Used 2004 Volkswagen Jetta for Sale Nationwide
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About 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
Overview
Volkswagens have long been known for their diesel engines, and for 2004, the Jetta wagons and sedans got a more powerful TDI (turbo direct injection) diesel that still achieved around 50 miles per gallon on the freeway. The 1.9-liter diesel, available in the Jetta GL and GLS sedans and wagons, saw its horsepower upped from 90 to 100, giving the diesel-powered Jettas a bit of an extra kick off the line and a bit more help when passing at highway speeds.
The standard engine in the GL and GLS sedans and wagons was a 115-hp, 2.0-liter gas engine. A five-speed manual transmission was standard across the line, with the exception of the high-end GLI packages, which came with a six-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic transmission was optional with the gas-engined Jettas, while a five-speed automatic was optional for Jettas with turbocharged engines.
Standard features for the base Jetta GL package included air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, front and side airbags for the driver and passenger, anti-lock brakes, a tilt/telescoping steering column, an anti-theft alarm system, a keyless entry system, cruise control, and a stereo system with a CD player. Higher-end Jettas added such features as a power sunroof, stability control, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, a power sunroof, and heated front seats.
The Jetta's acceleration, handling, braking, and safety features were cited as positive points by drivers, although some noted that frustrating quality-control issues persisted with the car. The electrical system and automatic transmission were singled out by some drivers as particularly troubling.
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4.8 Overall rating
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Noel S
Reviewed a 2004 Volkswagen Jetta on Sep 29, 2024
I had the Jetta 2004 its great car small but bigger than inside big trunk easy to fix easy to manage I sold mine I should have kept it a great car reliable
Jacob H
Reviewed a 2004 Volkswagen GL 1.8T Sedan FWD on Dec 9, 2009
Balls out car that is fun to drive. The 5 speed manual transmission makes driving an enjoyable experience everytime. Responds great on the road, driven 80k miles on it and still no problems. Did i mention it looks slick too?
RE S
Reviewed a 2004 Volkswagen GLS TDi Sedan FWD on Jan 6, 2013
My friend Amy recently lent me her 2004 biodiesel-powered Jetta for the afternoon. This was the first diesel vehicle I had ever driven, but I had an idea of what to expect—lots of low end torque, a narrow power band, and a loud rumbling engine. I was pleasantly surprised. Volkswagen has done a good job of tuning the engine to keep it more user-friendly for drivers used to gasoline engines. The small turbocharger helps spread out the power band without introducing any lag, and the engine is reasonably quiet and consistent in volume throughout the rev range. I thoroughly enjoyed driving this car. The steering is sharp and the body stays completely level in sharp turns, likely due to the low center of gravity and tight suspension. The engine’s overall power (100 hp, 177 lb-ft of torque) isn’t overwhelming, but the 5-speed manual transmission and wide power band make it easy to accelerate quickly when needed. Exterior styling is one of the Jetta’s low points. The design is an evolution of the “folded paper” look of the original 1979 model. Volkswagen seems to think that slightly rounding the creases is an acceptable way to modernize the Jetta. Unfortunately, it still just looks like a boring metal box. The interior is a stark contrast to the exterior. Soft black plastic with silver accents covers most surfaces. The smooth curves of the dashboard and center console have convinced me that this car was actually designed in the 21st century. It only gets better when the headlights are switched on, as everything is bathed in a mellow orange glow. The best part of owning a diesel vehicle is the fuel economy. You really can’t go wrong with the Jetta’s EPA ratings of 31/40 mpg, which put it on a par with much smaller and weaker gasoline-powered cars. After 3 hours of city driving, the fuel gauge needle hadn’t moved a millimeter. For Amy, the ability to run the Jetta on biodiesel is the major selling point of the car. She doesn’t like to support middle-eastern countries that harbor terrorists by buying their exported oil. “I don’t want to give my money to the terrorists”, she says. That may be the best reason to buy a diesel car today. Independence from foreign oil and zero emissions make it a great choice for a socially conscious driver. I think the Jetta can also appeal to those who just want a reliable car that will save them money at the pump, but the purchase price could be a problem. In the US, Volkswagen has always sold the Jetta TDI at a much higher price point than the gasoline model, and used examples have held their value well due to the high quality. Perhaps once diesels begin to catch on in this country prices will become more reasonable.
Anonymous
Reviewed a 2004 Volkswagen GLS 1.8T Sedan FWD on Jan 30, 2012
I like everything about this car. Most importantly it is safe and it handles great. Versitle, you can drive this car on the daily commute or take her for a joy ride to the coast for some fun. I would recommend this car to anyone.
2004 Volkswagen Jetta Trims
| Trim type | MSRP |
|---|---|
| GLS Sedan FWD | $20,035 |
| GL Sedan FWD | $18,005 |
| GLS TDi Wagon FWD | $22,055 |
| GLS 1.8T Sedan FWD | $21,515 |
| GLS TDi Sedan FWD | $21,055 |
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