2004 Volkswagen New Beetle consumer reviews

Our 2004 Beetle convertible has never been in the shop except for scheduled maintenance. It handles exceptionally well, due to being heavy, low, and wide. You can fit an AMAZING amount of cargo in it, since you can put the top down and load things in easily. I'm surprised at the negative reviews. Even Honda and BMW have some vehicles that are problematic; that doesn't mean they all are. We certainly can't complain!

Within 2 weeks of purchasing my bug with 20k only, the airbag sensor light went on, so I took it to the dealer to have it fixed. 8 times. Headlights and brake lights burn out constantly at a cost of almost $100 to replace (half the car needs to be taken apart!) The transmission shifts so harsh I thought I was ruining it each time I drove it, and my ignition switch went bad at 40k. I finally sold it at 43k 1 year after buying it having brought it to the shop 16 times! The first one I owned was while I was young and naive (hence why I bought one again) was a 1998 and had all the same problems but with higher miles, as well as a broken CD player, bad catalytic converter and refurbished transmission for a cost of $3500.00. NEVER BUY A VOLKSWAGEN!

I bought my buy in june 0f 08 and have now owned it for 9 months, the car had 34,000 miles on it when i bought it. First off the transmission is horrible it shifts gears extremely rough, the electric in it is horrible all the sensors are messed up my power windows and locks are going out, it burns through headlights, turn signals, and breaklights extremely fast ( i might add that changing a break light in a bug is ab $73.00, they have to remove the back bumber to be able to change the light and this takes ab 2 hours) everything for the car is expensive and you can only buy it from a VW dealer (example coolant is about 35 bucks for a gallon) my bug often gets stuck in park and i have to wait about a hour before it will come out of park, even though i found a recall to fix this it was extremely annoying. Recently the thermostat housing cracked causing my engine to over heat and my water pump to burst... but did the sensor come on? OF COURSE NOT! This car is nothing but trouble and i can not wait to get rid of it.. i will never ever by a VW again! the only good thing about the car is that it holds up well, i have been rear ended twice, the other cars were going about 40 MPH and it only chipped my bumper. But that is the only possitive thing i have to say about my bug. Also it gets horrible gas millage for a 4cyl, im getting about 22mpg.

I have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. Talk about electrical headaches and annoying components that stop working. . .even the day after getting fixed. Burnt out dashboard lights, broken blinkers and flickering interior lights are just to name a few. Also has a very harsh transmission when shifting gears. This car consumes 4 quarts of oil in less than 3,000 miles. Unless that sounds appealing to you, DON'T BUY THIS VEHICLE!

This vehicle is the best car I have ever driver or owned. It is solid on the highway. Vehicle will stop on a dime without nosing down or swaying. Car corners beautifully, hugs the road. Handles very well on a windy highway and in the snow. Have never fishtailed in the snow or ice. This car has proven to be perfect in every aspect, in my opinion.... in addition to being cute and stylish

Just bought this car and I absolutely love it. I was surprised at how easily I got used to driving it, and how safe I actually felt in it (I was originally concerned because it was a much smaller car than I was used to). I love that the convertible top is automatic and so easy to use, and was surprised at how quiet the ride was. The fuel economy is great, and I was extremely impressed with the power of this little car. Besides, it's SO DARN CUTE!

Good handling vehicle! Fun to drive espically with the top down on those summer evenings! Bugs as we know are small but I was surprised at all the stuff I could fit in, definetely not a car for a large family but for 1-3 people you would be just fine. This car has heated seats great for the winter and a great AC for the summer hot days. I would recommend this car to anyone. With todays gas prices focusing on economics, I think the VW Bug will become more & more attractive as time goes on and people give it a test drive. It wouldn't for me due to car seats!