Overview & Reviews
The 237-hp R32 makes its debut for 2004 complete with a six-speed manual transmission and 4Motion all-wheel drive. The GTI sports restyled 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels. There's also a new fuel cap warning light.
- Potent R32 model, fun to drive, reasonably priced, lots of standard equipment, premium cabin materials, utility of hatchback design, available six-speed manual.
User Reviews:
Showing 11 through 20 of 90.00-
The Real Deal - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
By PaladinVW - July 12 - 10:00 amThere is no substitute for a fully equipped GTI. While the R32 is a little much for most drivers, the Vr6 offers the experienced driver power and comfort, while showing taste and refinement missing from Japanese and American sport hatchbacks. This car is most certainly not a toy, and is absolutely inappropriate for a first car. This car gives incredible feedback, and a driver must have enough experience to be able to interpret what the car is telling him to operate this one safely. Having owned each previous version of the GTI, I can say that this is decidedly familiar, yet greatly improved. Drivers of MkIII VWs who miss the hard sporty suspension of last generation will LOVE this car.
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10 cars in one! - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
By clarkma5 - April 23 - 10:00 amI had a loaded 2002 GTI 1.8T Tiptronic before that I loved, so I got another GTI 1.8T, but this time I skipped all the luxury stuff in an effort to get a better performance feel...so I have cloth, stick, no sunroof, and 17" wheels. The result is amazing. The engine feels so much stronger than before, the handling is much more neutral, with only light understeer, and the brakes feel positively fantastic now. Strip out all the luxury options and you end up with an RSX-beater for $18k, compared to $25k for the Acura. Its more comfortable, better looking, and more practical, and is also the best drag machine this side of a WRX or Mustang GT! Perfect!
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Next time, Im getting the VR6 - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
By gti dreamn - April 23 - 10:00 amIve waited 5 years for this GTI. So far its been great. However, I will say it isnt for the impatient. The power is there, but some times it takes a second or 2. Gear selection is key. Fit and finish of the interior/exterior is good. Controls are within easy reach, but the HVAC knobs are a little too low for my taste. Well, at least the cup holders dont block the radio anymore. The front seats have plenty of adjustment to fit anyone. I compared this car to the RSX & A4 Avant, but liked the GTI better overall. On my next VW, Im going with the VR6 motor for driving simplicity and for the extra features that come with it. Get the R32 if you can afford it.
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This car is amazing! - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
By Bull1212 - March 23 - 2:00 amI am so happy with my choice of cars. German engineering has really shown through with the GTI. Its fun to drive, and the 180HP is a blast.
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7 VWs and I love each of them - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
By TheRaven - February 12 - 4:23 pmMy 2004 GTI is number 7 on my list of VWs I have owned. Aside from the ridiculous place of the cup holders (which I am now over) I love all of this car. I have 76k on it now and it runs great. Everyone who complains about the quality of their VW does not follow the directions provided by VW. You must use full synthetic oil, preferably from the approved oil list from VW. You must do routine maintenance when it is supposed to be done. I always do my maintenance on time and I have had a variety of VWs go to nearly 300k miles. Treat the car nicely, drive it nicely, fix whatever breaks. If a person acts like they like the car and takes care of it, it will last.
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great car - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
By phosphoirs - December 10 - 10:00 amgreat car i love it, i used to own a 90 mustang 5.0 and i love this car way more, beter handleng better looks better all around car im so happy with this ride i cant be more happy travis
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Not Bad For a Box Car - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
By Here for the Runnin - August 14 - 3:00 pmFirst, this car is a great travel car, the gas mileage is amazing! Performance and handling is great as long as you learn to get past the turbo lag (thank goodness for the 5-speed manual!). Interior could use some work. Plastic started popping apart at the 2 year mark and the seat does not accommodate heavier people which makes it uncomfortable to drive! It is not too bad with one child the way the front seats flip up and plenty of interior room! You can carry almost anything in this car and get there fast and for a factory radio it is great! I am not a big fan of box shaped cars but this one I have to say (since my hubby loved it) is not bad for a box car!
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Great Little Car - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
By Carl - July 30 - 12:06 pmI love my GTI 1.8T. Although, I am a little disappointed in it. I had to replace the passenger slide-arm entry actuator, replace the ignition cylinder (Froze on cold days) plus some other minor demo-induced wear. Fortunately, it was all covered under warrenty. I bought my 2004 in March of 2005 with 60 miles on it. It handles great, has fantastic excelleration and looks regal (in Reflex Silver). The dash is a pretty blue and red mix.
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great fun, comfort - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
By Robert H - July 4 - 2:00 amI have owned this car for almost a year and love it. Its daily driveability but sporty nature make this the perfect sports car for the man who wants fun but doesnt want to sacrifice comfort for it. I love the styling and how it separates this car from others on the road. the performance is great as well. Stay away from automatic transmissions - in VWs stable they are horrible. the 1.8T i test drove felt the same as the VR6, but with some lag. they say there is "almost no lag", but i felt some. the VR6 is a charm. get the VR6! price wasnt favorable compared to the competition either...
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Turbo Commuter - 2004 Volkswagen GTI
By driver - June 29 - 12:30 amWhat a fun little car? Great Styling. Turbo lets me squirt through traffic with ease. Great utility. Comfortable on long trips. Haul around stuff when you need to by folding rear seat. Spent two weeks on the road out west camping with this car with mountain bikes on the roof. Still plenty of power and extremely supportive seats. Mazda 3 owner stopped me in the badlands. She was from chicago. she asked me how I liked the v-dub. I told her its the most awesome car. She said her car was killing her. She was turning it in as soon as she got back to chicago. Go for the leather, 17s and monsoon, you wont be dissappointed unless youre not really looking for hot hatch.
