2004 Volkswagen Beetle GLS review from North America
"This is a super cute, fairly inexpensive play car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
In a recent rain storm, it seemed like I was having a serious computer glitch. My seatbelt warning bell would not go off, my windows would not roll up/down correctly, and when I pressed my window button the convertible icon that comes on when you are putting the top down, came on. I took the car to the dealer, sadly, two weeks after I bought it, and they said the computer needed to be re-set. All has basically been fine since.
My biggest let down has been the gas mileage. I am lucky if I get more than 21 miles per gallon. The sticker on the car claimed 26 city and 31 highway. On a recent trip, in which the top was up and the air conditioning was off, I got 25 miles per gallon.
My monsoon sound system has some volume problems. When I switch radio stations sometimes the volume is very very loud or very soft. Not to mention a CD player should be standard in 2004.
General comments?
This car has a very bad blind spot on the rear right when the top is up.
There is plenty of head and leg room for two adults.
The manual seems to be peppier than a manual.
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| 2003 - Beetle GLS Convertible 1.8 Fun, but probably not going to last |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 2004 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.5 Manual |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 5 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 300 miles |
| Most recent distance | 2000 miles |
| Previous car | Acura CL |
| Date of Entry | 16th June, 2004 |