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Used 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle Hatchback Consumer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
75 reviews

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Step on this Beetle and it goes!!!

Nancylb50, 05/14/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We purchased this vehicle used with 53,000 miles on it as a daily driver for my wife. She travels 46 miles per day round trip. We both love the car. It is easier for me to get into and out of than my 1997 Cadillac Sedan DeVille! I'm buying a convertible Bettle this year to replace the Caddy.

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5 out of 5 stars

To good to be true

Ritz, 06/02/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

As soon as I sat in that car it felt like home. The comfort in the drivers seat was perfect , I could see everywhere ,I felt as though I had perfect control of the car , everything was so handy for me that I couldn't believe it. Handles great, pick up is there when you need it, and I've only got the 4 cylinder automatic.To make a long story short, for me , this car has everything.

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5 out of 5 stars

I love my SWEETPEA!

lauraASU, 06/02/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I just got my cyber green beetle about a month ago and it is the best car ever! This car is so smooth to ride in and has so many great features. It truly is like a luxury vehicle. I got the cream cloth interior but I would get leather if I could afford it. Beautiful car, this is my first car but I have driven many others especially SUVs. Nothing compares to a VOLKSWAGEN!

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5 out of 5 stars

i love my beetle!!!

dradie, 06/02/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I absolutely love this car!

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5 out of 5 stars

Orange you a fun car?

Bob Twofifty, 06/18/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've only had the car a month. It is a fun car to drive, and gets noticed. I ordered the Sundown Orange and it reminds me of a little hot rod. I had read reviews that the car was underpowered, but I have had no problems with pick-up or top end speed. All of the controls are well marked and easily operated. The GLS comes standard with alloy wheels, 4 wheel disc brakes, cloth interior and cassette deck. I added heated seats and a 6 disc player in the console and still paid under list. I've owned a lot of cars, both foreign and domestic and barring a major catastrophy, this is the best car I've ever owned.

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5 out of 5 stars

I love my new beetle!

nicknmanda, 07/01/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I enjoy driving my New Bettle it is so much fun!

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5 out of 5 stars

Luv My Bug

TMitchelAg, 07/07/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

Ethans Bug Forever!

Sherry Trail, 07/11/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my VW about a month ago. My son just loves it. It's new name is Herbie. It's his favorite car in the world. I just love everything about it. It rides like most luxury cars I have rode in. It's very comfortable to drive. I'm a small person and I just love to ride and drive it.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great

Michael Cheeks, 07/12/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

I'm still a man...

efesese, 07/16/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

very fun car for a diesel

arice, 07/18/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Surprised how fun this car is to drive. Never dreamed that I would be driving a diesel. I have a long commute and this is the perfect fit for me.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Beetle, a Classic!

Terdan, 07/17/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great car!

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5 out of 5 stars

My bettle

Crystal Dickson, 07/25/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Very roomy, tons of leg room for long legged passanger. The set adjustments are the best for men and woman drivers. The eyeglass holder on the top is very handy as well. Plenty of pick up and options even on the GL models. Very good buy for your money. You wont be disappointed.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Out-of-touch Car Manufacturers

Mr. B. E. Etle, 09/07/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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!!!!!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Diesel Slug Bug

flthc, 10/01/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Averageing 40 mpg @ 40% highway 60% city driving with the 1.9 TDI 6A. It's pretty peppy to boot. Better gas milage than the hybrids at a fraction of the cost. NO SMOKE or SMELL and great mileage, why would anyone not get the TDI?? I paid 17,200 plus tax and I got a price quote from deales from this web site in my area. Very pleased!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

2004 Bettle V.W.

bobw007, 10/03/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

This is a nice car!

Tierri, 10/09/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

Awsome

missfrenchhorn, 10/12/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I LOVE THIS CAR

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Nice, but dont go cheap when buying.

Leia Cullifer, 10/13/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

VW is Excellent

Oinker, 10/20/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The New VW Beetle is a great car it is great on gas, quick if u want it to be, and roomy for 4 people and cargo space. The beetle can be luxurious and sporty. Depending on your style. It is great in the snow, and rain.This vehicle should be one of the hottest vehicles around!!

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1.75 out of 5 stars

I would not recommend this car.

SAM#, 10/28/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car to me is very much not worth the money. There are way too many problems with the car as you can read on the other forums here in edmunds. I have had mine for four months and overall am not happy with it. The automatic transmission is not good at all - horrible shifting at all the wrong times. Cruise control is the worst I've used on any car. At cruseing speed the engine whines at a most annoying pitch also. MANY problems with the Beetle and check engine lights, airbag lights, power windows not working correctly, motors on the hatch not working with many other problems. This is not a one car problem, so watch what you buy.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Maintenance is too High!

jt, 12/21/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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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5 out of 5 stars

I Love Beetles

Nancy, 06/23/2006
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I really enjoy this car. I was hesitant at first to get one, but now am so glad I did! It is great on gas, fun to drive, and very comfortable. There is much more room inside than one would expect in a small car. I have the 1.8 turbo. It is a great performer and so fun to drive. It handles really well. I would highly recommend this car to anyone looking for better gas mileage without sacrificing fun and performance.

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1 out of 5 stars

New car because ive replaced all parts

Sophia, 01/23/2019
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful

10 yr review this car stoped working once because of a $2.00 20amp fuse. Ive litteraly replaced almost everything it even has a 2008 vw engine now but its a 2004. VW said there transmition is fine it slips I can accidently slide into any gear with just a nudge vw rips people off with cheap parts sold at high prices. The beetle it a lawn ornament once again in 2019 cant even sell it with out a tow

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
2 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

My bug

Nativegrl918@gmail.com, 03/27/2016
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Love this car

Safety
1 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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