Used 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
Buying Guide for the Volkswagen Jetta:
When most people think of Volkswagen’s Jetta, they imagine
it in its sedan form. While also offered in a wagon (covered
separately), the sedan is far and away the more popular of
the two.
The sedan comes in more trim levels and has a more compact
driving feel—when compared to wagon. However, both Jetta body
styles adhere to the core values of Volkswagen. In other words,
they are both solidly built, with durable powertrains, plenty
of standard safety equipment and comfortable cabins.
All of these dynamics have combined to make the Jetta America’s
number-one European car. When you consider everything the
Jetta offers, that fact really isn’t that surprising. For
2004, Jettas get a new front grille, while in the rear they
have upgraded taillights.
Under the Hood
There are a total of four engines spread across the lineup
of 2004 front-wheel drive Jetta sedans. Starting things off
is a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder model with 115 horsepower
and 122 lb-ft of torque. This I4 is mated to a 5-speed manual
or a 4-speed automatic transmission.
Second up on the power scale is a 1.9-liter turbodiesel I4
with 100 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. It uses 5-speed
manual or 5-speed automatic transmission with a manual-shift
mode.
Almost at the top but not quite there is the 1.8-liter turbocharged
I4 that cranks out 180 horsepower and 173 lb-ft of torque.
Jetta sedans with this engine (GL 1.8 and GLS 1.8) also receive
standard traction control.
At the top of the pack is a solid V6 engine that really allows
the Jetta GLI sedan to move with impressive power. The 2.8-liter
V6 delivers up to 200 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.
It is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. For stability
and safety, the GLI also receives sport suspension, an antiskid
system and a brake assist feature to compliment the standard
antilock 4-wheel disc brake setup.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The four-door Jetta sedan will sit five passengers without
too much difficulty. All Jettas are in the subcompact class,
which means that there is not a wealth of interior space,
but not a lack of it either.
In 2003, the Jetta lineup had several new features introduced
midway through the model year. They included enhanced windshield
wipers, new backlit buttons for the Premium CD radio and a
new, middle console/cup holder configuration.
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