Name: 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
Brand: Volkswagen

Volkswagen Jetta

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Owner Reports

Worse Better

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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2004 Compact cars Ratings

2004 Volkswagen Jetta

$2,825 - $4,750

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Chevrolet Aveo

$2,925 - $3,000

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

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2004 Ford Focus

$3,025 - $4,400

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Honda Civic

$3,225 - $5,400

CR MPG:

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Hyundai Accent

$2,850 - $3,025

CR MPG:

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Hyundai Elantra

$3,100 - $3,175

CR MPG:

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Kia Rio

$2,875 - $2,925

CR MPG:

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Kia Spectra

$2,850 - $3,025

CR MPG:

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Lexus IS

$ NA

CR MPG:

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Reliability

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2004 Mazda 3

$3,200 - $3,925

CR MPG:

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Mitsubishi Lancer

$3,025 - $11,475

CR MPG:

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Nissan Sentra

$3,075 - $4,250

CR MPG:

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Subaru Impreza

$3,100 - $10,975

CR MPG:

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Suzuki Forenza

$2,800

CR MPG:

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Toyota Corolla

$4,325 - $4,575

CR MPG:

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2004 Toyota Prius

$4,750

CR MPG:

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See All Compact cars Ratings

Seating

2 front, 3 rear

Drive Wheels

Front

Warranty

Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

wagon

sedan

5-speed Manual
5-speed Automatic
4-speed Automatic
6-speed Manual

1.8-liter 4 turbo (180 hp)
1.9-liter 4 turbodiesel (100 hp)
2-liter 4 (115 hp)
2.8-liter V6 (200 hp)

Model History

2019-

Current Generation

The seventh generation Jetta has easy-to-use controls, great fuel economy, good cabin room, and the availability of upscale features. The 147-hp, 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that's coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission feels a bit sleepy at times, but delivers responsive acceleration upon demand. Fuel economy is excellent at 34 mpg overall, matching VW's diesel offerings from a decade ago. The ride is absorbent but can be too tender over sharp bumps. Handling is competent but a bit dull. The cabin is relatively quiet for a compact sedan. Most versions come with faux leather seats and automatic climate controls, giving the car an air of premium ambience. For 2022 the Jetta gets a 1.5-liter turbo four cylinder engine instead of the 1.4-liter turbo. A new Sport trim line replaces the R-Line. Also, in 2022 AEB with pedestrian detection, and blind spot and rear cross traffic warning became standard equipment.

2011-2018

2011 Redesign Year

The 2011 redesign brought a more spacious rear seat, along with cheaper interior materials and handling that wasn't as crisp. Ultimately the gasoline-powered 2011 Jetta scores too low for us to recommend it. (The car has been improved gradually since then.) The diesel-powered Jetta TDI is a more appealing car; however, it is also one of the VW models called into question for emissions test violations. If you're considering one of these, make sure it passes smog before you buy it. A 37-mpg hybrid debuted in 2013. New for 2016 is a refined and energetic 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that got 32 mpg overall in our testing.

2005-2010

2005 Redesign Year

A beautifully finished and sharp-handling premium small car, the Jetta has long been a jewel. Normally aspirated and turbocharged four-cylinder engines, a gruff five-cylinder, a thrifty turbodiesel, and a six-cylinder powerplant have all been offered. Further, the VW has good safety equipment and its crash-test results are commendable. Before its 2006 redesign, the backseat was particularly cramped, but the car rode beautifully. For 2006, the Jetta grew larger, and the base four-cylinder was replaced by a five-cylinder with more torque, though its character is somewhat gruff. The turbodiesel wagon we tested with a manual transmission averaged an impressive 36 mpg.

1999-2004

1999 Redesign Year

A 1999 redesign improved an already capable car and gave the Jetta new styling. This latest version offers a host of well-designed interior touches but also a tighter rear seat. A wagon model was added for 2001. Four, turbo-Four, turbodiesel, and V6 engines are available. The Jetta is a practical, relatively inexpensive car with a responsive 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a supple ride, and a comfortable interior. The sporty GLX packs a powerful V6, but even the plainer GL and GLS versions offer excellent handling and responsive steering.

Volkswagen Jetta

2004 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

Crash and Rollover Tests

Crash and Rollover Tests

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

Owner Reports

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash and Rollover Tests

2004 Compact cars Ratings