Used 2004 Volkswagen GTI Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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geeeeeezloooooouise!!!
sequoia, 02/01/2004
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Damn this car is fun to drive! I'm 6' 2' and I still have plenty of room to manuver inside. The amount of headroom is awesome. The torque suprised me on how responsive it actually is. I've had it for a month and I don't see myself growing tired of driving in the near future. Great on gas milage as well. Trunk space is spacious. Cabin is suprisingly quiet at higher rpm's. Great commuter car. Fun to drive up the cali coast with my lady. peace.
Love it
Lehnman, 02/03/2004
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love everything. It is built very well and flies. I like the smoothness of the manual. It seems like there is always more than enough power. One thing is there is a rattle on the inside and I hate rattles. Back right side.
2004 Volkswagen GTI for sale near you
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- VR6 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $19,0002,116 mi away
D*mn near perfect
godfathr609, 02/23/2004
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best car you can buy for $20,000. Its got performance, quality, a long list of standard features, and a solid grip on the road. Mine is still stock but many plans for this car that will make it an ultimate street racers. With minor modifications you can easily touch horsepower numbers of 250 and with high modifications, easily over 300 hp. The best part is, all those lil civics roll up dont think its got balls, till it eats them up!
Fun car
my1stVW, 02/23/2004
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent car! Unfortunately, I hit an ugly pothole. The hole was so deep that my entire right wheel was destroyed. Took it back to the dealership, they had to order the rim from Germany. It's going to take 2 weeks to see the wheel since they don't have any stateside. Other than that, it's fun little car and I drive it everyday to and from work.
Good value for money!
buachaill_og, 02/25/2004
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a beautiful little car and a lot of fun to drive. It's very responsive and very lively for a four cylinder engine. It has great build quality inside and out. I got it fully loaded with everything and it cost me $21,500. I like German Engineering, you definately are more in tune with the road and automatic is definately a waste of money. Manual is your only man:-)
Tons 'O Fun
V-DUB, 02/28/2004
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just picked up a Reflex Silver/Black Cloth Interior, 17" wheels, Luxury Package, Cold Weather Package--The Lux Package & Cold Weather Package were a bonus as they could not locate a GTI with black cloth and 17" wheels. Wow! What a Car. Handles like a dream. Great on gas. Super cool European Styling. A real value. Fun to drive, distinctive looking. And my transaction with Attatamian VW/ Honda was the best by far on any new car purchase. I have had 5 new car purchases in the last 10 years. Ask for Joe Abernathy--Great guy. He'll get you what you want, at a reasonable price.
Wow -- I want to drive all the time now!
Pasvancouver, 03/04/2004
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is a WOW!!! Talk about power, its got it, and then some! and the Leather and heated seats, add in the Computer Assisted Handling thats normaly on the $$$$ cars.. This GTI rocks!!!!!!!!!!!! -- One thing I couldn't beleive was the insurance was more then my SUV.. but all worth it! :)
Never stranded, but always annoyed!!!!!
IhateEngineLights, 03/14/2004
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I like the car. It is decent for milage and gas and getting me from A to B. I do not like going to the dealer to drop $160 so frequently to get a new Oxygen sensor. What the heck is that all about? Why do I have to see my obnoxious little engine light on **SO** much???????? It is too bad you can return cars, because I would have out of shear frustration.... Too new for these problems!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Drive it. You'll get it.
turboidiot, 05/08/2004
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Volkswagen is right with that one. I test-drove the 1.8T after I took out a Mazda 3 5-door from the same lot... there is no comparison. It feels like you are one with the road, handles great, and there is a lot of power inside. Sometimes, the thought of the drive home is the only thing that gets me through 12 hour days waiting tables!
chris
chris3033, 05/21/2004
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
it is fun and fast and it can be a chick magnet
Damn, it's fast!
VW gal, 05/30/2004
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The whole process of getting the car was a breeze. The dealership was very very friendly, not pushy at all, like the Nissan and Toyota dealerships here in the Pasadena area. Now, back to the car... this little hatchback is fast! I can barely notice the turbo lag. It comes with a lot of standard features: ABS, side and curtain airbags, full spare. The quality is superb. I know you have probably heard about how VWs are unreliable, but they have had all the problems worked out on the 04 models. I've had this car for almost 3 months now, and I am still very much in love with it. Get it, you won't regret it.
Great German Car/Great price
chade, 06/06/2004
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is unbeliveable!! You get all the stuff at a great price. I was looking for luxury performance without the price & Volkswagen did it. Wow what a great car.
So fast
Matt Eberhardt, 06/12/2004
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My new GTI is so fast and smooth and I couln't be happier with it. I will be buying my 3 Golf when this is paid off. Matt
A gem in the rough
GTIbuff, 06/12/2004
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
You won't find a better or more refined ride for the price
Next time, I'm getting the VR6
gti dreamn, 06/20/2004
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've waited 5 years for this GTI. So far it's been great. However, I will say it isn't 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 don't 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, I'm 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.
10 cars in one!
clarkma5, 06/20/2004
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I 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. It's more comfortable, better looking, and more practical, and is also the best drag machine this side of a WRX or Mustang GT! Perfect!
Drive one, you'll get it
spookynuts, 06/25/2004
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best F'in car aside from audi S3 and up.
Blast to drive
Addicted2fit, 06/26/2004
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I own a 2002 VW GTI and love the car. It is so fun to drive. For the money you cannot beat the value. The only complaint I have is some electrical problems from time to time. The dealership has been great about getting them fixed and getting me a loaner to drive while in service. Love the car and recomend it highly to all that ask.
Best value for money.
1.8T advocate, 06/29/2004
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The VW GTI is an amazing deal for the money. I had [i]every[/i] option available, and it topped out at less than $24,000. Performance is great, and the transmission is very easy to use. Its very sporty when shifting, and the automatic mode is smooth as well. The 1.8T is a great engine, and a lot of power is available at a very low rpm. No car at this price can match the performance or equipment of this car. For under $24,000, I got heated leather seats, a manumatic transmission, Monsoon sound system, power everything, including sunroof, and 17 inch wheels. The 1.8T has been very reliable. I highly recommend this car.
Excellent!
Daniel Y, 07/06/2004
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Its a great little car!
good one
driverone, 07/23/2004
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
good one for everything
The most underrated hatchback today.
GrayRayT, 08/06/2004
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i gave it a low rating for performance because the stock suspension completely dulls the handling that this car is capable of. combined w/ the stock all- season Michelins(even on the 17's), the car was a torque-steering boat ride from hell not anywhere near the same league of sharp-shooting zigzaggers like the RSX and FocusSVT, though the 1.8Turbo engine does perform well right out the box. the 5- spd shifter is actually not bad but it could've helped to have it a bit more refined. crisper and shorter throws are 2 things it needs and a 6th gear wouldn't hurt. to make a long story short, this car is capable of so much more than what it offers in stock form.
The best fun car
Jorge Santaella, 08/08/2004
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It is a very comfortable car. Perfect performance, the engine is fantastic. Very powerful and fun. The car has very cool style and is fun to drive. The price is excellent for what you get. It is a lot of a car with a very affordable price. If you want a car with style, power and afordability, this is the one for you. Jorge M . Santaella (Chicago)
great car
phosphoirs, 08/10/2004
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great 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
i give it a tennnnnnnn a tennnnnnnn
johannes356, 08/12/2004
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have now had my gti for over a year and this is one of the most fun cars I have ever driven. Performance upgrades such as a chip and intake will take horsepower to 220 range and torque to 250 and gas milage is still at around 30 mpg. Its incredible. Simple addition of 500 dollars in aftermarkets and WRX's are in my rearview all day long. They never see it coming.
GTI 1.8T
bgreene, 09/02/2004
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My choice of an everyday driver/sportcar. Compared to Japanese cars (celica, civic si) this car actually has a little torque. Very solid and fun to drive.
A fantastic Golf GTI
Arturo Guerra Smith, 11/01/2004
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Is like a Magic Carpet.
Awesome!
TIM, 02/18/2005
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My GTI is still fun to drive! I look forawrd to driving it everyday. it is the most reliable car I have ever owned!
Not what I expected
greg, 03/09/2005
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the car because I knew this car had great potential. However after 600 miles the car had problems starting. As well as a lot of other little electrical gremlins. Took it in and they said it was because I had installed an aftermarket cd player?!?! VW fixed the problem but I am scared to touch the car now. Wish I never bought it. In stock form it just sucks. I have also had problems with it randomly stalling at a red light when I turn on the a/c, a rough idle and window problems. With only 5000 miles on the car I'm looking to get rid of it! I will probably never buy a vw again.
2004 VW GTI 1.8T Review
Jillian, 11/14/2005
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My 2004 Volkswagen GTI broke down twice within the first week of my purchase. I had to have the entire computer system replaced. The interior quality is horrible...all the little pieces seem to be breaking i.e. console clasp, front seat release handle (to get into backseat) and foot vent. The A/C failed on the hottest day in the summer on the NJ parkway in bumper to bumper traffic...cool! I suppose that this is a decent first car for younger drivers.
Great for the money!
Ready to Roll, 12/07/2005
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've invested in an upgrade chip for my Volkswagen GTI. It now has 215 horsepower. There has been a significant improvement in the acceleration. K&N air filter helped too. This car has been all that I've expected. If you want a Porsche then that's what you should buy. This is a bang for the buck automobile! Knock on wood I've had no mechanical problems. I'm 6'2" and I think it could use more leg room though.
Great Little Car
Carl, 12/19/2005
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I 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.
Tall people's little car
veedubbahjoo, 05/03/2006
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I sat in a GTI as a joke while waiting for a sales rep to get back to me. I then test drove it since at 6 ft 8 I didn't fit in the other cars I wanted to test drive. It's roomy for me. It is way fast for its size. It does 0 to 60 in 6.5 secs. All of its amenties are convenient. It is very easy to park. The GTI is well designed and communication with the road is excellent.
Turbo Commuter
driver, 04/05/2007
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
What 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 it's 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, 17's and monsoon, you won't be dissappointed unless you're not really looking for hot hatch.
Not Bad For a Box Car
Here for the Runnin', 06/28/2007
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
First, 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!
My Little Pocket Rocket
Jason, 09/07/2007
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My GTI was already lowered and had larger wheels and other suspension components installed by the previous owner so the ride is bit stiff, but it corners and jumps up from a stop like a champ! I'm totally sold on German engineering. I came from a Mustang background and while this car can't touch a Mustang in a straight line, when it comes to the full sense of drivability and fit and finish, the Mustang with all its plastic pieces and jittery noises can't compete with the GTI. I won't even mention my gas mileage improvement... that goes without saying. An all around great little car and an absolute pleasure to own.
fast and ugly
fubar, 04/07/2008
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has got to be the ugliest car I have ever owned!! However, this little car will pass almost anything on the road. I picked up the car with 7k miles (it now has 60k) and have had no problems, even after having the computer, exhaust and intake re-worked for more power. It loves to be punished! Loads of interior room is a bonus for such a small car. This is my first vw and I must say I'm impressed. Fuel economy is great if you keep your foot out of the turbo, but what fun is that?
Great, fun car!
Dave W., 07/11/2024
2004 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this brand new in July, 2004. For the ensuing 20 years it has been a excellent vehicle, never once stranding me. I do not drive it like a race car, so no pit crew is needed. I've kept it in fresh oil, but have done very little other maintenance. It currently has around 113K miles with the original brakes. I have had them inspected several times over the years. but various mechanics have said there is no need to replace them (I have flushed/filled brake fluid a couple of times). The battery has been replaced a few times, and also tires. Everything still works.The car is a blast to drive. Not the fastest on the road, but handles well. It's quiet and comfortable with plenty of room for two. I'd buy another if VW still sold two door models. Highly recommended!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2004 Volkswagen GTI VR6 - Big Mystery
rainman, 01/10/2005
2004 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback (2.8L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
My 2004 Volkswagen GTI VR6 is a beauty of a car. I have been in love with it since I was a kid. It is very nice to drive and has great acceleration. I commute to work and this car can get you out of trouble if you have to pass someone. I have to say though that Volkswagen's customer service stinks. My Monsoon stereo system went out a month ago and it still hasn't been replaced. Now something is wrong with some other electrical device in my car. Up untill a month ago I was very happy with this car. I paid too much money for it to have these stupid problems.
The Audi of VW's
jessla, 03/19/2004
2004 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback (2.8L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
The AWD R32 is the car VW had to build to give it it's own Audi TT. Smooth, fast, no tire spin, great handleing. What more could you ask for? Maybe a lower price.
VR6
Robbo, 06/30/2004
2004 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback (2.8L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Performance with everyday applications...Very good around vehicle with lots of aftermarket goodies.