Used 2004 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Volkswagen For Life
Last year I bought a Volkswagen Golf for my daughter who was getting ready to go away to college. I wanted her to have a reliable, trusty car to get her there and back when she needed. I'll tell you what, that car has done wonders as far as gas mileage, maintenance, etc... it has such sporty handling and remarkable brakes, I had to get a Volkswagen for myself! So, just this week I went out and bought a brand new Jetta and it is the most pleased I've ever been with a new car. The Volkswagen dealers are so incredibly informative and helpful.
DO NOT BUY ANY VW
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...
I love my Jetta!!!!!
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
awsome acceleration, love the new lights great automatic transmition nice fabric,great radio, perfect.
3rd Jetta for me, after trying others
I am 27 y/o male, 3rd Jetta. Nothing beats German engineering and design I bought 2 Jeep Grand Cherokee's and one Toyota Tundra, but missed the way the german cars, the Jetta, drove. With rising fuel prices, and not wanting to give the Saudi's more oil money, I turned in my 2001 Grand Cherokee for this 2004 Jetta, and don't regret it. It has all the features my Limited GC had, plus a better crash test rating, side and curtain airbags, and it corners so much better through the Holl
Amazing car!!
This car is so awesome. Everything about it except perhaps the gas mileage is amazing. But that's to be expected with a 180 HP Turbo engine! It's so much fun to drive and is very comfortable. Trunk is huge! In fact, they could take away a little trunk space and add it to the rear seats, but other than that, the car is perfect!!!
Great Performance, Badly Built
Rattle, rattle, rattle. Squeak, squeak, squeak. Low quality ICE. Continuous minor mechanical problems. Fun to drive, though.
Excellent Warranty
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.
A Driver's Automobile
I love my Jetta. I only wish i could drive it in an area which would allow me to "open it up" more. I long for 4th gear. The 1.8T exhibits very little lag, compared to my Saab 91 900T. I like the new silver accents around the grill and along the side. It looks a bit more refined and distinct than other Jetta IVs. If you live in a snowy area, get the 15" wheels on the GLS. The sport package (17" wheels, stiffer suspension) is nice in the summer, but useless in the winter. Lots of upgrades available for tuners. Changing your oil yourself voids warranty, and is very difficult, due to a plastic protector plate. Cool Key.
Love The VDUB Jetta
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.
Good Choice
I've had my VW Jetta 1.8T for 2 months. Since I bought it late in the season (June 2004) it had been sitting on the lot for a while. Driver's side door needed to be realigned, shake/shimmey needed to be fixed (said it was the roters - got rusty due to sitting in the lot all year??). Otherwise, I love it's exterior look (navy blue, sleek) and the grey interior. Great acceleration especially on high-way passing. Brakes need to be depressed far but very responsive. Monsoon sound system is great. Sunroof is AWESOME. I'm happy with the purchase....so far!!
Volkswagens are unreliable
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.
Very please so far
After a lot of research and test driving I decided on a 2004 GLI 1.8T. Very pleased I am. This car is a blast to drive, I will admit that the fuel consumption could be better but I can't help but step on it when I get the chance. I would not change much but an armrest would be a nice touch and a little more room in the back. Overall for the money this car is great.
Jetta #6
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.
This Is A Great Car
This car is to be applauded. I spent well under 20K for it and it has many perks. The interior is well-designed, especially the dashboard and sci-fi lighting. It has a stylish exterior and more than enough pep for my needs. I have had the car for 9 months with zero problems. It has been really fun to drive.
Dam Near Perfect
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.
My Betty...
This car is unreal... for a first car out of college this thing kills... Everyone is always checking out the 18" BBS and the Z rated rubber thinking is that thing as fast as it looks... and yeah it can be... just got to keep the turbo spinning. I drove the VR6 model and wondered why anyone would buy that one... the 1.8T has better handleing and does not dive in the switchbacks or under hard braking which can get pretty hard with those HUGE front disks... By the way the 6 speed manual is flawless and most likely bulletproof like most other VW tranies.
Meet the Jettasons!
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.
Jetta fun- but bad front suspension
Love the car's performance - really quick out of the hole (watch that red- line - tach revs-up really quick). Handles nice and I love the sunroof. Moonsoon stereo so-so. Right front suspension clunks on a left turn over a bump. Two weeks and three tries can't find the problem. I want my Jetta back - w/o the clunk !
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
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.
VW 4 dr Jetta GLS Review
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.
Superb GLS 1.8T manual
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.
Turbo-COOL
I did a lot of research on small cars for about 6 months. I test drove quite a few and came to the conclusion that VW Jetta was for me. It sold me- sporty, classy & fast car at such a great price. It is just the car I was looking for to commute around the Ft. Worth & Dallas area. The Stereo system kicks butt!-if you are like (me) MUSIC is a big part of my life. I am a totally satified consumer!
VW owner
This is a fun fun car to drive. The VW Jetta is a great all around car to to drive for the person who would like a loaded great featured car for a bargain price. This car has tons of safety featues that you don't have to pay extra for. They also are a great handling car. VW puts all the metal where it counts for structure rigidity. Unless you are looking to pay for a BMW the VW line offers great products for the money. I have had my Jetta 1.8T for almost ten years and I have not had any real problems with it. They have a great warranty if your worried.
Jetta137
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!
HATE IT
I hate this car it's one of the worst investments I have ever made. I would recommend any one to spend the money and do as I did after problem after problem and buy a Mercedes or BMW
Love the jetta......
Great deal and great car.Love the thing.....
DO NOT BUY
DO not buy this car, they have had several recalled parts and they take NO responsibility if the car breaks even with a bumper to bumper waranty i had the car for 9 months and the transmission broke they made me pay 3000.00 for it then the eslectrical system went out and they covered it but it took 5 weeks to get it finished and do not even try to get a rental car from these people..PLEASE do not make the same mistake i did. once you drive off the dealership VW has no concern for you. I rate this car as horrible. there are several websites dedicated to VW lemons., they are hurting MANY people do not let them betray you...
toms review
Very broard power band, feels like you are driving a small v-8 engine. Handling is excellent,very tight and road noise free interior. VW has thought of everything on this one and built the quality with it. Shifting is velvet smooth and clunk free on the 5 speed the transmission complements the turbo very well. Love the car.
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!
Love My Jetta
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.
Driver Found
Settled on a new '92 Jetta GL because I was young and couldn't afford the insurance on a GLI.I'm twelve years older and VW felt my plight and made the GLI that I always wanted.What a car.Driving is fun again.Love the European styling,classy upgrades,and grin quotient.I feel 21 again.Traded in a '96 Impala SS for it.Enough said.
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.
Great Car!
I bought this care on a lease last August and absolutely love it. It is incredibly fun to drive, the leather and heated seats are great. The standard sunroof is a bonus. I have had no problems with the car. The only bad thing is for a car this size I expected better gas mileage.
Jetta
Best value for the money today. Passat is also a great value
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!!
Do not buy
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.
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.
Go Euro - Forget the Asian cars!!
AWESOME car..not a single complaint..colors available are really sharp, extremely detailed..LOVE IT!
Best in Class
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!!!
Great Value
This new Jetta replaced my old '98 Jetta. The physical difference between the two could not be greater. The level of refinement and power I have in this car compared to its predecessor is amazing. And the sticker price on them were virtually the same! VW made truly amazing strides with this generation.
GR8 RIDE
This is a great car for a tight budget. The speed and performace combined with the leather interior make this a great car. For the price the american cars in this range couldnt even touch this car. I researched many cars before purchasing the jetta, and this is by far the most car for the money.
german is better
I used to drive a japanese car, i thought it couldnt get anybetter, but as soon as i stepped into this thing i was just wowed. All my friends now want to trade in their cars for something german.
overall a nice car, but poor gas mileage
Owned my Jetta for two months now and it's been very reliable. Only things added are EPS and auto transmission. It's comfortable to drive -- I'm small (slightly above 5 feet) but the adjustable seat makes driving the Jetta easy. Slightly better than the Honda I owned before. Cons: 1. turning light doesn't go off very quickly after making the turn. No big deal, just the clicking sound is a bit annoying. 2. Poor gas mileage. The window sticker says 24/30, but I was getting below 20, now typically around 20-22. (I have about 1900 miles on it so it's not a break- in thing.)
poor volkswagen jetta
good car until in accident - i was hurt badly , due to air bags failure to deploy. the car has been in three bad accidents air bags have never deployed
It's so much fun to drive....
I was recently in the market and I looked at Merecedes C Class, Volvo s40 2004.5, Acura TSX, Acura RSX, Mazda RX8, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, and I'll be honest I never thought to look at Volkswagen. But, I'm really happy I did. I love this car. It's so much fun to drive and for the money you can't beat all the options. The interior cabin is well designed and the car just feels solid. I was concerned the 4 Cyl. wasn't going to be enough power, but it has quite some pick up I've been shocked. Long story short... If your in the market please look at them I think it's a great car for the money and so does everyone who see's it.
my dream car
This has always been my dream car and now that I've had it for a little over 3 years i cannot be happier
Turning Heads
The new GLI 1.8T (2004) has got to be one of the most explosive Jettas yet. Everywhere I go, people are oohing and aahing at the sleek (european) styling, that of BMW and Mercedes.Your everyday demeanor flies out of the window as soon as you let out the clutch and the daily stresses seem to have disappeared when shifting into 6th gear. I have found myself early to rise on the weekends, so I can get my car onto the mountain roads of Colorado where the GLI is at home.
Best value in a car ever
I absolutely love my Jetta. I got the base GL with no options and it still has more standard features than any other cars that I looked at. It comes with 6 air bag standard! It also has the CD player, visor shade, folding seats, etc. and I didn't have to pay extra for them. The sales person that helped me was wonderful, and the service department is wonderful too (I haven't had to use it yet, but my friend who owns a passat says its great). I want my entire family to get VW's now, because they are so safe and reliable.