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 11 through 20 of 381.00-
I will never get a VW again - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
By SALESCG - July 9 - 10:43 pmBought 2004 Jetta 1.8T, it has been nothing, but a financial burden, almost driving me to the edge of bankruptcy, this car BREAKS ALL THE TIME and VW does nothing for you, Ive spent over $5000.00 in repairs, have receipts to prove, one thing after another, its very depressing!
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Nice design but poor quality - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
By nwr - July 8 - 12:33 amI decided on the Jetta 1.8T because it provided a nice list of features for the price, and I thought the 4cyl-turbo engine provided a decent compromise between performance and fuel efficiency. The car has great ergonomics and is comfortable to drive, but Ive lost faith in the cars build quality and reliability. Ive had the car for 5000 miles. Here are the problems Ive encountered so far: 1) A/C did not work out of the box. Broken seal on the compressor had to be replaced. 2) Vacuum line "fell off" the intake manifold. Caused loss of power brakes and engine stalling. Had to be towed. 3) Very poor gas mileage--18mpg (2mpg better than my SUV!). Dealer is investigating...
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VW Jetta are Junk - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
By lchilders - November 16 - 8:33 pmI bought this car brand new in March of 2004 after I lost my 01 honda civic. When I first drove the Jetta I fell in love with all the gadgets, blue light gauges and the comfort of the car itself. But when I bought the car immediately the nightmare began, first a week after I bought the car the bulb went out in the dash below the radio, then my gear shift locked up , my battery went dead after 3 1/2 years of ownership, I had to replace the bulbs in my rear and headlights more than 4 times, my water pump and tachometer needed replacing, my driver side window have twice come off track, armrest is broken, steering wheel is coming apart. 6 years of owning this junk as been a real nightmare.
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Do not buy - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
By sjay - August 20 - 2:10 pmI used to drive a 1997 VW Jetta that I never had a single problem with besides the usual belts and things. Then I got my 04 Jetta, was so excited. THIS CAR IS HORRIBLE. When it works, it was a dream. Quick, good on gas mileage and great looking. Four dealerships and nobody could figure out what was wrong with my car. A new fuse block, crank something, or fuel pump, and I traded this beast and bought a Mazda. The worst thing is the lily trained service techs and VWs utter disregard for customer satisfaction.
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DO NOT BUY A VW - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
By HBea - April 11 - 3:40 pmI purchased a brand new 2004 Jetta, nothing but problems. It only has 7000 miles on it! I now know why you dont see VW on the road found dead, THEY ARE IN THE SHOP!!! They are overpriced for the problems with the reliability one will come across. The Manf. Customer care line is disrespectful and unhelpful. I will never buy a VW again. I am not one of those women who complains about being mistreated by auto dealerships but this company has taken the cake for disrespect against me an educated, witty, smart and blonde woman. I do not call you by names, do not call me "honey!" By this statement alone I knew where I stood .
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VW Jetta TDI - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
By ghostrider8 - November 18 - 1:41 pmThe VWs that were built in Germany,rather than in Mexico were much better quality.I have seen a decline in the overall quality & reliability, also the VW dealers like their cars service has declined.The Jetta TDI is a small compact car, it is a very safe car,but service on the engine can be very costly.Fuel Economy is excellent & I would recommend a Turbo Diesel anyday over a Hybrid.Diesels are proven engines that can take 300k-500k miles.The A/C does not cool very well & it takes a long time to heat in the cabin in cold weather.Technology is shared between the German Car Co.,which is good,they are safe,& reliable,but also be prepared they have high service cost.
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Great Performance, Badly Built - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
By sapiendut - June 2 - 10:00 amRattle, rattle, rattle. Squeak, squeak, squeak. Low quality ICE. Continuous minor mechanical problems. Fun to drive, though.
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Is Great When in Working Order... - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
By Adrienne - April 21 - 10:51 amBut it took me too much to keep it in working order. Ive mine for two years, and Ive put 26,000 miles on it - most of it highway/commute. Ive continually had to put an average of $2,000 in mid-range repairs per year of ownership, not counting the $1,200 of work the dealer had to do within the first month of ownership to keep it running. New vac line, new headlights, new bearings, new struts, new fans, air intake valve - off the top of my head. Now it needs a new heater core right as its getting cold out and I have to trade it in. Im getting a Honda cause thats what I can afford to keep up with. ** On the other hand, this car has a lot of pep. When I had it running well, the acceleration, power and speed were all there. I can still get it going quite well on the highway. The sound system is still very nice, the seats and seat warmer (driver side) are still comfortable, I can see really well out of it and the mileage isnt terrible (24 mpg from what I tracked). Itd be a great car if i would just keep running and for cheaper.
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poor volkswagen jetta - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
By allison - March 19 - 2:00 amgood car until in accident - i was hurt badly , due to air bags failure to deploy. the car has been in three bad accidents air bags have never deployed
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Dont buy this car - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
By kngofsorrow247 - March 26 - 10:00 amI bought my VW Jetta 2months ago. Had problems first month. Huge vibration in cabin, pedals, and steering wheeel when in gear. Transmision shifting problems. Car feeling like its gonna die any minute now. No help from Stuart Volkswagen, or Schumacher vw in Wst Palm. Was told that nothing was wrong with car. sent defect notice to manufact. rep. found problem during last fix attempt (what a surprise) after a day without a car...problem is still there. Dont buy this car if you want reliability. Dont be deceived by a great first drive. Problems come after a month! Lemon law is the only way to get answers from dealer.
