Used 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Luv My Bug
Great performing car...lots of pep. We drive up alot of mountain roads and do great. I'm very comfortable in it and don't feel cramped like in the old beetles. I don't agree with Edmonds review.
Well Engineered
Still having the honneymoon effect with the beetle, however, we are exceptionally pleased with our 03 GLS TDI 5M. First fuel tank at 43 MPG mostly around town. Very smooth driving and top rate handling & braking. Very easy and fun to drive and gathers speed much quicker than we anticipated. Speedo shows 70mph and it feels like 60, I keep thinking it must be wrong. We love the sunroof and so far very glad we purchased it. I cannot keep the wife out of it. G. Miller
- GLS 1.8T ConvertibleMSRP: $7,895175 mi away
- GLS ConvertibleMSRP: $3,500188 mi away
- GLS ConvertibleMSRP: $4,900200 mi away
A luxury car!
I love my car! It is so well built. I feel very safe while driving it. It is one of the few cars on the market that has gone through a positive evolution. My dad had one when I was as child, and I'm now 43! I consider my Beetle to be a luxury car despite its reasonable price! I have never received so much attention while driving a car. It gets many second looks, and positive compliments. Little kids often wave to me out their back windows while riding with their parents. Everybody seems to have a story about a Beetle they once owned or rode in. It is a car with allot of history behind it.
Fun, Fun, Fun!
I am thoroughly enjoying my New Beetle convertible. I had wanted to get a New Beetle since they came out but due to circumstances I couldn't do it. Shortly after they came out with the convertible, I got a better paying job and went and got my car! I have to say, there's nothing that I dislike about this car. Handles great, has just enough power, has stylish looks and what else can be said about riding with the top down besides WOW! Everything about the car is perfectly thought out. I wouldn't change a thing about it if given a chance.
Great
This car has alot of geat features for such a great bargain. It rides wonderful and gets great gas mileage. If I get the chance to get another one I intend to do so.
FUN DRIVING IN THE WIND
VERY SMOOTH RIDING AND SHIFTING . WE HAD A 2001 BEETLE AND THERE IS A BIG DIFFERENCE. IT IS A FUN CAR TO DRIVE AND HAS A LOT OF PEP. WE HAVE A 1.8 TURBO CONVERTIBLE. THIS IS A CLASS CAR VW YOU HAVE COME BACK.
my beetle
I love my New Beetle and I am planning to lease a new one when my old lease ends. I love the New Beetle looks.
Front & Rear Impact
I actually have a 2005 Beetle Conv. I was hit from the rear by an SUV doing @ 40-45 mph. I was at a stop. The impact pushed me into & under the Ford F150 in front of me, and pushed us both through the intersection. My air bag deployed and my rear seat roll over protection deployed. My car was a total loss at an estimate in excess of $21,000. I bought another beetle.
Sassy
I wouldn't trade my VW for anything. The only problem that I'm having with my little topless bug is that other people are jealous that they don't have one, too.
I'm still a man...
I thought it was too cute for me. But it's just plain cool man! It's a classic and I can't believe I own it! I can't stop looking back after I park it. My budget was between a full eq. Corolla and the simplest Beetle... Corolla or Beetle?... Ordinary or Extra- ordinary? The decission was easy.
Beetle, a Classic!
Great car!
Beware!
1st month top would'nt go down took 6 weeks to repair after my wife threatened the Corp office. 8th month would'start two weeks to repair said they replaced the starter. one week later the same problem currently at the dealer can't wait for the same problem to arise so we can initiate the LEMON LAW!
This is a nice car!
What was most surprising to me was the headroom. I'm 6'4" and I had the opportunity to sit in one. Prior to that I was sure I wouldn't fit. I commute about 100 miles a day twice a week to my job, and find the VW New Beetle to be a viable commuter car. This car is stylish and comfortable when the commute gets tedious. I have two issues with this car: no pop out rear window, and the noise when the sunfoof is fully open. I also have to admit VW created a compromise on the latter issue by creating a sequentially opening window. This way you can open the sunroof partially without increasing the road noise.
Turbo S named MAX
Great car. Fun to drive - lots of features. My first new car was a 68 VW Bug, so I can can compare and say this one has all the things you would have wanted if you could have afforded to modify it, plus it's much larger inside.
I love this car
This is the best car ever and even if I could have any car in the world I would still want this one!
Nice, but dont go cheap when buying.
This black Beetle was bought just a couple of months ago and haven't had any problems with it. I do think that it needs some more power under the hood as the 2.0 w/ auto tranny is rather slugish. I would suggest the 1.8t w/ manual to compensate for the poor acceleration. I do notice that it doesn't sound very nice from the outside, it seems to have a puttering type sound that def gives away its lack of performance. The rear hatch does have a lil rattle or clunk to it when enetering or leaving the drive sometimes. Other than that the car is great. I love the comfort of the seats. The pump style height and vintage roller style recling seats give it a nice ride no matter what body type.
It's Got Go.
What an amazing, fun little car. I have a TDI diesel, with the Tiptronic transmission, and this is hands down the most fun car I've ever driven. Out of the gate mine has had a few minor hiccups (CD player stopped playing CDs on the fourth day, airbag system isn't working properly [diag. light]), but the dealerships I've dealt with have been quick to repair and cooperative. And, the fuel economy is AMAZING! 400-500 miles on a tank of diesel is "normal" for this car, and with some conservative driving, I've pushed it to nearly 600. A worthy successor to the "Beetle" name.
Beetle
We've only had this car for a month, but I loved it from the minute I got it. It's so much fun to drive especially with the top down.
My Turbo
A 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 you'd expect, but I can handle 27 city, 31 hwy. Don't get this one with an automatic, what fun is that!
HEAD TURNER WITH FLAWS
The V.W. sundown orange attracts lots of attention,all positive from both sexes. The ride is very hard and the level and frequency of noise and rattles is excessive and annoying. Most of the rattles etc eminates from the door-body area.as well as the convertible top. In spite of the noise and ride it is fun to drive.
Out-of-touch Car Manufacturers
Uncomfortable back seat because of headroom; car much too low to the ground for pot holes and poor roads, interior falls apart (fourth beetle owned) colors boring - this is a fun car, and the same colors over and over, or shades of the same do not sell cars. But...... best design exterior appearance, excellent handling, best most comfortable seats. Also,hate unmovable new console, seat belts very hard to use. Most of the improvements on these new models stink. Who is designing these anyway? Why did they mess with a great car? Pay attention to my comments because I am a very loyal Volkswagen customer!!!!!
I love this car!!
I love this car!! Its fun to drive, and the colors great! If you get this car be prepared to be stopped by a lot of interested people!
Second Childhood / Cool car
I was looking for anything but another minivan. My sons all have their own cars now and my daughter and I were looking for something fun. She's 9 and I am 45. I remembered my fathers VW bug and it brought back many good memories. We bought a mello-yellow VW (2004) convertible bug. The car is fun, handles well and we love the car!! The VW stero/radio and CD player in the car is fantastic! I drive a lot for work and now I can blast the beach boys on the CD player with the top down/work/save on gas (the milage is great)/all with a smile on my face. I would buy the car again! Even my 18 year old son says the sound system is awsome!
I love my bug
I have never owned my own car. It has always been someone elses. Volkswagen has made me a VW driver for life. Car is comfy and so fun to drive. More room in the front than expected. I love it!!!
Fun to drive
We've had no problems!
New to VW
I really like driving this car. I switched from a larger gas taking car to this auto. I'm also 6'4'' and have plenty of head room in this car. Since I'm the only one driving the car I don't have to worry about people sitting behind me. The car is very distinctive and has some get up. Definitely fun to drive. The included i- pod was a feature I didn't expect.
Cutest piece of junk on the road!
This car has been in the shop 4 times for window motor replacement, countless times for various electrical and sensor problems, the convertible top motor broke,bad headlights, impossible to clean seats, etc. I've had every problem that everyone else has had. This is the least reliable, most poorly designed car with the worst customer service I've ever had; it's also incredibly cute and very fun to drive! I would never spend another penny on a volkswagen, especially if it was my only car. We have other cars so it wasn't a problem that has been in the shop almost 20 times.
This car rules
This car is a great car, everyone in the world should own this car. It is soooooo cute.
My dream bug
This is the most enjoyable car I've ever owned in my almost 40 years of driving. It is so stylish and although I like many other cars - nothing says 'pure fun' better than a bug and when you add the 'topdown' to it - it's the best!! I have a second car that I drive in the winter - so my BUG is truly a great toy for me!
My beetle
Have always driven, and bought expensive cars. I can not say that I have as comfortable or as happy with a new car as this Beetle Conv. Bought the turbo, and love it. By the way, my wife are not light weights either.
2004 model is a winner
The 2004 GLS model is very fun and nice to drive. It's 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.
I can't stop smiling!
This vehicle has incredible styling and performance! Not only is it fun to drive, but it rides like a dream--very smooth and powerful. The interior space is surprisingly roomy--probably not enough legroom for 2 large adults in the back seat for an extended trip, but just fine for getting around town. This car makes everyone smile!
My Second Beetle
This is the second beetle I have owned, my first was a 2001 glx turbo 5 speed, I then got a 2003 jetta gls turbo, but I missed the beetle so much I traded back to a 2004 gls turbo beetle...WOW what a fantastic car! I love everything about the beetle.
Poor Customer Service After Sale
This little car has been great until we have tried to get some warranty service done. We have had problems with the battery going dead from about the time the car was 6 months old. The dealership's equipment would not show the battery was bad since the car was jump started and recharged. Every other place in town tested the battery and showed it was bad. We have been fighting this for over a year now. Anytime we go out of town and the car sits for 2-3 days the battery is totally dead. We finally had the car towed to the dealership while it was dead but they are over a week behind being caught up on doing warranty work. Now I am no longer considering that new GTI. Nice cars, bad service.
2004 Bettle V.W.
What a fun car to drive! The built in flower vase is too cool! A step back in time to the era of the original V.W. I am 6'5 and a big man! I have more room in the front seat than a new cadillac! The seats lower and raise, go back and tilt. The dash lighting at night is just unreal! Purple and Vibrant red colors! The motorized roof is way too cool! Not only moves back & forth but up! Lot's of power in the standard engine, smooth shifting and fantastic handling on corners and turns. Very stable. These come loaded, I like the 4 air bags and seat belt ratings- a very safe car!
Classic VW
VW has done it again,,, the return of the retro VW convertable is better then the old and still finds it's style rooted in the past classic..... all the mordern convience that technology has brought to auto's in a retro package,,,,, great job VW
My beetle & Me
When 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. It's almost like a clown car...looks so small outside, but once inside you feel so comfortable. My tallest friends (at around 6'2") fit without any trouble. Limited glove box storage....
Fun, Sexy and Sassy
My 2004 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible was my dream car, and it still is. Since the day I bought it I didn't have to do anything but oil changes. Nothing is breaking, everything works just like it's designed to. The only one thing I could compalin about it's the gas mileage.
Topless... :)
Definitely a great car! There are people who think they're chick cars, but most people love 'em! It's a comfortable drive and the tiptronic adds to the fun. Can't wait to take a road trip in it!
Nice bug baby!
Great fun to drive. Sunflower yellow is the best color. I am wondering why there are no ashtrays as a standard feature.
I love this car!
This is my second Beetle. Got rid of a 2000 because of 3rd child on the way and hubby insisted "I" needed something bigger. I have a 2004 BMW 325i wagon that he now drives. I don't miss it a bit (well, maybe a little). I LOVE this car! So do the 3 kids!
Awsome
I LOVE THIS CAR
Reliable Engine, Cheap Interior Finishes
I am generally happy with the reliability of my VW engine but am disappointed with the quality of the interior fittings. The Front Power Window mechanism (was faulty) broke several times when the car was nearly new and had to be replaced with re- designed motors and chains (very expensive if car is out of warranty) The rear power window mechanism breaks often and is expensive to repair.....The Car overall is beautifully designed and finished on the outside, has very comfortable front seats, and has a quiet, smooth, stable ride with a well appointed dashboard and easy-to use controls. Automatic transmission started to jerk & stick at slow speeeds > 75,000 miles...Keys cost > 350$ to replace
I'm the envy of 8 year olds =)
I love, love, love this car! The kids are grown and gone and I gave the Expedition to the hubby and got a red/cream leather Turbo. I smile just looking at it. From the low price and good mileage (well, that I should get...if I didn't drive FAST everywhere..). The stereo rocks, and I love cranking the tunes, opening the sun roof and zooming along. It is solid and dependable and the 8 year olds on my street lined up for rides the day I got it. Who needs pretentious when you can have fun?
The best of everything
I have owned virtually every American car and the better German sedans. I have never had a car "draw a crowd" of admirers like my new VW convertable. The design is perfect - the head room and leg room is more than in my SUV - not to forget that 12 or 13 gallons in it does what 30 gallons used to do.
Love my bug!!!
Well, to be honest, I've only owned it for about a month and a half, but I have never loved a car like this one. It's just sooo much fun to drive. I'm just thrilled with the purchase of this car. It's a peppy little turbo and simply a blast.
Love/Hate 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS
I ignored all of those typical issues with wiring, bulbs out, handles coming off seat, chronic top opening problem because I loved the fit and finish and the drive, but then last summer my transmission started to go. A new transmission on a car with 75,000 miles on it is 6,000 plus installation? You have got to be kidding me! So I continue to drive it jerking all around until I think up what to do next. This was supposed to be handed down to my 13 year old.
I hope it's a fluke!!!
After owning a money pit convertible bug in high school, my husband and I purchased this car (to make up for past wrongs, I guess). With only 80 miles on the odometer, it broke down! A pressure sensor in the turbo failed. Ten days later, the top would not go up. Other than that, we both love it. It is cyber green and way too fun for its own good. We opted for the 5-speed manual turbo and love the power. Our daughters think it's so cool and always want us to drive them to school with the top down. It handles beautifully.
Can't Believe I Own One...
I 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 can't 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!!!
2004 New Beetle Convertible
Everything you are looking for in a fun, sporty, car can be found in this little gem. Volkswagen has definetly improved the quality of their cars and the Beetle by putting all the bells and whistles in this little roadster. Fun as a convertible or driving with the top up, you definetly are the eyecandy of the road no matter whom you pass. People will do "double-takes", take pictures, and just simply smile and wish it were "they" behind the wheel of your new car.