2004 Volkswagen Jetta Research & Reviews

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 1 through 10 of 381.00
  • Manchester NH Dealer Sucks - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    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.

  • 1st VW - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Be sure if there is a problem with the vehicle that you get back to the dealer ASAP. The headlights on my car were too low to be safe. I didnt ask for them to be realigned until 8 months and 20,00 miles had passed. They charged me $54, I appealed to VW America and they still refused to reimburse me. Said I had to be in within 4000 miles of purchase.

  • Best value in a car ever - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I absolutely love my Jetta. I got the base GL with no options and it still has more standard features than any other cars that I looked at. It comes with 6 air bag standard! It also has the CD player, visor shade, folding seats, etc. and I didnt have to pay extra for them. The sales person that helped me was wonderful, and the service department is wonderful too (I havent had to use it yet, but my friend who owns a passat says its great). I want my entire family to get VWs now, because they are so safe and reliable.

  • Dont get a VW - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    This was my graduation gift. They replaced the whole brake system, the front end, and the door jam. I hate this car. The seats are stiff. Now the dash cluster is going. What is up? Thought VW was a good car. WRONG. Next one will be a Honda

  • A Drivers Automobile - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    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.

  • Edmunds sucks, but this car doesnt - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Why does Edmunds suck? Because they relentlessly bash American cars on such petty issues as interior materials and fail to take into account the what you save when you buy an American car (due to incentives). I love my Jetta, but Edmunds has gone overboard with their review of it. "Each Jetta is assembled with care!" "Build quality is superb!" Give me a break. They fail to take into account this cars past reliability issues, when they rehash those issues time and time again for every American car they review. Let me just say that my Jetta is a joy to drive with the powerful and fun 1.8T, but is sometimes sluggish off the bat and has a rattly dashboard.

  • Pick something else, not VW - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Im a lifelong bug driver. My husband got a TDI Jetta wagon and it has been a nightmare. The engine gummed up, blamed on diesel fuel 1000, the front heated seat burned through the leather, the drivers window fell into the door, the leather wore very poorly, the back window has mysteriously broken 3 times with high deductible has been a fortune. Its like a Christmas tree with a light on all the time. Time to dump it and head to Honda. Truly sad, we like the styling but hey, it has to leave the driveway.

  • Coming back to VW - Why did I leave? - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I LOVE the car! Not quite getting the gas milage I expect going 75 & 80 on I- 75 probaly doesnt help! Car is Super Quiet and LOVES to Go FAST,interior areas improved over Wifes New Beetle, cup holders are great and the back slides out for easier accessability. Security system is the greatest and doors are solid with inbeam construction. Oil changes are seasonal 6000 to 9000 miles because they come with Synthetic motor oil LOVE my Jetta Wagon - have 2105 miles and only 8 days old! Have exterior options on like - fitted mud flaps, Chrome foot pedals, window wind shades and decals or front bra, really makes the differance!

  • 2004 VW Jetta GL 1.8T - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Ive only had my Jetta for five months and totally love everything about it. Great driving experience. I like the power, the ride, the feel. I look for excuses to go driving, even with gas prices high!

  • Just love my Jetta! - 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I usually just drive to work and back in traffic, and I get excellent mileage. My only complaint is that I cant buy diesel at Costco. I took my first long trip and it really handled those windy, curvy roads securely. My previous car, a Honda Accord, cant compare to this little car. It is so much fun to drive! The only thing I find fault with is the placement of the seatbelt. Im only 53", and it rides above my shoulder, and it almost cuts into my neck.

Volkswagen Jetta Reviews By Year:
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