Overview & Reviews

For 2004, all Jetta models get an updated look, optional telematics and a new and more powerful 1.9-liter TDI engine (GL and GLS models only). The 2.0-liter engine is now PZEV-rated, and the GLX trim is no longer available. Also note that you can no longer get the 1.8T engine in GL trim. Besides that, the GLI sedan sports new 17-inch alloy wheels and the Cold Weather Package items (heated seats and washer nozzles) as standard, while the GLS features a standard Monsoon stereo. The wagons get a revised instrument cluster late in the model year, and the sedans get new metallic trim rings around the gauges.

• Powerful 1.8T and VR6 engines, fuel-efficient TDI power plant, fun to drive, comfortable ride, rich interior materials, loads of standard safety features, solid build quality.

• More expensive than most small sedans and wagons, tight rear-seat legroom, weak base four-cylinder.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 381.00

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  Pick something else, not VW - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Time to change - October 14 - 6:56 pm

  Im a lifelong bug driver. My husband got a TDI Jetta wagon and it has been a nightmare. The engine gummed up, blamed on diesel fuel 1000, the front heated seat burned through the leather, the drivers window fell into the door, the leather wore very poorly, the back window has mysteriously broken 3 times with high deductible has been a fortune. Its like a Christmas tree with a light on all the time. Time to dump it and head to Honda. Truly sad, we like the styling but hey, it has to leave the driveway.

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  Costly - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By John - June 3 - 11:53 am

  I purchased the car with 13,000 miles. In March 05 At the 50,000 guess what changed the water pump,temp gauge and did the timing belt. Very costly. April 08at 75,000 miles the check engine light came on. The dealership found 2 faulty spark plug wires and the coils were gone.October 08 at 80,000 miles another timing belt, the water pump wasnt working and had two leaks. November 18, 2008 the EPC light came on. The dealership found 3 codes that could of triggered the EPC. The dealership reset the codes cost $97.00. Now November 19, 2008 the EPC light came back on!. Since I had the car this list is totals about $2,500.00 My wife has a 02 passat same problems. Her EPC light at 85,000 miles.

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  I Miss the Good Ol Days - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ally - March 5 - 10:56 am

  Alright 2004 Jetta drivers... I see quite a bit of discrepancies in the reviews of this vehicle (or junker, lemon, superb car). Hmmm. Perhaps those of us who (ahem) drive the 2004 V-Dead/V-Dud received a similar factory model. Those rated this Jetta at 9 or 10; consider yourselves "the lucky ones." I owned a 1998 VW Wolfsburg Jetta prior to this 2004 lemon. I loved that 1998 with my heart and soul. Unfortunately I was rear ended and the car deemed "totaled." Now I am stuck with this. Wrought with problems between breaks, stalling, adjusters, recalls; heck I am getting a migraine thinking about it.

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  Although I loved my Jetta... - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Colorado Driver - January 10 - 6:13 am

  The look and handle of this car (when its actually working properly) is great! I loved driving it and thought that it got very good gas mileage. Bought the car used with 26k on it and at 55k the water pump broke under warranty, replaced the driver side window (fell thru the door) the driver side rear view mirror (started falling off). All this was under warranty. Afterward the timing belt, alternator, battery, and fuel pump went out all before 84k! Also lost the CD player and AC converter has been problematic as well.

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  unreliable and overpriced - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Samson13 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Except fpr great milage, the car is cramped, especially in the back, very expensive when compared to other makes with gas engine, very expensive to maintain and mechanically unreliable. Had trounle with whell bearing, glow plugs, trunk struts, rear brakes. Oil change and filter are ridiculously expensive. Apholstery is a lint magnet. The saving in gas does not justify the extra costs in breakdown and routine maintenance.

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  dont buy this car - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By no farfegnugen here - June 4 - 10:00 am

  in the shop 4 times w/in 1st 6 mo for transmission problem, rough shifting - its an automatic. svc dept unwilling or unable to resolve problems. poor customer svc. had my car 5 days & i had to call THEM each day to find out if it was ready. on road trip, couldnt get car out of park & EPC light on, had to call 4 dealers before one would fit us in. latch on center arm rest storage broke, gas cap cord broke. cup holders in bad location in front of air vents & over control panel. condensate drips all over radio & a/c controls.

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  Lemon lemon lemon - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Fed up with VW - March 26 - 7:50 am

  I have had this car for less than a year, 2 weeks after purchase had to replace (2) O2 sensors, 1 MAF, and car ran good for about 1 month, check engine light AGAIN and EPC light cont. to go on and off, car lags and almost stalls, engine revs up and down. back in shop, 1700 dollars for a TPS sensor, and throttle adaptation,Thermastat sensor. 2 days later, car overheated, back into VW, this time the water pump went bad, another 300 dollars. not to mention 4 recalls fixed. 4 weeks later engine light on again, car stalls, wont hold idle, transmission shifts rough and jerks. machine pulled bad Valve on engine, did i mention my jetta only has 62,000 miles! 3 weeks in the shop, still no fix.

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  Good Car but the Seats Stink - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Estabhan - August 8 - 5:43 pm

  I love how the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T handles and the overall compact design. Its gas mileage is good, though not as good as others have said (27 to 30 mpg). The big problem is the seats - they are too narrow. I am 5 foot 9, 175 pounds so I consider myself average. After 1.5 hours in this car, my thighs have had it. I bought a seat pad from Brookstone that elevates me slightly (watch that headroom!) and relieves the pressure. My wife and all of the passengers I have had in it have noticed the same problem. Volkswagen offered no assistance saying it was "the design." I notice the new Jetta advertises more hip room. Go for the new one, leave this one to the sub 150 pounders.

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  Noisy Sunroof - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mary Ann F - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Have had nothing but headaches with the sunroof. When it is very cold or there is a strong sun on it for an hour or so, the sunroof rattles so much you cant even hear the radio. They have tried to fix it five times and it still makes a racket.

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  OIL CONSUMER - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Amandarbaker - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle requires a lot of oil. Remember to check the oil frequently. Also when your battery dies they are more expenseive than a normal battery so be prepared. Oh and the breaks, yeah good luck, only the Volkswagon dealtership sells them. In the long run this car will cost a lot of money.