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Used 2004 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
385 reviews

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Pick something else, not VW

Time to change, 02/09/2010
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

I'm 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 driver's 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. It's 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.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Excellent car for what it is

darksim905, 03/24/2014
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful

I've owned this car for a solid 10 years & have had minimal issues. After 10 years, every car will start falling apart & showing it's issues. That being said my ''major'' issues that I have had are below. The car runs great if you take care of it & maintain it. I'm not sure what everyone else does with their vehicle, but I love my Jetta & will buy another as a project car once I manage to run this into the ground. 110k miles & going strong.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Long Term Happiness

tdiguy3, 08/17/2013
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
12 of 14 people found this review helpful

I bought this car new in 2004. In the 9.5 years I have owned this car it has bean, overall, fantastic. I have kept up regular service. The major problems I have had are: a sensor, front wheel bearing, rear wheel bearing, the heater blower motor, and a the heater resistors...replaced a few times. The heater repairs I did myself so cost was just the parts. Considering I have had this car this long and have almost 260k on it, this is small potatoes. Overall this has been the most reliable car I have owned. It was not built in Mexico but rather came out of the Wolfsburg plant and that is why, in my opinion it has been such a great car. I have had no engine or tranny probs at all.

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4 out of 5 stars

Pretty good

2004 Jetta, 09/05/2019
updated 01/19/2023
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Bought at 125k, immediately had to replace the catalytic converter and exhaust system. After that, car did well for its age, minus a few minor annoyances. Check engine light was on and off constantly for no rhyme or reason and it went through a quart of oil every 1000-1500 miles, meaning a lot of checking. Glovebox latch broke but was an easy fix. MPG was 28 at best but usually around 22-24 so not very efficient for a car of its size. Nonetheless, I liked it, probably not ideal for someone who drives a ton but for me it was fine.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great small car

Pawita, 07/30/2009
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

This car is a pleasure to drive! I never have had such a fun experience driving this vehicle, it's great for long trips and grocery store visits. This is durable and reliable, its reponds quickly and effectively

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