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

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  Fun Car - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By richmond20657 - September 28 - 9:00 am

  The pros of my 2007 Jetta GLS TDI include excellent fuel mileage, reliability, and excellent handling for its size. The cons are VWs terrible dealer service and a few rattles here and there.

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  Love that TDI !! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tonymro - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I never considered owning a VW until reading the rave reviews for the TDI engine. TDI is quiet, starts quickly even in severe cold, plenty of torque. Fabulous fuel efficiency. Chose Jetta TDI wagon over more expensive Volvo V40. Acquiring the exact car I wanted was extremely difficult given that TDIs are on limited allocation and dealerships wanted to tack on unreasonable markup.

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  Great First Car/Commuter - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By kellymiller - July 17 - 8:16 pm

  My parents got me my 2004 Jetta when I was 18. The the car got me through four years of college and is still going strong. Got it in 2010 with 48K miles, five years later its at 140K and still going strong. Ive had no mechanical problems with the car (aside from one that the dealer fixed) and with a 40 minute commute this was all I could ask for. The car was not perfect by any means (see below) but for a commuter looking for decent MPG, mechanical reliability, and a "cute" look, the Jetta is a great choice.

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  Jetta Review - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jill Carter - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy driving my Jetta. The gas mileage is great, and the car is fun. The downside is the very small backseat and the super slow pickup.

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  Great car... when it works - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Steve - June 16 - 9:40 pm

  A very fun car to drive, with great mileage and design--but expensive and time consuming to maintain once its out of warranty. We made the mistake of buying one at 80,000 miles. In the first 18 months we owned it, it was literally in the shop more often than not. Most of the problems werent that major, but there were many, many problems and the parts were expensive (and VW sent wrong/broken parts every single time). In 2.5 years it depreciated about $7500 and we spent thousands in repairs, but only got to drive about 20,000 miles. Also, lots of buzzing/creaking inside the car, and exterior cosmetic parts fall off way too easily.

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  Still having more problems - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Justin S - June 7 - 8:33 am

  This is an update from my review from 6 months ago. Well, I fixed the problem with the last check engine light and things were good for a few months. Then, my temperature gauge started working sporadically, sometimes not at all. Finally after a month of this the car threw a check engine light. I had the codes (plural) read, and I am now having a problem with the exhaust (probably 02 sensor), and the cooling system (probably thermostat). I bought the car with 38k miles on it, and Im now up to 53k miles. Problems so far: airbag replaced, 3 check engine lights, temp gauge not working, exterior "chrome" trim falling off, less than 16k miles put on. Needless to say, Im getting rid of it soon!!

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  My Jetta - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Betina James - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Overall I enjoy the car, in a market that seems to be geared towards SUVs. The car is fun too drive and performs great. The only thing about the car that I dont like is that it doesnt have a spoiler. But thats just me. It gets excellent gas mileage, and handles well around corners. And even though I just got the 4 its got some fight in it out of the pocket.

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  BAD LUCK - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JLD2004 - March 6 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE HAD 2 JETTAS A 1999 AND A 2002. THE FIRST ONE I BOUGHT WAS USED WHEN I BROUGHT IT HOME I NOTICED A CRACKED WINDSHIELD THEN EVERY OTHER MONTH MY CAR WAS IN THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE OXYGEN CENSORS. IT WAS ONCE IN THE DEALERSHIP FOR 2 MONTHS. THE SECOND CAR I BOUGHT WAS NEW AND IT WAS OK BUT THE VOLKSWAGEN CREDIT BANK WAS HORRIBLE TO ME.THEY DIDNT CARE ABOUT ANYTHING EXCEPT MY MONTHLY PAYMENT. THEY HARRESSED ME REPEATLY NO MATTER WHAT THE SITUATION.I WOULDNT RECOMMEND THIS CAR TO MY WORST ENEMY. VOLKSWAGENS ARE NOTHING BUT HEADACHES.

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  Problems, Turbo & Clutch - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Timsat - February 15 - 12:36 am

  It is a lemon !!! Turbo bad at 6k mi. Clutch bad at 17k mi. heated seat has a recall notice I do love driving it and the great fuel mileage !!

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  Jetta Wagon 04 1.8T Manual - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dina Nishioka - September 25 - 11:30 am

  I love my car and how it performs. Great handling, great mileage, convenient features (rear mirror defrost, seat warmers, seat adjustments). However, little electronics concern me. Power windows, slow rear window defrost, etc. Overall, I am happy with my purchase. Should be a great car to have for ten years.