2004 Volkswagen New Beetle New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle?
Minor changes are in store for the Volkswagen New Beetle this year. An improved turbodiesel engine features more horsepower and torque, meted out by an optional six-speed automatic transmission. The GLX trim gets the ax, while the GLS inherits most GLX features including a Monsoon stereo system. There’s also an option for a CD player with MP3 format capability and satellite radio. New wheels spruce up the exterior, and standard safety components now include head curtain airbags on the coupe. For the drop-top version, new active head restraints help reduce injury during collisions, and fresh colors expand the color palette.

Advantages of the 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle:

• Available in coupe or convertible flavors
• Polished interior with upscale materials
• Six years after its introduction, it still stands out in a parking lot

Objections to the 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle:

• Ponderous weight takes the life out of lower-end engines
• Softly tuned suspension detracts from fun personality
• Not much cargo space for a hatchback

Editor's Advice:
Proving the maxim that form and function can coexist peacefully, the Volkswagen New Beetle made quite an impression when it debuted in 1998. Its unusual looks had show-offs and looky-loos in hyperdrive, but sales have been stagnating since its splashy debut. Four engines light a fire underneath the VW New Beetle: a 1.9-liter turbodiesel with 100 horsepower, a 2.0-liter inline four producing 115 hp, a turbocharged 1.8-liter four with 150 hp, and a 180-horse version of the 1.8 for the performance-tuned Turbo S model. The convertible allows sun-loving acolytes to join the VW Beetle cult. Beetles aren’t the most dynamic driving cars due to their heavy weight, but the fun is baked right into its pastel, spherical shell.