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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  Manchester NH Dealer Sucks - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By khh_13 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Ours arrived w/windshield scratches. The dealer placed a warranty claim. The dealer sublet to Glass America (GA) who installed their own glass. The glass did not fit & installed it anyway causing a safety issue. GA severely scratched the hood. Our car was no longer a new car. We contacted VW of American. VW of American stated it was not their issue. After a week Manchester VW replaced the glass again & a hood from a new car. They scratched the front bumper & chipped the paint in the driver door. Our VW is now for sale. We will NOT do business w/ Manchester VW or buy another VW. VW of America did not support us w/making the dealer provide a new Jetta.

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  A Drivers Automobile - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jettaguy420 - November 5 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jetta. I only wish i could drive it in an area which would allow me to "open it up" more. I long for 4th gear. The 1.8T exhibits very little lag, compared to my Saab 91 900T. I like the new silver accents around the grill and along the side. It looks a bit more refined and distinct than other Jetta IVs. If you live in a snowy area, get the 15" wheels on the GLS. The sport package (17" wheels, stiffer suspension) is nice in the summer, but useless in the winter. Lots of upgrades available for tuners. Changing your oil yourself voids warranty, and is very difficult, due to a plastic protector plate. Cool Key.

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  Low miles, higher maintenance - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By eckert16 - August 26 - 7:06 pm

  Drove it cross country a week after purchase. Noticed excessive wind noise from front door seals. Dealership at destination changed seals, but no improvement in wind noise reduction. Less than 10K miles, and engine rotation sensor broke, again at 13k, again at 18k. Repeated issue till 22k. AC never was NEVER cool as is should be, charged AC, still not cold. AC expansion valve went bad and replaced it at 23k. AC still not cold as it should be. 24k the main AC coolant fan had to be replaced. AC still not cold Both front shocks collapsed at 24k, and needed replacing. Alternator pulley froze up at 24.5k and needed replacing. 25.5k and the engine temperature sensor went bad. It needed replacing.

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  An Audi in hiding - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ajl - July 24 - 3:13 pm

  For those of you looking for a "drivers" small car, look no further. We bought our Jetta Wagon used with 39k on the odometer. It has been trouble free with about 56k miles as I write this. This car is fun to drive, whether around town or on the highway. Not a sports car, the handling is more then adequate for fun and the ride is firm, but not harsh. This car is basically an Audi (shares a lot with the Audi A4), not an Old Beetle. Parts and service can be pricey,especially if you dont do some things yourself. German cars are fussy about being maintained. If you dont MAINTAIN, you will have to FIX. True of all cars, very true of German makes. Keep that in mind and enjoy your Jetta!

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  TDI Performance - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By BT - June 6 - 1:13 am

  This car gets excellent fuel millage. It gets anywhere between 33 and 35 mpg around town and 45 to 53 mpg on the highway. The best millage comes when driving 55 - 60 mph. This car is fun to drive. It has plenty of power.

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  I LOVE MY JETTA!! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bandgeek19 - May 10 - 11:19 pm

  I got my 2004 VW Jetta used after losing my 96 Honda civic in a tragic accident. I love everything about my Jetta. I live in IA so the heated seats are a really nice feature to have. I feel super safe in it because its heavy, and has every air bag in every place you need them to be. I havent had any big problems with it and its super fun to drive. Its a great car for liability and I wouldnt trade it. I used to love hondas, thats all I ever owned. But after driving my Jetta, I really have a liking to Volkswagens! People say theyre expensive to fix but I repaired two things on it and found someone to do it cheap. Just look around for the right person! If you live in Iowa, go to Bensons

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  2004 Jetta GLI - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Wai - March 19 - 5:10 pm

  Nice low profile tire & wheel help the steering response, though Goodyear RSA tire is not that good in dry/wet traction. Braking distance is kind of long due to small discs brake. ESP coupled with ASR standard in this car helped me in one emergency turn into a ramp off I-95 (driving too fast to pass one vehicle just before exit the ramp). A little disappointed with the color (silver) and date of manufacture (2004 model but date of manufacture is June 2003) but have no choice since this new vehicle is the leftover. Overall satisfied with this vehicle.

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  Love the Car but Not perfect - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dlancaster - March 17 - 12:57 am

  Fun to drive and love the fuel efficiency. Still get about 45 MPG and about 550 to 600 mi range. Suspected potential problems when I bought it so purchased extensive 100k warrantly and was money well spent. Was looking specifically for a high MPG desiel for business travel. Engine died about 40k due to main electrical panel, several O2 sensors, coolant getting into exhaust due to some gasket leaking. Check engine light has been on since 95k but not an issue as far as I know. All covered under warranty. So far no signficant problems after 100k. 125k on it now. Leaks (drips) a little bit of engine oil, armrest console latch broken but otherwise in great shape. Would take it anywhere!

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  jetta could be betta - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bluehammer66 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  do not like the lack of power to accelerate,honda civics,dodge neons and other cars constantly out accerate me and are always on my rear.1st gear is too low. center console rubs my right leg. had many problems with a/c making noise, after three times in the dealer still not fixed. bought used with only 8,000 miles on it. uses oil, must add 1qt per month, plus if battery dies, you must tow it to vw to fix. you cannot change it yourself. computer will lose memory, and must be reprogrammed by dearler. a $40 charge. not to mention the tow, and battery, oh yeah, and the labor.

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  Good Car - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bumbear - November 2 - 9:46 am

  I purchased my Jetta with 6,000 miles. It now has 170,000. I did have to replace the water pump at 80,000. I replaced the Catalytic Coverter (warranty) at 100,000. Coolant temp sensor at 130,000. I have had some driver side tail light issues too. Overall, when I add up all Ive spent on repairs, this is one of the most dependable cars I have ever owned. The only complaint is the seats are too hard. Reading some of the reviews makes me think I am lucky. Sorry to those of you who were disappointed.