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 51 through 60 of 381.00

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  Its great, but... - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mikeyg - December 2 - 10:00 am

  Two days after I picked up my Jetta, the battery light was on. I took her in, and was told the alternator was already bad... Four days after that my fuel gauge was screwing up, so I took her on in once more. This time I was told the fuel sender was bad, that was replaced. Currently the low gas light is broken. I havent gotten around to getting that checked out yet. I love the car and all, but really didnt expect this outta a VW. Owned a 2003 Beetle also, and LOVED it!

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  2004 VW Jetta 2.0 - 5 Speed Manual - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By roman_empire - July 20 - 4:49 am

  I bout my Jetta in 2007 as a project with front end damage. When I was considering this car I was told that they have many problems and I should not bother. I went and bought it any ways. It had 59,xxx miles on it when it came to me. Today, April 20, 2013, it has 130,xxx miles. In general it is a very reliable car. Through out the history I have had to replace the water pump 2 time and a third time when the timing belt was changed. I have been changing the oil about every 3,000 miles. I traveled to Eastern WA about 4 times from Seattle. One trip I took to California a little over 1,500 miles round trip. I usually get about 28 miles/per gallon with about even mix of city+freeway commuting.

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  Disgruntled In Denver - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By DisgruntledInDenver - May 11 - 10:13 pm

  This was my dream car. I bought it used,(certified pre-owned), but it came with no warranty. The car drove great for a year and a half and around the summer of 09 I noticed several little changes in the performance of the vehicle. I brought the car to a VW garage and explained that I was having issues with the acceleration, as well as a ticking noise that came from under the hood while idling. The car was also making a loud whining noise as I accelerated and the engine thermostat light kept coming on. $6500 later and a new transmission, timing belt, water pump and tensioners, the car runs great. My only thought was, $6500, really? This is not a car for young people in college. Expensive!

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  overall a nice car, but poor gas mileage - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jetta Jetta - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Owned my Jetta for two months now and its been very reliable. Only things added are EPS and auto transmission. Its comfortable to drive -- Im small (slightly above 5 feet) but the adjustable seat makes driving the Jetta easy. Slightly better than the Honda I owned before. Cons: 1. turning light doesnt go off very quickly after making the turn. No big deal, just the clicking sound is a bit annoying. 2. Poor gas mileage. The window sticker says 24/30, but I was getting below 20, now typically around 20-22. (I have about 1900 miles on it so its not a break- in thing.)

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  2004 jetta - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dave2009 - December 7 - 11:16 pm

  In one month and 5,000 km Im very happy. Getting 30 mpg on my 120 km daily commute. Had one engine issue, a coil failed but was repaired under dealer warranty. At times the turbo can be jerky in city traffic but the power does make the car. Tried the normal 2.0 L and it was a dog.

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  too new - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By D9 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I know its too soon to rate this car. I only have 1000 miles on it in the first week-and-a-half. I wont give it all the praises of an awesome car. It is a good car. The only reason to purchase this car is for the diesel fuel economy. Back and forth to work (combined driving) for me it gets 48- 50 mpg with the windows and sunroof open. This creates some drag which would affect the mileage. On the highway it gets a solid 60 mpg on the first try at under 200 miles on it. If it continues to do as well as it breaks in I will be pleased. Gobbs of torque, merging and uphill climbs in fifth gear. Not as nice as my Passat, but $5000 less.

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  jetta gls - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dcave - September 30 - 2:00 am

  surprisingly i have found this to be a very smartly designed car. without a bunch of high tech gizmos, this car delivers reliable and economical transportation. with the turbo and sport package, it delivers performance to equal cars costing twice as much.

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  I WISH SOMEONE HAD TOLD ME....SOONER - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JenN - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR, DAY 2 I EXPERIENCED WINDOW CLAMPS BREAKING THEN 1-2 WEEKS LATER THE RADIO WENT, THEN THE TRANSMISSION, NOT COUNTING THE 3X THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION COILS & THE 2X IN 2 MOS THAT THE BATTERY DIED AND THE OTHER WINDOW CLAMPS BROKE I HAVE HAD THE CAR NOW 2 YEARS, IT HAS BEEN IN FOR SVC 9X. MAKE SURE YOUR BOSS DOESNT MIND U LEAVING WORK EARLY AND COMMING IN WHENEVER U FEEL LIKE IT & MAKE SURE THAT U HAVE ANOTHER CAR AT YOUR READY WHEN THIS ONE DECIDES TO BREAKDOWN.

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  1.8t = Solid Car - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By George S - June 29 - 5:46 am

  Put on about 50,000 miles, with a decent amount of reliability issues (windows dropping into door twice, check engine lights, leaking sunroof, failed ignition coil requiring tow, among others). With the turbocharged engine, Im going to make sure I religiously change the oil every 3k miles no matter what...cant afford to put money into the car now that Im off the 4-year/50k mile warranty. Otherwise, a great car overall. Not fast, but quick - and it can be made quite fast with basic mods, if one should so choose. Amazingly refined interior build quality, classy exterior looks. Has its rattles, but not a big deal. Fairly soft ride, though a bit of lean in turns as a result.

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  Nice, but underpowered - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Joe - June 2 - 12:46 am

  I bought this Jetta as a second vehicle, it is a 5-speed which I like, but the 2.0 engine is severly underpowered for this 3,000 lb. car. It takes a lot to get this car moving. Also, the first time it rained, I had a puddle in the back seat, apparantly they had installed the molding on the window incorectly. I would buy another Jetta, but i would have to opt for the 1.8T engine, or the VR6.