2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Reviews, Pricing & Specs
What owners say
"Overall, owners love the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLI for its fun driving experience and impressive performance, especially with its turbocharged engine. They appreciate its solid build quality, handling, and sporty appearance. However, some drivers mention the limited space for passengers and a desire for more power in stock form. Fuel requirements for premium gas also come up as a downside for some."
Performance - The 1.8L Turbocharged engine delivers a very satisfying flood of acceleration, it pulls hard in the power band for all 6 gears. The brakes are ferocious: more than enough to stop the weight of the car and anyone or anything inside. Handling is superb thanks to a beautifully balanced weight distribution, solid suspension, and 18 inch BBS wheels with wide Z rated tires. All you have to do is think about a lane change and the car will respond quickly and smoothly. Build Quality - I bought the car with 85,000 miles and had to replace the water pump and timing belt almost immediately. Since I had done research on the car and knew this was something it would need, it was not an issue. The car now has 91,000 miles and the only rattle comes from the trim around the radio where it meets the center console. My overall impression of the build quality is: EXCELLENT. This car is in better condition than other cars with less than half the miles. I was built to last, and it IS. Appearance - One word: gorgeous. The body kit and big wheels on the Red Badge GLI model I have make the car look agressive and sporty. Volkswagen's wing spoiler on the decklid is sporty without making the car look like a rice-burner. The factory black metallic paint is stunning in direct sunlight. The inside is well-appointed in black with black cloth seats but somewhat monochromatic. Minimal use of cheap plasctic panels combined with brushed aluminum and fabric trim give the inside a quality feel. The best part of the interior is the two factory-installed RECARO racing bucket seats up front. These seats are the best passenger car seats available for lateral support and are infinitely adjustable with lower back lumbar support Cost of Ownership - Insurance is cheap since it's a small 4-door sedan. It only added 3 dollars for six months to my policy coming from the Saturn ION sedan I had there previously. If driven conservatively, the car will average 30-32 mpg highway and 25-27 mpg city. Premium fuel is required due to the turbocharger, but conservative driving will more than offset the increased price for premium fuel. Maintenance is about the same as what you'd pay for any American or Japanese compact sedan. I know, I've owned them all. Fun Factor - I could go on forever in this section but I'll try to summarize. This car blew my mind on the test drive. The balance between sporty driving/handling and ride and noise comfort is better than any other car I have ever driven, or ridden in for that matter. The 6 speed manual shifts smoothly and deliberately, and the clutch is very forgiving. Traction is superb in the dry and wet, and the top speed is eye-watering yet surprisingly comfortable. What else can be expected from German engineering? Autobahn tested, Autobahn approved.
October 19, 2011Although it is front wheel drive, and will oversteer like the world is about to end, this car is fun to drive every day, and has enough power to put a smile on your face. smooth ride and great german engineering make this car a great choice.
February 9, 2008For being a stock car, it has some potential. The acceleration is decent, but because of the turbo it obviously has it's ups and downs. Really there is no problems mechanically. Suspension is tight, as it should be. Interior and exterior is both good for style, but I will have to say it is not made for truly carrying 4 people. usually just two. You can fit 4 but it's not a very comfortable ride for them. Cost of ownership is all dependent on the driver and how much he is willing to spend. Cost of gas is higher for me because I only use premium or equivalent to 91+ Octane. Maintenance is normal probably a little more for me because I clean(wash, and vacuum pretty much every week, and wax once a month) it more than the normal driver. Overall it's a pretty fun car to drive.
August 20, 2009What owners say
Performance - The 1.8L Turbocharged engine delivers a very satisfying flood of acceleration, it pulls hard in the power band for all 6 gears. The brakes are ferocious: more than enough to stop the weight of the car and anyone or anything inside. Handling is superb thanks to a beautifully balanced weight distribution, solid suspension, and 18 inch BBS wheels with wide Z rated tires. All you have to do is think about a lane change and the car will respond quickly and smoothly. Build Quality - I bought the car with 85,000 miles and had to replace the water pump and timing belt almost immediately. Since I had done research on the car and knew this was something it would need, it was not an issue. The car now has 91,000 miles and the only rattle comes from the trim around the radio where it meets the center console. My overall impression of the build quality is: EXCELLENT. This car is in better condition than other cars with less than half the miles. I was built to last, and it IS. Appearance - One word: gorgeous. The body kit and big wheels on the Red Badge GLI model I have make the car look agressive and sporty. Volkswagen's wing spoiler on the decklid is sporty without making the car look like a rice-burner. The factory black metallic paint is stunning in direct sunlight. The inside is well-appointed in black with black cloth seats but somewhat monochromatic. Minimal use of cheap plasctic panels combined with brushed aluminum and fabric trim give the inside a quality feel. The best part of the interior is the two factory-installed RECARO racing bucket seats up front. These seats are the best passenger car seats available for lateral support and are infinitely adjustable with lower back lumbar support Cost of Ownership - Insurance is cheap since it's a small 4-door sedan. It only added 3 dollars for six months to my policy coming from the Saturn ION sedan I had there previously. If driven conservatively, the car will average 30-32 mpg highway and 25-27 mpg city. Premium fuel is required due to the turbocharger, but conservative driving will more than offset the increased price for premium fuel. Maintenance is about the same as what you'd pay for any American or Japanese compact sedan. I know, I've owned them all. Fun Factor - I could go on forever in this section but I'll try to summarize. This car blew my mind on the test drive. The balance between sporty driving/handling and ride and noise comfort is better than any other car I have ever driven, or ridden in for that matter. The 6 speed manual shifts smoothly and deliberately, and the clutch is very forgiving. Traction is superb in the dry and wet, and the top speed is eye-watering yet surprisingly comfortable. What else can be expected from German engineering? Autobahn tested, Autobahn approved.
October 19, 2011Although it is front wheel drive, and will oversteer like the world is about to end, this car is fun to drive every day, and has enough power to put a smile on your face. smooth ride and great german engineering make this car a great choice.
February 9, 2008For being a stock car, it has some potential. The acceleration is decent, but because of the turbo it obviously has it's ups and downs. Really there is no problems mechanically. Suspension is tight, as it should be. Interior and exterior is both good for style, but I will have to say it is not made for truly carrying 4 people. usually just two. You can fit 4 but it's not a very comfortable ride for them. Cost of ownership is all dependent on the driver and how much he is willing to spend. Cost of gas is higher for me because I only use premium or equivalent to 91+ Octane. Maintenance is normal probably a little more for me because I clean(wash, and vacuum pretty much every week, and wax once a month) it more than the normal driver. Overall it's a pretty fun car to drive.
August 20, 2009I'm really diggin this car. The build quality is awesome! out of all my cars over the years This one tops them all. hell it even has 4 doors so I can haul my daughters around in it! Plus with a little more $ (besides what I've put in it so far) it'll be fast and sexier than a majority of the cars on the road.
November 6, 2009i love the 6 speed and body style. i love the recarro seats which are amazing. the turbo is the best but i'd rather throw a porsche turbo in it. blow off valves sounds awesome on it. i love it
October 29, 2009Good handling, crazy brakes, not enough power.
January 8, 2008it is a nice car. it does what it needs to and when you get on it it takes off pretty fast. it is all stock and maxes out around 135. when you pull up to someone they will never expect it to launch how it does!
December 18, 2013It's a solid car & reliable
June 17, 2008that little devil speaks through it's nose with this crazy turbo
March 30, 2008good car, but not much power
April 8, 2008
