Used 2004 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Should have completed more research!
Sneel, 01/01/2010
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very disappointed in this purchase. Thought that it would be more reliable. Someone warned us that a Jetta was like a Christmas tree--- always a light on and we should have listened! From Day 1, we had problems. The brakes and roters never were quite right, the armrest broke, center piece of wheel came off never to be found again, transmission problems, trunk problems, remote on the keychain only worked when it wanted to, .....you name it! Definitely went with American made for our next purchase!
The overachieving underdog
dmw26, 01/30/2005
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm sold to VW. Had an '01 Altima that I liked a lot, but nothing compares to the build and handling quality of the Jetta. Everything about the car is solid. Precision, quality, performance, and safety. If that's what you want in a car, you've found it. No problems in the 18-inch snowstorm of '05- with the stability control and awesome heated seats. I love its understated yet highly refined look. The two exhaust tips give the 1.8T a distinctively smart look- sportier than the 2.0L, but still very elegant and classy. The 5-speed manual is a blast, I kept pace with a Mustang GT on the I95 for 200 miles, without any struggles- you'll be taken aback by its performance. It's a real sports car.
Jetta 1.8 T
joejetta04, 02/26/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Solidly built with attention to detail. This car is a lot of fun to drive, and you are seated in a first class cabin. The interior is of Audi quality and comfort. Safety features such as 6 airbags, and traction control are standard. If you are shopping for a small sedan, take this one for a test drive.
Sporty, Stylish and Affordable
chlin, 03/06/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Before buying this 2004 Jetta, I had test-driven many (several hrs to days w/ each): Corolla, Optima, Altima, RAV4, Protege 5. Jetta beats them all for its superb handling & stability. The turbo is much more responsive than the 2.0L. Speed goes up steadily yet surprising fast even at low RPMs. Agile - how I'd describe the feel when making a harsh turn or stop. The auto. shift might feel slow to some. Built-in spoiler wins accolades from friends. Speaking of looks, you don't get any from Japanese cars unless you pay extra $ for a Lexus. But Jetta is a nice little car (in fact, roomier than many would think) with everything I could ask for.
DA GREATEST
LANA DAY, 10/20/2003
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I LOVE THIS CAR..ITS THE GREATEST AND MOST RELIABLE CAR IN THE WORLD!
Great Car
Pizza797, 03/10/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I went from an SUV to this and was pleasently surprised in usuable space. The ride is great! Engine moves this little guy in and around corners in a breeze.....WOW....
As Good As It Gets
Andrew420, 03/13/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For starters, the dealership was clean, modern and full of beautiful cars to choose from. The Jetta was more in my price range, so I decided to go for it. My budget was keeping me in the upper end of the compact car range, so I stretched a little and went for the GLS 1.8T model, sport package with cold weather options.
Just got my Jetta
piggy, 01/28/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is really sporty and fun to drive. Lots of room in the trunk. Great sounding stereo. The car sold itself and I have had no complaints. Comfortable, functional, fun.
Money vacuum
shelbyc2, 06/21/2012
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had this car for three years, it had 200,000 miles on it. I like this car but it was in the shop at least every three months for some small things that cost a ton. Heated seats didnt work. Bad headlights. The only good thing about this car is defrosters. The MPG was 21 at best. When it wasnt in the shop it was an reliable car (key word when it wasn't in the shop). Personaly I would not buy this car I have heard that this car is a mechanics best friend because its there all the time. I got to know my mechanic very well because I was there all the time. I got a loan for $5000 when I bought this car I put that much if not more in it to fix the dumb thing. As soon as I paid it off we sold it
GARBAGE!
xtr3medriver, 03/07/2009
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Junk!
kady, 05/28/2010
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Nice, but underpowered
Joe, 04/20/2005
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this Jetta as a second vehicle, it is a 5-speed which I like, but the 2.0 engine is severly underpowered for this 3,000 lb. car. It takes a lot to get this car moving. Also, the first time it rained, I had a puddle in the back seat, apparantly they had installed the molding on the window incorectly. I would buy another Jetta, but i would have to opt for the 1.8T engine, or the VR6.
I love it!
rachelandrascal, 03/18/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has numerous standard features (for fun and safety). Take one for a test drive . . . it will sell itself. I got a baseline Jetta (only "options were spoiler and automatic transmission); but compared with other manufacturers I was considering (Honda, especially) Jetta standard features are considered "optional" by most others.
Just bought one
Winnie, 01/29/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm very surprised on how much stuff that comes as standard package on Jetta GL 2.0L automatic. The only options I added were the ESP and automatic transmission. I think 2.0L engine is good enough for everyday use. It handles smoothly in city traffic, hills, and freeway. No need the turbo unless you like street racing and have extra money to spend on gasoline. I only put the comfort on 9 because I just bought it a week ago. I think the suspension is still a little stiff.
Sweeeet...
jaw540i, 04/19/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLI VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just graduated college, so I wanted the best bang for my buck without killin myself. All my research (which is what I do for a living!) lead to the GLI. You cannot buy a quicker, meaner car with so much luxury for less that $30,000. Mine was $27,000, completely loaded (spoiler and changer too) which compares nice to $37,000 for a comparable BMW 330i. All power and performance numbers are under reported as I can get 0-60 in 6.9sec vs the reported 7.9sec!
Make them in Germany please
JFM, 03/22/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
My Jetta is Betta
Spagirl, 11/09/2003
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle is awesome! I have the 1.8 Turbo and it definitly has a lot of Pep! The interior is vey comfortable and it lights up neon blue & red at night..pretty cool..:) The color is a new one this year (2004) Platinum Charcoal Gray..which is very classy looking. I would recommend this car to anyone..:)
Worst car ever purchased-dangerous car.
joconsecur, 03/28/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
greatest car ever
CocoMonkey, 04/04/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had two Fords and a Nissan before I bought my Jetta Wolfsburg. They don't even come close. This is one of the best cars ever built. Build quality, performance, you name it, it's got it all.
Great Car!
stevo, 02/06/2006
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL is a fun car that is good on gas. It has an excellent interior design and provides lots of features for the price. It has tons of saftey features for the family at no extra cost.
Better Than the Rest...
mjmorty, 01/07/2005
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
DO NOT BUY ANY VW
Another Unhappy , 02/28/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had nothing but problems with this car. Performance problems, it drives very rough, a host of rattles, driver seat that makes a popping noise, stearing wheel sqweeks. To make matters worse, the vehical has been in the shop six times in less than a year of ownership. The customer service by two VW dealers and VW of America corporate has been very poor. The cars value has depreciated over $10,000 in less than a year. The list goes on...
Can't Stop Redlining!
JT, 08/09/2006
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had the car for a year. I have had only one problem, the front rotors were replaced (wrapped). Thats it. I have had no electrical problems at all. I do have ratles in the doors though. This car is fun to drive and really holds on the turns. Also, this car's ECU can be reprogrammed to increase the HP. So if your looking for more HP for cheap.. it can be done. Doing this completly changes the car. It's still a beautiful car even today.
I love my Jetta!!!!!
Shaah, 02/28/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my car. I have been pleased with every purchase made through VW. I will always love my car!
greatest car my son went nuts over
Shadi, 10/11/2003
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
awsome acceleration, love the new lights great automatic transmition nice fabric,great radio, perfect.
Excellent Warranty
jmkeat0, 03/09/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my car on a Saturday, and it has been in the shop since the following Monday. The fuel gauge stopped working, and the dealership is trying to figure out why. For the brief period of time that I drove my new car, it was excellent. I'm anxiously awaiting her return.
I love my Jetta
KCrabtree, 04/18/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I too researched the new cars and I was sold when I drove the Jetta. I love it more and more each time I drive it. My husband was impressed with the interior, since he is a large man, he fits in it nicely.
Still having more problems
Justin S, 06/16/2008
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is an update from my review from 6 months ago. Well, I fixed the problem with the last check engine light and things were good for a few months. Then, my temperature gauge started working sporadically, sometimes not at all. Finally after a month of this the car threw a check engine light. I had the codes (plural) read, and I am now having a problem with the exhaust (probably 02 sensor), and the cooling system (probably thermostat). I bought the car with 38k miles on it, and I'm now up to 53k miles. Problems so far: airbag replaced, 3 check engine lights, temp gauge not working, exterior "chrome" trim falling off, less than 16k miles put on. Needless to say, I'm getting rid of it soon!!
Love My Jetta
noneya, 08/14/2008
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my third Volkswagon Jetta and my first turbo. The Jetta is fun to drive with great performance and humph when you jump on the gas. I have been tracking MPG for the last 30k miles most of which is city miles commuting 55 miles round trip each day and I am averaging about 28 MPG. Some of the interior components are a little loose and rattle slightly sometimes. However, the leather interior is comfortable for the short trips or the long drives. Recommended the Jetta to my brother-in- law and he loves it as well. You will not find another car with the features, horsepower, and style without spending 10-15k more.
Lemonade
andrew, 06/28/2010
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love to drive the car. But you got to be kidding me with all the repairs. Bought with 60ish thousand miles. Added a custom intake, and sway bar for some fun in the corners. New wheels and tires. Somewhere in 70k the transmission went out. I just passed 118k and the transmission went out again. Replaced leaking radiator, head gaskets, cam adjuster seals, tail lights going out randomly and often (sometimes every couple days). That's just off the top of the head. All i can say is buy the warranty. Mine's paid for itself 3 times at least.
AWESOME
Bogdana, 04/10/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Im a lifelong VW owner. The wolfsburg edition 2003 1.8l turbo 4 door reflex silver is my latest. i LOVE it!!!
Volkswagens are unreliable
Vinny C., 03/09/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had nothing but trouble with my Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T. By far the worst car I have ever had in reliability, and the people that work at University Volkswagen in Albuquerque are very rude and not into helping at all. I would advise never to buy a Volkswagen.
Jetta #6
Steve, 03/31/2005
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just traded in my '02 Jetta for an '04 leftover...first with 1.8T 5-speed. What a difference in performance! Having seen the new design that came out last week, I decided that I wanted another of the current design, which is far superior in looks. While Jettas have had some reliability issues, there is no car on the market that offers so much for so little and is so fun to drive. If you are in the market for a car and can find an '04 leftover turbo, grab it...it was the last year for this engine.
Dam Near Perfect
justdaman, 03/15/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car, second Jetta and it keeps getting better. Turbo lag sucks, but I could get over it with more turbo boost. I'm sure we'll get it in the future. Affortable sporty sedan, without the price of BMW 3 series.
Love The VDUB Jetta
SBall0825, 04/13/2009
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Haven t had this car too long but long enough to grow so accustomed to it... I have a friend whose a VW enthusiast and he told me how fun the little 1.8t is. Man was he right. Its a quick car with all the luxuries you'll ever need. Near flawless interior and of course the exterior is gorgeous.. Beautiful all around. I'm loving this car.
I love my Jetta
Lish, 03/18/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
It's awsome
Anthony Alcantrara , 11/06/2003
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this one of the best car i ever had
Superb GLS 1.8T manual
Paul Moscarella, 03/21/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Closing in on year one of a three year lease. Car has performed flawlessly especially in a rather nasty NYC winter. Purchased the 17" rims & sport suspension & ALL the safety features. Excellent acceleration w/minimal turbo lag. Smooth shift linkage. Could use a little more rear passenger room and the gas mileage is so-so for a 4 banger. Good road manners & excellent handling though a rear sway-bar would help with some understeering during fast acceleration.
Just as Great as my BMW 330ci
Traintraxboy, 04/03/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLI VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Jetta, I have a BMW 330ci also, The BMW is no better! I think that the Jetta is the best car!
DISAPPOINTED IN VW
# 1 Queen, 04/20/2009
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Where to begin... tail lights flicker on/off and then go completely out on numerous occasion. Plastic fins in water pump rot away, causing car to overheat while driving. Clicking noise coming from dash by hazard lights button. Extremely stiff suspension. Door ajar light on/doors trunk closed, interior light switch doesn't work properly. Trunk/gas release fell into door, sunroof switch doesnt work correctly. Piece of junk- had a 94 Golf and 98 Passat, loved them- hate this!
Hot Ride
Jerryplace, 04/05/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Sporty, reliable and quality
Ernie Vazquez, 04/21/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had this car for over a year, and The only problems I had were with the headlights (like most of VW). The handling is great, as well as the stability. Is strong builded, and gives you a sense of firmness. I Preffer this car over a Sentra I had, and a Infinity G20t my Father has, and an Audi A4 my girlfriend has.
Jetta
Ricardo Z, 04/10/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best value for the money today. Passat is also a great value
Do not buy
sjay, 07/14/2010
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I used to drive a 1997 VW Jetta that I never had a single problem with besides the usual belts and things. Then I got my 04 Jetta, was so excited. THIS CAR IS HORRIBLE. When it works, it was a dream. Quick, good on gas mileage and great looking. Four dealerships and nobody could figure out what was wrong with my car. A new fuse block, crank something, or fuel pump, and I traded this beast and bought a Mazda. The worst thing is the lily trained service techs and VW's utter disregard for customer satisfaction.
It's great, but...
Mikeyg, 04/10/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Two days after I picked up my Jetta, the battery light was on. I took her in, and was told the alternator was already bad... Four days after that my fuel gauge was screwing up, so I took her on in once more. This time I was told the fuel sender was bad, that was replaced. Currently the low gas light is broken. I haven't gotten around to getting that checked out yet. I love the car and all, but really didn't expect this outta a VW. Owned a 2003 Beetle also, and LOVED it!
Go Euro - Forget the Asian cars!!
Justin413, 04/10/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
AWESOME car..not a single complaint..colors available are really sharp, extremely detailed..LOVE IT!
Love it!!
vdubluva, 06/05/2008
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Marvelous Machine
yorams, 11/26/2003
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is a dream!!!! It's a 1.8 Turbo with 5 speed Tiptronic tranny. The 1.8 Turbo feels like a V-6. The only options I got were leather seats and ESP (Electronic Stabilization Program)
fun to drive
michael gunter, 04/10/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
it is a pleasure to drive and it is great on gas
Best in Class
VW FAN, 04/10/2004
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
One gets all the bang for the buck more than any other sporty sedan $25,000 and under. Just about everything is standard (ABS,traction control,AC,security system,power doors,locks,windows and trunk) Options selected:turbo,tiptronic transmission,ESP,heated leather seats. Turbo 1.8 mated with tiptronic is a blast to drive. Paint and interior are flawless. VW has outdone itself with this model!!!