4 Star Reviews for 2004 Volkswagen Jetta

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.42/5 Average
381 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

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

User Reviews:

Showing 41 through 50 of 381.00
  • Handles well and has a sporty look - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    This vehicle is fun to drive and handles the road well, great car for the money. Would recomend this car for a comute and for a young adult looking for something that is reliable and good looking, and not a gas gussler.

  • no complaints just drive - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I have had this care for less than 3 months and already have about 10000 miles on the vehicle. The car itself is fun to drive and I have had no issues as of yet. I drive throughout nw Arkansas and the River Valley with my position at Tyson Foods. Great fuel efficiency and quiet interstate ride.

  • Great value, Great drive - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Remarkable gas mileage and great driveability all bundled into one of the best cars I have ever purchased. Without AC, it averages better than 50 mpg and with the AC blasting, it averages about 46 mpg. In times like these, this is a wonderful car to have. Great service by the dealership and good reliability. All in all, an incredible value.

  • Jetta has it all....except reliability - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I purchased this vehicle brand new after previously owning a 97 Jetta. It was my first new car and I researched my purchase extensively. I really like the value of it while having a better look than similar cars in its class. Ive owned it for 7 years now and as much as i want to say its a great car, i simply cannot recommend it. Ive come to realize that its simply not a well build machine. The water pump went after 4.5 years b/c the impellers are made of plastic!. Fuel pump went, various recurring electrical problems and now my cd player went. It comes and goes so i figured id tough it out and now, the AM and FM stereo are going. Currently looking and will not be buying a VW :(

  • Almost perfectly reliable for 93K miles - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Total repairs include one throttle body (under warranty), broken clips on power window during a winter freeze (fixed for free by a dealer), and brake pads/rotors. Rear brakes were at 92K miles, fronts at 80k. Thats it. Another example of buying at the end of a model run for best reliability? This has been a perfect extra family car in terms of reliability, economy (27-30 mpg) and practicality. With good snows and stability control, it handles New England snow very well. Performance is modest with the 2.0 liter and automatic, but fine on the hiwy. Handling is serious understeer, but it is a predictable car to drive and I dont dread switching from my A4 quattro when the occasion arises.

  • I bought a second Jetta hoping it would be a better vehicle - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I was under the assumption that these jettas were more reliable than a regular JDM car that had high KM. Problem with this thinking is, you dont think about the wear and tear on all the other parts OTHER than the Diesel engine. Ive owned two TDI Jettas for approx 2 years each, both had P0401 Check Engine code for EGR Valve. This was incredibly annoying. Ive also had the famous clicking dash from my turn signal, the car interior creaks and clicks, drove me absolutely insane. Incredible frusturating. 12 year perforation warranty is great, I received a new fender and trunk before I sold my jetta, These hold their value very well.. but I dont want to buy anymore of these TDIs

  • Ask how much to change the oil. - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Ive found only two oil brands that are certified for use in the new diesel. My dealer charges $70/oil change. They will sell a quart for $10/qt. Otherwise you may need to find Motul oil on line to order. Thats what I plan to do. The dealership seems confused about the oil situation. I dont want to take my car fo them for care.

  • Jetta GLS 1.8t - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Car is all-around solid. Great interior design with blue and red instrumentation, comfortable seats, simple layout. Performs well, especially fond of acceleration. A sedan, yes, but dont count on fitting large people in the back seat unless the driver and front passenger are each 53". Tiptronic is cool but slow.

  • Love and hate this car - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I bought this car about 15 months ago and unfortunately it was one of the Jettas that was built in Mexico...so far in this year Ive replaced the compressor ($620) the Temp compressor ($220) the compressor again which was under warranty, the timing belt and water pump ($650) and most recently Coolant fan ($260) not to mention the transmission is at the very start of going out. Its fun to drive and Im sure the ones built in Germany are great but the ones built in Mexico have HORRIBLE reliability and now Im trying to get rid of the POS. its eating my money in gas too! It doesnt get as good of gas mileage as it should...If you want one make SURE it was built in Germany!!!

  • Love this car.. BUT! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I bought my 04 Jetta gls 1.8t used with 92k miles on it. Test driving the car was AWESOME! It was fast, steering was very responsive, and the leather interior and front seats were very comfy! There is almost NO ROOM in the back seat.. good luck fitting anybody of above average height or weight back there. The day after purchase I got my first CEL... Failed ignition coil. Immediately went back to the dealership where after a little haggling they replaced it for free. Three days later, ANOTHER CEL!! ANOTHER IGNITION COIL.. After contacting the dealership again they told me the vehicle had an open recall on its coils.. they replaced all four coils and threw in a car wash.. Now running like an absolute champ and I feel like a champ knowing the headaches are behind me.. for now! If you are interested in this car, make sure it has been properly maintained and has had all of its recalls taken care of. If it has.. BUY IT!!

Volkswagen Jetta Reviews By Year:
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