EDMUNDS.COM 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
The Jetta is no longer priced like an economy car; yet its powerful engine lineup, near ideal balance between ride and handling and premium cabin materials make it one of our top recommendations to small car buyers.
Pros
Powerful 1.8T and VR6 engines, fuel-efficient TDI power plant, fun to drive, comfortable ride, rich interior materials, loads of standard safety features, solid build quality.
Cons
More expensive than most small sedans and wagons, tight rear-seat legroom, weak base four-cylinder.
What''s New for 2004
For 2004, all Jetta models get an updated look, optional telematics and a new and more powerful 1.9-liter TDI engine (GL and GLS models only). The 2.0-liter engine is now PZEV-rated, and the GLX trim is no longer available. Also note that you can no longer get the 1.8T engine in GL trim. Besides that, the GLI sedan sports new 17-inch alloy wheels and the Cold Weather Package items (heated seats and washer nozzles) as standard, while the GLS features a standard Monsoon stereo. The wagons get a revised instrument cluster late in the model year, and the sedans get new metallic trim rings around the gauges.
Overview
Introduction:
The Jetta, Volkswagen''s sedan and wagon versions of the Golf, has always been one of our favorites. Like many cars conceived in Germany, the Jetta possesses an uncanny ability to keep the driver in touch with every undulation and irregularity on the road without sacrificing comfort. VW''s small car can no longer be grouped with economy cars like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla in terms of price, but it hasn''t lost any of its appeal with U.S. buyers, thanks to a long list of standard features at every trim level and stylish, comfortable cabins replete with high-quality materials and the company''s signature blue and red nighttime illumination.Although the Jetta is now in its sixth year, Volkswagen has kept its top seller fresh with continual upgrades -- the introduction of the marvelous 1.8T engine for 2000; the arrival of a wagon version, not to mention a sport suspension option for 2001; and the recent power upgrades for both the 1.8T and VR6 engines, as well as the return of the GLI sedan for enthusiast-type drivers who crave six-cylinder power. This year, a more powerful 1.9-liter TDI power plant is available on select trim levels and promises to offer all the economic pluses of a diesel along with comparable power and refinement to VW''s gasoline engines.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Jetta sedan is offered in GL, GLS and GLI versions, while the wagon comes only in GL and GLS trims. Standard features on GL models include a height-adjustable driver seat; telescoping steering wheel; power windows, mirrors and locks; cruise control; a CD player; a full-size spare tire; and, for 1.8T-equipped cars only, traction control. Options include stability control (ESP), heated seats, a Monsoon sound system and a dealer-installed CD changer. The next step up is the GLS, which adds a center armrest, Monsoon sound system as standard, a sunroof and alloy wheels. All GL options are available on the GLS, along with a leather interior. GLS 1.8T models can be fitted with a sport package (firmer suspension, 17-inch wheels), and GLS 1.8T wagons are eligible for a premium package with power seats, automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and rain-sensing wipers. Finally, the sporty GLI sedan has all the GLS content, except the sunroof (now optional), and adds 17-inch wheels, a sport suspension, ESP and heated sport seats.
Powertrains and Performance:
GL buyers have their choice of a 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder engine that makes 115 hp, or a revised 1.9-liter turbocharged direct injection (TDI) diesel four that makes 100 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. GLS buyers can go with either of the above engines or a delightful 180-hp, turbocharged, 1.8-liter four-cylinder (called 1.8T). All three engines provide ample power for easy around-town acceleration and are available with a five-speed manual, or one of two automatic transmissions -- the base four and TDI get a four-speed auto, while the 1.8T has a five-speed unit. Acceleration with the base 2.0-liter is sluggish and gas mileage is only average, but the torquey TDI is a serious fuel miser and ideal for commuters. The 1.8T makes any Jetta a rousing good time, while delivering mileage about equal to the 2.0-liter (24/31 manual, 22/29 automatic). Meanwhile, the performance-oriented GLI sedan comes with either a 200-hp, 2.8-liter VR6 or the 1.8T with 180 hp, and a standard six-speed manual transmission.
Safety:
Four-wheel antilock disc brakes, side airbags for front occupants and full-length head curtain airbags are standard across the line; stability control is either standard or optional, depending on the model. The Jetta earned five stars in government frontal impact crash tests; the sedan earned four stars in side-impact testing. The IIHS rated the car "Acceptable" (second highest) after conducting its offset frontal impact crash test.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Each Jetta''s cabin is filled with high-quality materials and assembled with care. The front seats are roomy, but the rear bench, though nicely contoured, is tight on legroom. The wagon has 34 cubic feet of capacity with the rear seats up and 51.9 cubes when they''re folded.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Out on the road, the Jetta manages to provide both comfortable ride quality and agile handling. If the regular suspension is too soft for your taste, try the optional sport suspension or the enthusiast-oriented GLI model.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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