Used 2004 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Reviews
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VW 4 dr Jetta GLS Review
jstich, 06/25/2006
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I hear occasional creaking from the door and under the dash area when driving (mostly when making fast turns or going over bumps). This is my only problem with the car, aside from its seemingly lower gas mileage for a car of its size. I was told at a VW dealership that the body was re- enforced by 50% on the new body style, so that is definitely something to consider.
Jetta137
Jetta137, 02/04/2007
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my fifth VW Jetta. This car is the best one that I have ever had. I have never had a problem with it. The Jetta GLI is nice but not reliable. It also doesn't have heated seats, armrest, and more stuff. The GLS has got EVERYTHING. It's a luxury car. The GLS is better for transportation. Right now my Jetta has 74,500 miles. It is a great car and fun to drive. You will love the GLS TURBO. What a great car!
Meet the Jettasons!
Sean Go, 02/24/2007
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Man, I recently purchased an '04 Jetta Turbo and it is a blast to drive! I had an SUV and am loving the gas mileage of this awesome car. The manual tranny is a must....what fun! The Jetta holds the road quite well and when you need power, it's there baby! I have and will continue to be impressed with this little German (but made in Mexico) firecracker. The back seats that fold down are terrific! It's a nice car.
Great Car!
Helen, 02/26/2007
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
As the owner of a pre-turbo 1986 VW diesel I was certain of the car I wanted. I found it online, bought it and test drove it on the way home. The two big tests came when I approached the 45 mph S turns and the long, steep hill I travel frequently. My older diesel struggled to crest the hill at 50 mph after down shifting. The TDI sailed through the S turns at 65 mph and easily maintained 65 up the hill in 5th gear using cruise control. The power, handling through curves, and smooth transmission have made driving a fun experience. VW also seems to have improved the interior plastic parts problems. I hope I can get 18 trouble free years from the TDI just as I did from the '86.
I still love my Jetta :)
sistert, 05/03/2007
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a follow-up from the initial review I wrote on July 12, 2004 when my Jetta was almost brand new. I have not had any problems with my Jetta thus far. (I've driven about 26,000 miles.) The gas mileage is fantastic for long road trips on the interstate where you can drive a steady 65-75 mph. I most often drive my car short distances with a stop sign every block and the gas mileage is very low.
40 mpg city and 59 highway!
Steve, 06/28/2007
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This 2004 GLS TDI VW Wagon is my fourth VW diesel. VW/Audi has really improved the diesel engine in this car and the fuel mileage is 8 mpg more than my 2002 GLS TDI VW wagon.
Best Car!!!
MDJettaOwner, 11/21/2007
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just traded in my 2004 Jetta GLS TDI. This was a great car. I have no complaints. I just wish the interior was a little more upgraded. I am sad to see her go.
Good car, lots of little problems
Justin, 12/12/2007
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Based on the criteria above, I gave the Jetta 1.8T a good review. Overall, this is a very nice looking and fun car to drive. There are, however, a lot of little things that frustrate me. The check engine light comes on a lot. I read the code, and it's a problem with the coolant temp sensor. Not a big deal, but still. The interior rattles a TON. Pretty disappointing for a car of this caliber (read price). The gas mileage is okay. 25-26 mixed, 28-29 hwy. Now in winter it's 23mpg. Cost of maintenance is high. The ride is pretty stiff. On smooth roads is like butter. On anything less than smooth, you feel every bump (and hear it via the interior rattles). Not as worry free as I would like.
my dream car
04JETTA, 05/09/2008
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has always been my dream car and now that I've had it for a little over 3 years i cannot be happier
Low miles, higher maintenance
eckert16, 05/11/2008
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Drove it cross country a week after purchase. Noticed excessive wind noise from front door seals. Dealership at destination changed seals, but no improvement in wind noise reduction. Less than 10K miles, and engine rotation sensor broke, again at 13k, again at 18k. Repeated issue till 22k. AC never was NEVER cool as is should be, charged AC, still not cold. AC expansion valve went bad and replaced it at 23k. AC still not cold as it should be. 24k the main AC coolant fan had to be replaced. AC still not cold Both front shocks collapsed at 24k, and needed replacing. Alternator pulley froze up at 24.5k and needed replacing. 25.5k and the engine temperature sensor went bad. It needed replacing.
Great cars for people who can work on them
Justin.R, 10/18/2020
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If you like to do your own maintenance this car is really a breeze to own, I do my own timing belts and I love this car I have had three mk4’s and I just bought another the parts are available if you look, there’s so many people who specialize in these cars, you need to make friends with someone like that and your set for life with on limited parts as there is literally thousands of cars out there and there’s more and more low mileage Alcaeus entering the scrapyards everyday, I doubt in my lifetime I will ever have a hard time getting parts for these
GOOD CAR
VWdriver, 07/29/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've had the car for about a month, im at 1200 miles. So far no technical problems. Car looks great inside and out, many standard features. Love driving it,handles great. Its my first stick shift and car as well, i actually had to learn how to drive manual before buying the car.If you get bored with it, there are many modifications that u can get on this car, check ebay. Overall good car, i would definitely buy VW again.
Get a good one!
Mike P, 05/30/2006
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have owned a Jetta for 3 years, first I owned a 2003 Wolfsburg Edition Jetta. I recently upgraded to a 2004 Jetta GLI 1.8T and loved them both. The old one was a nice car and very reliable, but the new one is unbelievable. I recommend you don't waste your money on a cheap Volkswagen and make sure to get one that is high quality.
thumbs up for the 2004 vw jetta
apropos104, 12/23/2003
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
i am on my second jetta and have been pleased...i will continue to buy vw cars because my parents and i had nothing but good luck with them (they have a 2001 passat).
Costly
John, 11/21/2008
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 4 people found this review helpful
I purchased the car with 13,000 miles. In March 05' At the 50,000 guess what changed the water pump,temp gauge and did the timing belt. Very costly. April 08'at 75,000 miles the check engine light came on. The dealership found 2 faulty spark plug wires and the coils were gone.October 08' at 80,000 miles another timing belt, the water pump wasn't working and had two leaks. November 18, 2008 the EPC light came on. The dealership found 3 codes that could of triggered the EPC. The dealership reset the codes cost $97.00. Now November 19, 2008 the EPC light came back on!. Since I had the car this list is totals about $2,500.00 My wife has a 02' passat same problems. Her EPC light at 85,000 miles.
Definitely a VW Fan
BOSTON_VW, 10/13/2008
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
After almost 3 years of owning this car, i can honestly say it's had a few issues, including water pump replacement, standard transmission syncros replaced, clutch replaced as well due to leaking transmission after synchro repair (dunno if that counts due to dealership not wear and tear), exhaust hangers quit after 1 year and a few bulbs and small issues like rim caps etc. Nothing major except for what was listed and that was all warranty work. Drives great, never fails to fire up and go.. great little cars overall. Love the stereo, sunroof and other features it came with. 1.8 T motor is great. just enough push to play, not enough fuel sucking to make it a gas pig. Overall, very balanced.
This Car SUCKS
myjettasucks, 01/08/2009
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for only 9 months and I am already getting rid of it. Jetta's may look cool, but reliability sucks. Since having it I have put nearly $7,000 in repairs. It will run great for a couple of months and then I will have a major problems (i.e. clutch, MAF sensor, ignition coils, MAF again, O2 sensors (yes plural), alternator, and master cylinder to name a few. Displeased doesn't even begin to describe how I feel about this car. I am trading it and sticking with a Toyota or Honda.
Some issues, but I still love my Jetta!
Michele, 01/05/2008
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my Jetta brand new and have not looked back since! It's been the best car I've ever owned. There's nothing quite like quality german engineering! I have had some small issues though, the seat heaters had a recall, brake light switch had a recall, check engine light came on in the first 12,000 miles due to a faulty sensor, but overall I am very please. Most recently I had to take the car in for a broken link on the sway bar which was covered under warranty. Despite these issues I still love my Jetta!
Jetta is Great! 70K miles and counting!
Frank, 08/17/2009
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Jetta seems to be a love/hate car. It looks to me like a lot of people that had the 1.8T models had serious issues. Couldn't be happier with the 2.0 L GLS model. Only complaint is the water pump issue that VW has yet to recall. Common issue: the water pump fins melt off and cause head gasket failure. If you look around, this happens to everyone. Other than that, very few issues in 5 years. Great car for the money and fun to drive!
Fun Car, Good Price, Some Flaws
William, 05/12/2005
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Jetta GLI is a very attractive car with a number of very unique features unavailable to most cars in the same price range - the recaro seats, sound system, 6-speed transmission and interior detailing are all a cut above what you would expect, but do tack on a couple thousand to a comparable GLS's purchase price. The car drives very well, has a very responsive transmission, tight and well balanced brakes and a very typically German feel in tight high-speed turning maneuvers. That said, our car required three trips to the dealership for loud, high-pitched squealing in the rear brakes and the front ground effects are extremely fragile. A thread tear in the recaro seating had to be fixed too.
Another great VW
Psalman, 11/15/2003
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I test drove 40, yes 40 cars before coming to the conclusion that the Jetta, though pricier than the competition, is in a class all of its own. It has comprable power to the fastest of the competition, but provides a level of class than no other can match.
I Love my Jetta
Daisy, 05/26/2005
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Once I laid eyes on this babe I knew I had to get one. I originally wanted the Platinum Grey one but settled for the Blue Lagoon. It's fun to drive and the cupholders actually don't cover the CD player this time!
Fun Car. BUT, in shop every 3 months!
Jason-AZ, 02/14/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
The car is fun to drive. But, there are so many problems with the emission system the car has to be taken to the dealer about every 3 months to be fixed. Sometimes the car is out of comission for several days while parts are being ordered. This car is not reliable.
my jetta
oscar2056, 02/14/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Its an ok car i like it i wish it were cheeper to keep up and and didnt have as many problems
My Jetta
Nicole's Jetta, 04/10/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love my Jetta! It is so fun to drive and so comfortable! I always feel safe in it and its an overall wonderful car! I recommend jettas to everyone!
My first Car
laham, 06/22/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
My dad bought me this car as my first one. It is better than any other car we have at home. I love it so much with its cool dark blue color. I love the fact that evem the base GL model had more stnadrd features than the Honda Civic EX which is the top of the line model that we were going to buy.
don't buy this car
no farfegnugen here, 07/01/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
in the shop 4 times w/in 1st 6 mo for transmission problem, rough shifting - it's an automatic. svc dept unwilling or unable to resolve problems. poor customer svc. had my car 5 days & i had to call THEM each day to find out if it was ready. on road trip, couldn't get car out of park & EPC light on, had to call 4 dealers before one would fit us in. latch on center arm rest storage broke, gas cap cord broke. cup holders in bad location in front of air vents & over control panel. condensate drips all over radio & a/c controls.
A++++++++++
lilbikerchick, 07/12/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I actually own a 2003 TDI but I had to rave about it. Volkwagon is so reliable and I can drive from college station tx to gulfport, ms get this...on one tank of gas! This car is a little small on the outside but it makes up for it everywhere else.
i love this car
jettaluver, 07/21/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
the jetta is great to drive. i think it's very reliable. it's standard stereo system is phenomenal. i don't regret buying this car at all.
2004 VW Jetta GL 1.8T
tkusterb, 08/07/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've only had my Jetta for five months and totally love everything about it. Great driving experience. I like the power, the ride, the feel. I look for excuses to go driving, even with gas prices high!
Great little car
thomas6, 08/12/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This my first VW very impress with built quality similar to a BMW. The car handle great with lots of power and comforts. My only complaint was the service by the dealership. T he last time I took my car for service to replace my cup holder. I ask them to fill up the fuel tank, but instead filling it up diesel fuel the technician fill it with gasoline. Therefore the stopped in the middle of the street as soon as I drove it off the dealership.
READ THIS & WEEP FOR VW
XvwOWNER, 09/06/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my second Turbo Diesel, 5spd Manual. There's not enough room here to list my gripes about this poorly built car. I've learned to hold parts of the dash while driving. From the first 14 miles, I notice SMOKE. Then, the cruise failed, with such a rough idle, you can't run the AC while idling at traffic lights. Oh no, what's that, an engine light? Come on VW... quit torturing your customers. Signed, a future X-VW owner.
Gotta love this car
wamble29, 09/24/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I just bought my jetta about 1 month ago and I am a VW customer for life. The ride is awesome and it is so comfortable. I got the sport package and 1.8T engine and they are perfect together. Moonroof is a must and the spoiler completes the package. If you want a safe car with a decent price get this.
JockinJetta
JockinMyJetta, 10/03/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I absolutley LOVE this car! Before this, i was driving a Ford f250 and it was just too big and very poor on gas and now i have this cute, little car that gets grrrrreat gas mileage and the interior, exterior, just everything is wonder ful about this car! muah i love it!
YEAHA! Jetta
rae, 10/24/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
this car is awsome, i used to own a accord, but traded up to a jetta, it was well worth it