1974 Volkswagen Beetle Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a review
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.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1974 Volkswagen Beetle
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Ibi Z
Feb 21, 2012
The 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!Feb 21, 2012
by Anonymous
Jun 10, 2011
like 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.Jun 10, 2011
by Chris B
Aug 24, 2010
Performance - 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!Aug 24, 2010
User rating:
by Ibi Z
Feb 21, 2012
The 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!Feb 21, 2012
by Anonymous
Jun 10, 2011
like 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.Jun 10, 2011
by Chris B
Aug 24, 2010
Performance - 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!Aug 24, 2010
by David F
Mar 19, 2010
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.Mar 19, 2010
by Jeff G
Sep 12, 2008
This 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.Sep 12, 2008
by Zack R
Aug 11, 2008
What 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 oneAug 11, 2008
by Andika E
Aug 02, 2008
Positivity:
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
Aug 02, 2008
by Anonymous
Jun 13, 2008
What 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.Jun 13, 2008
by Mike C
Apr 02, 2008
This 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.Apr 02, 2008
by Chris M
Mar 30, 2008
I 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. Mar 30, 2008
by Anonymous
Mar 22, 2008
The bug that we own is a beut. One of only a couple thousand made, this one was born in 1974, and has a rounded front windshield, a sunroof, and a gold paintjob (which I guess was special for the time). I'll get more info up soon, but yeah.Mar 22, 2008
by Andy T
Jan 14, 2008
I owned 3 of these. The last one was like one pictured. 1974 VW Thing.....yep....they were called that....Imported from California.Jan 14, 2008
1974 Volkswagen Beetle Pricing
Original MSRP
N/APrice range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/A
