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Happy driving, smile after smile.
2004 Beetle Review Summary & Specifications
Volkswagen excels at engineering and the Beetle is a fine example. The Beetle feels tight and responsive. Its ride is smooth and sporty. Handling and braking are excellent. The Beetle rides well, and there's little undue noise from the road or engine compartment.The standard 2.0-liter engine is smooth and quiet, fine for most people, but driving enthusiasts will find its acceleration performance lacking. The GLS 1.8 T is fun to drive. Its mild manners make for a pleasant ride around town, while its acceleration performance gives it sports appeal. The 1.8 T doesn't work well with an automatic, however. The Turbo S is for enthusiasts who want sporty handling and performance. With a price starting at $20,900 for the GL, Volkswagen aims for the New Beetle convertible to be the highest-volume, lowest-priced European soft-top in North America.
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| Vehicle Category | Compact Cars |
| Editor | Mitch McCullough |
| Model Lineup | Volkswagen Beetle GL ($16,330); GL 1.9TDI-PD ($17,630); GLS ($18,520); GLS 1.9 TDI-PD ($19,760); GLS 1.8 T ($20,480); Turbo S ($23,850); Convertible GL ($20,900); Convertible GLS ($22,640); Convertible GLS 1.8 T ($24,820) |
| Engines (standard) | 2.0-liter sohc 8-valve inline-4 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 5-speed manual |
| Engines (optional) | 115-hp 2.0-liter sohc 8-valve inline-4; 150-hp 1.8-liter dohc 20-valve turbocharged inline-4; 180-hp 1.8-liter dohc 20-valve turbocharged inline-4; 100-hp 1.9-liter sohc 8-valve turbocharged diesel inline-4 |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-speed manual; 6-speed manual; 4-speed automatic; 6-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | dual front airbags with dual-stage activation; dual side-impact airbags with head/thorax protection; active head restraints; safety-belt tensioning and load-limiting; rear-seat LATCH system tether anchor points for child safety seat; ABS |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | traction control, stability control |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Puebla, Mexico |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-DRIVE-VW |
| Manufacturer URL | www.vw.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 16330 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Volkswagen Beetle Convertible GLS ($22,640) |
| Standard Equipment | ABS, air conditioning, Monsoon premium AM/FM/cassette stereo with ten speakers, power windows, power mirrors, power door locks with keyless remote control, cruise control, tilt and telescopic adjustable steering column, anti-theft alarm system, rear window defroster, pollen/odor filter, bud vase, plastic daisy, front center armrest; power top |
| Destination Charge | 575 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Leather Package ($900) includes partial leather seating surfaces, leather steering wheel, shift knob and grip, heated front seats and heated washer nozzles; wind blocker ($250); ESP Electronic Stability Program ($280) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | |
| Layout | front-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 115 @ 5400 |
| Torque | 125 @ 3200 |
| Fuel Economy | 24/30 |
| Wheelbase | 98.8 |
| Length/Width/Height | 161.1/67.9/59.1 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 35.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 40.7/NA/39.4 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.2/NA/31.5 |
| Trunk Volume | 5 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | |
| Front Suspension | independent, MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
| Rear Suspension | semi-independent, torsion-beam axle, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
| Ground Clearance | 4.7 |
| Curb Weight | 3082 |
| Stock Tires | 205/55HR16 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | disc/disc with ABS |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.5 |
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