1974 Volkswagen Beetle Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Volkswagen introduced two more limited-edition Beetles for 1974, continuing a trend that had started in the early 1970s. The Love Bug was...
Volkswagen introduced two more limited-edition Beetles for 1974, continuing a trend that had started in the early 1970s. The Love Bug was available in either Phoenix Red or Ravenna (lime) green, and came with sports wheels, special bumpers and headlights, side stripes, and special badging. The Sun Bug came with nut-brown sports seats with matching panels and carpeting, a wood-finish dashboard, sports GT wheels, and a sunroof with a wind reflector. It was painted metallic beige.
The standard Beetle received a few minor upgrades, including a softer steering wheel to improve the car's safety factor, a quieter muffler, and energy-absorbing bumpers that could return to their original shape if dinged.
The Beetle was equipped with the 1600 four-cylinder, air-cooled engine that generated 58 horsepower, as well as with a dual braking system, four-wheel independent suspension, and a flow-through ventilation system.
In addition, standard features for the Beetle included seat belts for the driver and passengers, two-speed windshield wipers with a pneumatic washer system, swiveling sun visors, coat hooks, assist straps, folding rear seats, and luggage space under the front hood and in a three-foot carpeted compartment behind the rear seats. A convertible top was optional.
What owners say
"The 1974 Volkswagen Beetle is loved for its fun driving experience, unique design, and low maintenance costs. Owners enjoy its quirky character and ease of repair, making it a classic favorite. However, some drawbacks include subpar acceleration, limited space, and older safety features, which some drivers find concerning."
I drive a '74 Volkswagen Käfer, or like it's called in english a Volkswagen Beetle. It's an amazing car, absolutly funny to drive and you're always on the sunny cruising side of the road with it. And because of the unbelieveble numbers of built beetles you'll always find repair kits.
March 19, 2010I love Beetles, and the one I had was a classic. It was Orange and was the first model with the larger Tail Lights. It was indestructable and I can assure you that I made every effort to destroy it. It was a great car.
March 30, 2008This is a classic Volkswagen Super Beetle. They made about a million of them, or more. It was quite ahead of its time. It gets good gas mileage for a 1974. (about 26 MPG) It is super slow, and super fun. They are easy to get parts for and easy to work on. They are also a pain in the winter because of the poor defrost capabilities. But they perform well in the snow because the engine is over the rear tires. Overall the beetle has a lot of character, and I would rather drive an old bug than some little POS.
September 12, 2008What owners say
I drive a '74 Volkswagen Käfer, or like it's called in english a Volkswagen Beetle. It's an amazing car, absolutly funny to drive and you're always on the sunny cruising side of the road with it. And because of the unbelieveble numbers of built beetles you'll always find repair kits.
March 19, 2010I love Beetles, and the one I had was a classic. It was Orange and was the first model with the larger Tail Lights. It was indestructable and I can assure you that I made every effort to destroy it. It was a great car.
March 30, 2008This is a classic Volkswagen Super Beetle. They made about a million of them, or more. It was quite ahead of its time. It gets good gas mileage for a 1974. (about 26 MPG) It is super slow, and super fun. They are easy to get parts for and easy to work on. They are also a pain in the winter because of the poor defrost capabilities. But they perform well in the snow because the engine is over the rear tires. Overall the beetle has a lot of character, and I would rather drive an old bug than some little POS.
September 12, 2008Positivity: classic Germany car from WW II no need water for the engine efficient fuel cheap maintenance easy to use for old & young people scarce stuff nice handling good appeareance had a solid body can be repaired everywere everybody will drive fun with this car, hopefully... very safe car... Non Negativity...hehe
August 2, 2008What I like: - Luft cooled - Comfy - Handles beautifully - Quick What I don't like: - A bit squished - Driving like a grandpa because I'm afraid of other people crashing into it and not being able to restore it. - Boot takes about 10 times of slamming it to shut properly.
June 13, 2008What can I say? The VW beetle is truly what it is supposed to be! the people's car. It is cheap, good on gas, super easy and cheap to work on, and very fun and comfortable to drive! This car is truly like the energizer bunny! it keeps going and going! and it puts a smile on everybody's face, from the driver, to pedstriand! Everyone should own one
August 11, 2008The car is pretty old and although iy has a 1.6l engine it doesn't accelerate great. It doesn't have disc breaks so the breaks aren't amazing but comparing them to the power they are very good. When I first got the car i did all the repairs needed and since then i didn't have to fix anything. It is an amazing car to drive, very economical and in my opinion looks amazing!
February 21, 2012Performance - Pretty good when it runs. Build Quality - Holds together fine as long as you have a fresh supply of duct tape. Appearance - I think the rust spots are very stylish. Cost of Ownership - Low gas costs because I can only put in about $5 worth at a time, but lots of mechanics costs. Fun Factor - It is very.. interesting to drive!
August 24, 2010like a lot-great gas milage,fun,cute,no air,turn signals need work, but otherwise great, seems to drive great fun to go fast on turns, shifts wonderful--espically after not driving stick shift for 20 years, when test drove-he said looks like you got that dfown pat-amazing. so far i love it, my son even drove and said it was fun to drive.
June 10, 2011This was a bit of an interim car I had a few months prior to going traveling having sold my previous car. It was cheap, ran well and even when it had a small gas-line leak, it cost $15 to fix. Gotta love that! I love my direct-steering, manual pedals and simple transmissions...makes you much more connected to the road. The Bug is good for that, as was my 60's Mini.
April 2, 2008
