2004 Volkswagen Golf Review
Fuel Economy
24 - 36 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Though pricier than the average economy car, the Golf offers far more amenities, and in TDI form, it's both frugal and fun. Put it on your test-drive list.
Pros
Long list of standard features, high-quality cabin materials, utility of hatchback design, fuel-efficient TDI engine, fun to drive.
Cons
More expensive than its peers, mediocre performance of base four-cylinder, some controls difficult to use.
What's New for 2004
Like the Jetta and New Beetle, the Golf gets a revised and more powerful version of the 1.9-liter TDI engine. A Monsoon stereo is now standard on the GLS model and all Golfs get a new fuel cap warning light and seatbelt reminder.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Interior falls apart in 2 years
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Volkswagen Golf GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
First, the car drives great and has good gas mileage. I purchased a VW based on its reputation for quality. After owning the car for almost 4 years, I am not sure how VW got this reputation. The interior begins to fall apart after 2 years. I live in Florida so the heat could be part of the problem, but many other manufacturers have managed to make a car that withstands the heat. The interior fabric on the door is coming off. The plastic melts and scratches. I am extremely disappointed and will never purchase a VW again. My friend has a VW Bug and she has the same issues (and more).
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Improve the quality and durability of the interior.
Great Car!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Volkswagen Golf GL TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
Review
Bought my tdi Golf new in 2004, and currently have 156,000kms on the odometer. The car has always been serviced as required, and only synthetic oil changes every 8000 km. The car is peppy around town, and great on the highways. I drive approx. 40,000 km per year, mostly highway, but also a good portion in city. The car is very reliable, I have never had any problems with it at all. Just had the timing belt replaced as per the schedule. Never had a problem with cold starts. Runs every time. Very reliable even with a full load, and no problems passing going uphill. Great car.
Favorite Features
The 5 speed is sporty, and makes driving more enjoyable. Passing the long lines at gas stations is also fun!! The savings from using diesel are also good!!
Suggested Improvements
No problems to speak of, however, maybe a navigation system would be useful.
Painfully unreliable
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Volkswagen Golf GL TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
Review
We liked it all till we had it a week. The weather turned cold. The car had no heat, replaced the computer. Had to go back numerous times to find the problem. Still not good heat. Would not start. Ignition key assembly replaced. Glow plugs quit. Other electrical controls faulty. Car jerks and bucks. Transmission controls were replaced through a complete removal, repair, replace. Still not fixed. Very noisy rubber bushings in the rear were replaced but needs it again. Economy is about 38-40 mpg, not the 65 that was advertised. There are numerous annoying squeaks and rattles in the dash and front doors. VW dealership is trying, and the warranty is still working. Ouch!
Favorite Features
Attractive design. Nice handling, good brakes. Love the dash lights and design. Good cruise controls, and headlights. Fair visibility all around. Heated seats are excellent
Suggested Improvements
Electrical system needs a serious overhaul for dependability. Power seats would be welcome. Options for GPS, compass, mileage etc. A more comfortably designed seat, a bit softer and more adjustable, as well as more easily adjustable. Tilt steering.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Lots of miles
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
Review
I now have 122,000 miles on my 04 Golf TDI in only 3.5 years. Overall it's been a great car. Excellent fuel economy, good performance, especially in the mountains, and surprisingly reliable. I say surprising because a lot of people come down on VWs for bad reliability. I can say that has not been the case for my car. Just routine maintenance, and a couple of recalls. And even Toyota has recalls. My wife has a Toyota Corolla, but I strongly prefer to drive my VW. It has a better ride, and much more comfortable seating positions than the Toyota. Once I put another 150,000 miles or so on this one, I will probably buy another.
Favorite Features
Great economy, and good power with the diesel. Excellent ride for this size vehicle.
Suggested Improvements
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
A fantastic economical car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
Review
I used my golf diesel to tow trailers and all I need to setup and race motorcycles throughout Canada. I never had any problems, and the diesel engine had no problems towing the loaded car and trailer at 130 KM/hr. We love the car. In winter, we park it inside our heated (10°C) garage, avoiding any cold-weather startup issues, but when it does sleep outside, I've never had problems starting it.
Favorite Features
diesel engine, comfort, handling, precise steering, solid frame.
Suggested Improvements
speakers are not well balanced. I would select another colour THAN BLACK, and the washer fluid spaiyer are in the way when deicing the windshield.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2010 Volkswagen Golf
- 2006 Volkswagen Golf
- 2005 Volkswagen Golf
- 2004 Volkswagen Golf
- 2003 Volkswagen Golf
- 2002 Volkswagen Golf
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