThis Beetle is the worst car I have ever owned. The cup holders, the window regulators, the air bag light, the check engine light, replaced several headlights, the convertible top, the console lock, and the transmission. These are just a few problems with the car. THe transmission will not shift and the VW dealership wants 6,000 to fix this. I will never buy another VW again. The dealerships act like nothing ever happens with these cars but everyone I talk to has these problems. Also a design flaw regarding the battery and seatbelts. Battery must be replaced by dealership. Beware!!!!! Very cute car but not reliable at all. It is a piece of crap there for a dung beetle!
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Peoples Car?? Not this one. - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Virginia&George - March 15 - 3:56 amYes you change oil every 5000 miles, but you have to go to the dealer and buy SPECIAL VW oil?? To do any basic maintenance you need a degree in mechanics?! Even then, you may not be able to reach the fitting or part that you want to service because it is so cramped and difficult. Now after 3 years we have problems: (a) difficulty in starting cold engine in the morning, (b) things fall apart inside the cabin (ashtray, window controls, hand-brake knob, etc.), (c) when you start engine lots of white smoke is delivered by exhaust pipe.
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Cant Believe I Own One... - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Maggys - January 29 - 2:00 amI love my convertible!!! I keep checking my garage to make sure it is still there. It is the cream color car with the beige top. My other car is an Infinite I-35 and I still drive it, but my convertible is my second-childhood car. I wanted it for months and finally got my husband to go to the dealer with me. It really drives well. The engine sounds really great and the transmission shifts smoothly. It really sounds like an expensive sports car. I cant wait to drive it tomorrow morning. It has alot of power for a 4-cyl. I am so-o-o-o lucky to own my 2004 VW Beetle. Thanks, VW!!!
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watch out for roof problems - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By retailgod - January 17 - 10:00 amIve owned my Beetle for a little over 3 weeks and the dealership has had it for 10 of those days. There has been a problem twice with the roof not closing completely and freezing. Have had to have the motors replaced for the top. Hopefully that is the last of it. Otherwise, a real head turner and alot of fun to drive.
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Seriously in love - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By arlene - December 23 - 10:00 amIt was love at first sight. I bought this Harvest Moon VW covertible with beige leather seats that heat up for prolonges weather changes/ convertible riding. It gets alot of positive attention on the road. feels safe at 80 miles per hour. only downside is rear visabilty. But I highly reccomend it.
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Can one car be this fun? - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By BillyT - December 6 - 10:00 amThis has been my favorite car ever. The retro stylings of the VW were my first attraction, then being the ragtop, and lets not forget the gas milage! Its a say something car with practicality in mind. I am a tall guy and was concerned about comfort, not a worry, believe it or not its quite roomy! (I wouldnt put a tall person in the back seat for any lengthy amount of time, as the back seat area is limited) It comes with a lot of standard features, a definite plus! If you like to get noticed, this is the car for you! What kid didnt dream of owning an orange bug? LOL! PUNCH BUG! "ouch"
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Yet another lemon New Beetle - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By onclewillie - November 27 - 1:36 pmThe worst VW I have ever owned. Hideous number of electrical problems with multiple trips to the dealer for air bags, engine indicator lights, turn signals and so on. Transmission died a few miles from expiration. I actually pulled to the side of the road, called the dealer on my cellular phone and reported the problem and gave them the mileage a told them the problem occurred UNDER warranty. The timing belt broke, roughly a 300 buck fix, but it took out all but 2 valves. Cost over 3,000 to put back on the road and then more problems with the exhaust and gaskets. Now the turbo makes a funny, and not ha-ha, noise and I am looking at my fourth set of tires. Will never own another VW.
