Used 2004 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Reviews
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Junk!
I bought my Jetta 3 years ago. I had it for about 5 months before it started having serious electrical issues. After letting off the accelerator the car will just shut off and all the service lights will start beeping. Also sometimes after turning off the car and opening the door all the cab lights flash as well as the clock on the dash. Sometimes the car won't start at all. I have been taking it to VW dealership service shops and other shops that specialize in foreign cars for two years and no one can tell me what is wrong with it.
I WISH SOMEONE HAD TOLD ME....SOONER
I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR, DAY 2 I EXPERIENCED WINDOW CLAMPS BREAKING THEN 1-2 WEEKS LATER THE RADIO WENT, THEN THE TRANSMISSION, NOT COUNTING THE 3X THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION COILS & THE 2X IN 2 MOS THAT THE BATTERY DIED AND THE OTHER WINDOW CLAMPS BROKE I HAVE HAD THE CAR NOW 2 YEARS, IT HAS BEEN IN FOR SVC 9X. MAKE SURE YOUR BOSS DOESNT MIND U LEAVING WORK EARLY AND COMMING IN WHENEVER U FEEL LIKE IT & MAKE SURE THAT U HAVE ANOTHER CAR AT YOUR READY WHEN THIS ONE DECIDES TO BREAKDOWN.
DO NOT BUY A VW
I purchased a brand new 2004 Jetta, nothing but problems. It only has 7000 miles on it! I now know why you don't see VW on the road found dead, THEY ARE IN THE SHOP!!! They are overpriced for the problems with the reliability one will come across. The Manf. Customer care line is disrespectful and unhelpful. I will never buy a VW again. I am not one of those women who complains about being mistreated by auto dealerships but this company has taken the cake for disrespect against me an educated, witty, smart and blonde woman. I do not call you by names, do not call me "honey!" By this statement alone I knew where I stood .
Crazy VW Desirer
My new Jetta is a grand car. I love it. I really enjoy the smooth ride, and it is seems exceptionally roomy for the front passengers. 1.8T engine is incredible, the build quality is great. I looked at Altima and Civic, but nothing can beet Jetta 1.8T. It gets good mileage, and its cargo area is pretty big.
repeat mechanical problems
I bought this vehicle new, in a year and a half I have had to replace broken motor mounts, 2 sets of rooters, a ring in the exhaust system, brake light sensor, battery and an ignition switch.
jetta wagon tdi
great wagon fun to drive diesel engine has more pick up that gas engine
Great car to own/drive
The TDI wagon has been a great car - few problem, great mileage, comfortable, and it can carry all of the things you need. I installed a tow hitch on mine to drag a GTX 4TEC Sea Doo and it has no problems getting it out of the water. We do get some funny looks as the PWC is almost as big as the car. Our golden retriever has not offered any complaints about riding in it. It performs well for a diesel - no sluggishness from this car. You step on the gas and go!
GARBAGE!
I bought my July of 2006. It ran wonderful in the summer but as soon as winter came around it started dying on me. I started to notice every time the temp outside went under 30 degrees, my car wouldn't run. We took it to the mechanics and had the alternator, battery, plugs & wires all replaced. It still would die. Then we took it in and had the whole wire harness replaced, it seemed to work for a few days then started dying again. We've taken it to the dealership and they cant even figure out what the problem is.
Excellent Wagon for Anyone
Have owned several VW's. Upgraded from a 2003 Golf GL to the Jetta GLS 2.0 4A Wagon. First impressions are great. Tight German factory-built auto with much tighter feel than the Brazillian-built Golf. It is quieter and more comfortable (some due to the GLS vs. GL interior) than a Golf. Road manners are great and the gas mileage is very good for a 4cyl. automatic. Recommend this to anyone as a totally practical automobile. The features and quality justify the price, which can be negotiated to very acceptable levels. The GLS TDI Tiptronic version would be the ultimate in a small wagon.
Awesome Jetta Wagon
I have had my 2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL Wagon for year now, I bought it in September of 2004. It has not had any problems, runs great, looks great, and feels like I just bought yesterday.
VW Jetta GLS 2.0 5 Speed
I love my Jetta. No gripes so far, it's fun to drive, good fuel economy. The only problem is that fluff or dust easily get into the speedometer console and it's hard to get that out.
NOT YOUR AVERAGE JETTA
Driving is fun again. I previously owned an mk2 Jetta GLI with its recaro style seats stiffer suspension, 16" wheels and red pinstripe. This car takes it to another level with its great (and tunable) 1.8t engine, 18" BBS wheels, and 6 speed trannie. The interior and exterior styling are an added plus (red brake calipers-whoa!!). With the sport tuned suspension, i feel like im on rails going around corners (GREAT!!!!). For $22000, this car offers a great platform for a person to add his or her own upgrades. In my opinion it beats out many cars in its category
I love my Jetta
I've had Honda's, Chryslers, Cadillacs and all three of the big three pickup trucks. I have never had a car as fun to drive as this. I commute 90 miles a day and never get tired of driving this car......Not a single problem in the first 9,000 miles
buy one-you'll love it !!
This car handles great and isn't as loud as you think ,especially when you're saving all that gas!This is my second diesel vw jetta-last one was a sedan and they're just great! Not much difference in the parking than the sedan because these 2 cars are only 1 and 1/2 inches in length different!
Great, reliable, useful car!
I have had my Jetta Wagon TDI for 3.5 years now and basically would not trade it for anything out on the market. It was relatively inexpensive to purchase new in 2004, especially compared to other comprable cars on the market at the time, especially comparable WAGONS on the market (subarus and such). I drive it to work every day and have no complaints with 43 avg mpg. I carry my two 50 lb dogs in the cargo area regularly and they have more than enough room to be comfortable. The back seats are lacking in footroom but since it is just me, I have not been too concerned with that. Don't know how well carseats do in it yet either. My husband plans on using it as his commuting vehicle in future.
Make them in Germany please
I own two Jettas: a 2003 sedan, and a 2004 wagon, both GLS 1.8T 5M. The sedan is made in Mexico; the Wagon in Germany. What a difference. I don't know whether it is coincidence, but squeaks and rattles are the norm in the Mexican-built, whereas the German- built is solid as an Audi.
unreliable and overpriced
Except fpr great milage, the car is cramped, especially in the back, very expensive when compared to other makes with gas engine, very expensive to maintain and mechanically unreliable. Had trounle with whell bearing, glow plugs, trunk struts, rear brakes. Oil change and filter are ridiculously expensive. Apholstery is a lint magnet. The saving in gas does not justify the extra costs in breakdown and routine maintenance.
too new
I know it's too soon to rate this car. I only have 1000 miles on it in the first week-and-a-half. I won't give it all the praises of an awesome car. It is a good car. The only reason to purchase this car is for the diesel fuel economy. Back and forth to work (combined driving) for me it gets 48- 50 mpg with the windows and sunroof open. This creates some drag which would affect the mileage. On the highway it gets a solid 60 mpg on the first try at under 200 miles on it. If it continues to do as well as it breaks in I will be pleased. Gobbs of torque, merging and uphill climbs in fifth gear. Not as nice as my Passat, but $5000 less.
Excellent Car
Cool car with many awesome features. Alot of safety features and comfort is great too.
Jetta Wagon 04 1.8T Manual
I love my car and how it performs. Great handling, great mileage, convenient features (rear mirror defrost, seat warmers, seat adjustments). However, little electronics concern me. Power windows, slow rear window defrost, etc. Overall, I am happy with my purchase. Should be a great car to have for ten years.
Nice design but poor quality
I decided on the Jetta 1.8T because it provided a nice list of features for the price, and I thought the 4cyl-turbo engine provided a decent compromise between performance and fuel efficiency. The car has great ergonomics and is comfortable to drive, but I've lost faith in the car's build quality and reliability. I've had the car for 5000 miles. Here are the problems I've encountered so far: 1) A/C did not work out of the box. Broken seal on the compressor had to be replaced. 2) Vacuum line "fell off" the intake manifold. Caused loss of power brakes and engine stalling. Had to be towed. 3) Very poor gas mileage--18mpg (2mpg better than my SUV!). Dealer is investigating...
Total Perfection
I bought the 2004.5 Jetta GLI (my first VW) in April '04 and it is by far the best, most fun to drive vehicle I've ever owned. VW has made a perfect car and I will continue to by VW's from here on out.
Do Not Buy
This is the worst car I have owned. There are continous problems with starting the car. The service department cannot determine the cause. They will do anything not to give you a loaner vehicle.
Excellent!
I think the TDI Jetta is the most inovative practical design in a long time! Really a wonderful car to own and drive.
Solid Ride in a Small Package
We needed a new car for under $19000. Although more expensive than other cars its size - the solid construction and road manners were unmatched for the price. The 1.8 Turbo is a blast providing more that adequate power and is far superior to the standard 2.0 motor. Front seats get an A+ for comfort keeping me very happy for 3 hour runs. Seating in the rear is snug. Highway gas mileage is 27 - 29, only average for the class. Quality of interior and exterior materials seems excellent for class of vehicle.
Worst car ever purchased-dangerous car.
This new 2004 jetta with less than 300 miles failed completely.In the middle of driving-i lost all power -lights- power steering-engine bucked-finally stalled-scared me to death-will seek to give this car back to the dealership tommorrow-Really disappointed in the car-If i was in traffic on a busy highway -it could have been disasterous.
great car
I went from a truck to this car for better milage. The car is solid, fun to drive and loaded from the factory. This was a great feature. The car drives better than I thought it would and better than any other car of it's size I have driven. I would recommend this car to anyone
Love my Diesel Jetta
Well, no matter the fuel costs, $1.59/gal(june04) or $2.09/gal(12/04), I get the advertised 38mpg city, but set at cruise, 65mph Hwy, I get 52 mpg. The overall comfort is very good, but the front seat shoulders should curve in more as being 5'-4" I don't get full effect of seat comfort. Interior controls are very easy to use w/o affecting driving, rear seat leg room cramped a bit, but manageable. I sometimes get "creaking" noise in doors, but I WD40 the hinges and that stops. LOVE the interior control lighting. It's fun to drive all the time. I look forward to driving it. Handles all curves excellent, even at 45 mph.
Just as Great as my BMW 330ci
I love my Jetta, I have a BMW 330ci also, The BMW is no better! I think that the Jetta is the best car!
Gotta get a GLI
Just came off-lease on a 2001 Jetta GLS VR6 and I had to have another. Thought about buying my '01 until I got behind the wheel of the '04 GLI VR6. This car is a beast...love the beefed up 24v engine, 6-spd manual and 17-inch alloys. Like my '01 Jetta, the fit, finish, quality of my '04 GLI are exceptional. VW continues to impress with affordable performance!!
Great Car-LOVE IT!I l
My family of 3 has never been happier with any car ( and we have owned Hondas, Toyotas Fords,etc ). We can always rely on it to get us anywhere we want to go, and in a hurry too.
Happy Dieseler
We've had our 2004 GL TDI auto (Tiptronic) wagon for 4 months and 7K miles. Love it! This car replaces a 2001 GLX VR6, and I don't miss the added power of the V6 that much. The TDI is wonderful--punchy at all speeds, with a great surge of turbo power always available. Gave up some creature comforts in going to the GL, but the seats are still great and the car still has good featutes. Tons of cargo room, and a great ride for long trips. We regularly average 40-42 MPG in mixed driving. A wonderful car! Our 2nd Jetta and we've been happy with both.
Reliable & Extrodinary transportation
Great overall performer. With the five speed and the turbo-diesel engine I can zip up and down the mountains of Colorado and still approach 50 MPG. Comfort, (I am 6'2" tall and have plenty of leg and head room), performance, handling this jetta with the GLS option has it all.
Brief Review
Execellent car. I've modded my car to my liking and it has not cost too much. Also, there are group of people who own VWs that you can meet with in your local area and learn more about your car and how to modify it.
04 Jetta is a piece of junk
This car is a money pit and Volkswagen (both the dealership where the car was purchased or the headquarters) does not stand behind their cars. Ours has a cracked manifold which the mechanic said is due the car being a lemon. He said there is not reason for this to happen on a car with only 60K miles and that has had all maintenance performed since day one. This car has been treated very kindly since day one but still one costly problem after the next and all Volkswagen can say is "sorry". Don't buy this car! Buy a Honda or Toyota instead and save yourself the headaches!
Hot Ride
As a retired law enforcement officer, I find this the most awesome ride I've been in. Its exilerating, solid, fast, and a drivers car. Not many cars are going to catch this one! Its lights are incredible for driving in critter country, the high desert, and so bright in fact I get flashed alot on low settings, no need for additional driving lamps. Catch me if you think you can! It,s great fun to blow by the ringy dingy young Honda, Neon crowd with their so called hot whatevers! Really looking forward to getting it on a track. If your in Oregon, go to Carrera motors in Bend, they are the best to deal with ever. See Mark Pulver.
Awesome
best kar ever... best everything, steering,style, I love the jettas!
no regrets
I went from a volvo s70 to a vw jetta and have no regrets. i wanted a smaller vehicle for lots of driving with the same comfort of a volvo. i saved a lot of money downgrading to a smaller vehicle but didn't lose anything but space. i love it! i feel very safe for such a smaller vehicle.
My Jetta
Overall I enjoy the car, in a market that seems to be geared towards SUV's. The car is fun too drive and performs great. The only thing about the car that I don't like is that it doesn't have a spoiler. But that's just me. It gets excellent gas mileage, and handles well around corners. And even though I just got the 4 it's got some fight in it out of the pocket.
Far-From-Pumping
Just hit 25,000 miles and loving every second with this car. Fun to drive, sips the fuel, and plenty of power to spare. I've added a Thule luggage basket, tinted the windows, and added a trailer hitch. This car looks awesome!
Jetta
Best value for the money today. Passat is also a great value
Love it!!
I bought mine used and 3 yrs old. Its now up to 79,000 and I love it. It feels luxurious inside and affordable. It's definitely a drivers car.
Better Than the Rest...
For the money you can't get a better car. Solid construction. Coming from a Honda, Lexus, Acura and Audi background I can say without reservation the German cars are far superior to the Japanese automobiles. People complain about the pops, squeaks and rattles that accompany the Jetta; my car only makes a small noise from the center console. All cars have interior noises at some point; my mother's Lexus and father's Acura make quite the racket and they're 3 and 4 years old, respectively. This trim level is the most I would spend on a Jetta; the GLS and GLX models are great and all, but when you start spending 23-27K, it's time to start thinking Audi or Passat.
this car rocks
I have never driven a car with more get up and go ever! I feel this car can take me around the world a few times and back, it feels so reliable. The power of this engine is incredible and hard to imagine until you are given whiplash upon entering the freeway. Buyers beware of extreme power when driving this car.
No kidding
Bought my Jetta just before the fuel crunch hit. Had been driving a Ford Diesel Excursion (yuk!) First trip with the Jetta averaged 45mpg 3400 mile round trip (five people and car top carrier). Improving steadily since. One recent "all highway cruise control speed limit inflate the tires to maximum inflation" run I got 54 mpg. No kidding! Comfortable and pleasing to be in - we created a mini SUV by adding a seat and seat belt in the rear. Put a aero ski car top carrier for luggage. When will other SUVer's figure this out?
WORTH A DOUBLE TAKE
VOLKSWAGEN HAS REALLY HIT THE SPOT WITH THIS CAR. I OWN ANOTHER JETTA, BUT THAT ONE CANNOT COMPARE TO THE GLI 1.8T! I WAS HAVING MY CAR SERVICED, AND I COULD NOT HELP BUT TO NOTICE THIS BLUE LAGOON JETTA. I SAID TO MYSELF I HAVE GOTTA BUY THAT CAR; AND I DID! I LOVE THE BLUE LAGOON EXTERIOR, IT IS DIFFERENT, AND THE CAR TURNS HEADS. I MEAN EVERYONE JUST LOOKS, BECAUSE THERE IS NOTHING ELSE ON THE ROAD LIKE. I DO NOT DRIVE FAST, BUT IN THIS CAR YOU CANNOT HELP. WITH THE 1.8T ENGINE, IT JUST ZOOMS PAST PEOPLE WHO ARE DROOLING OVER THE CAR. (
new car a blast!
Having owned a Suv and Subura wagon, its really fun to own a car that really "zips" around .The Jetta is very solid and well made. The Monsoon stereo and the lighted dash make you feel your driving a more expensive car.I added a Thule ski rack and go on many small New England roads with no problems. Great car!
V W Diesel Jetta
This car is so enjoyable to drive and ride in. The comfort is great. I have the turbo diesel and this is truly the best car I have ever had. I am averaging about 45 to 50 mpg. I traded in a Nissan Maxima and the Jetta blows that car off the road. For this car only to have 4 cylinders, there is no problem with the car not having power. I get compliments on it every day.
Review
I bought my Jetta GLS 2.0 automatic two weeks ago. It is a great ride, the leather package is a charm and it gets great gas mileage. I drove from Pensicola Florida to Atlanta Georgia on one tank of gas. Its a great buy.
Just a Terrible Car
Don't be fooled by all the wonderful words out there on the world wide web about the VW TDI or the VW Jetta. I have had nothing but problems with my 2004 VW Jetta TDI Wagon. It has been in the shop at least 6 times for a multitude of problems ranging from a malfunctioning fuel pump/fuel gauge/instrument cluster to defective seats. It has multiple rattles and squeaks that the dealership cannot fix for some reason. Amazingly enough, it doesn't meet criteria for the lemon law, yet.