2004 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf: Road Test
2004 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf ▼
- MSRP: $15,580 - $29,100
- Invoice: $14,593 - $26,490
Explore
Features & Specifications
Related to Volkswagen Jetta/Golf/GTI/Rabbit
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf help you decide if a 2004 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| Golf GLS TDI, man. | Golf GTI VR6 | Jetta GL sdn, man. | Jetta GLS 1.8T wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 4 |
Base 2.0 engine lacks power in 35-55-mph range. Better overall choice is 1.8T; it's lively, despite some turbo-lag delay evident especially with automatic transmission. Test manual-transmission 1.8T Jetta sedan did 7.9 sec 0-60 mph. V6 models feel stronger at midrange speeds than 1.8Ts, and are slightly quicker overall; expect about 7.5 sec 0-60. Turbodiesel a fine cruiser with surprisingly good punch around town, though not much highway passing muscle. Also emits smelly diesel fumes upon cold start-ups. R32 fast, responsive, but test example didn't feel quite as quick as VW's claimed 6.4 sec 0-60 mph.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Golf GLS TDI, man. | Golf GTI VR6 | Jetta GL sdn, man. | Jetta GLS 1.8T wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Averages for manual-transmission test cars: Golf GL, 25 mpg; Jetta GL wagon, 25.8; Jetta 1.8T, 24.7; Golf GTI VR6s, 21.6-23.5; Jetta GLI VR6s, 17.6 in mostly city driving, 26.0 in mainly highway work; R32,18.4. With manual transmission, Golf TDI averaged 41.5 mpg, Jetta TDI 38.5. Test automatic-transmission Jetta GLS 1.8T averaged 26.9 mpg. VW recommends premium-grade fuel for V6 and 1.8T.
RIDE QUALITY
| Golf GLS TDI, man. | Golf GTI VR6 | Jetta GL sdn, man. | Jetta GLS 1.8T wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 4.4 |
Best overall in the subcompact class--with standard suspensions and tires. That setup delivers a great blend of absorbent control. V6 versions are taut but not harsh. Sport suspension in combination with 17-inch wheels and tires makes for stiff going over sharp ridges and deteriorated pavement. With 18-inch tires, GLI 1.8T, R32 feel firmer still.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Golf GLS TDI, man. | Golf GTI VR6 | Jetta GL sdn, man. | Jetta GLS 1.8T wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 5.3 |
All models nimble, feel sporty. V6s handle best, though with more cornering lean than ideal. Sport suspension and 17-inch wheels pay dividends with sharper steering response, terrific smooth-road grip. R32 exhibited tenacious roadholding despite more-than-expected body lean in fast cornering. Available antiskid system a rare, laudable adjunct to safety in this price class. So are standard antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, which provide short, stable emergency stops.
QUIETNESS
| Golf GLS TDI, man. | Golf GTI VR6 | Jetta GL sdn, man. | Jetta GLS 1.8T wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 4 |
One of the more-refined subcompacts. TDIs suffer some diesel clatter at idle and are a bit gruff above 65 mph, and R32 has loud exhaust note, but other engines sound nice and don't intrude much. Jetta sedans isolate wind and tire noise better than wagons or hatchback Golfs, but all suffer more audible road roar with 17- and 18-inch tires.
CONTROLS
| Golf GLS TDI, man. | Golf GTI VR6 | Jetta GL sdn, man. | Jetta GLS 1.8T wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 5.6 |
Mostly clear and well-arranged, though low-mounted audio and climate controls not always easy to adjust while driving. Lighted lock and window switches an unexpected small-car nicety. Sophisticated cabin materials set the class standard.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Golf GLS TDI, man. | Golf GTI VR6 | Jetta GL sdn, man. | Jetta GLS 1.8T wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.1 |
Above-average head, leg room even with sunroof. Firm, supportive seats have easy-to-use height adjusters but tedious backrest recliners; R32's sport seats have prominent bolsters that crowd larger folks, and can interfere with right elbow when shifting. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel helps tailor driving position. Easy outward vision except dead astern in sedans.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Golf GLS TDI, man. | Golf GTI VR6 | Jetta GL sdn, man. | Jetta GLS 1.8T wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3.9 |
OK head room for two 6-footers, but leg room tight unless front seats set well forward. Entry/exit a squeeze on 2 drs, somewhat better on 4 drs.
CARGO ROOM
| Golf GLS TDI, man. | Golf GTI VR6 | Jetta GL sdn, man. | Jetta GLS 1.8T wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 3 | 7 | 3.9 |
Sedan's trunk large for a subcompact. Wagon offers lots of useful cargo room. Golfs are hatchback versatile. All models have split folding rear seats and low load sills.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Golf GLS TDI, man. | Golf GTI VR6 | Jetta GL sdn, man. | Jetta GLS 1.8T wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 5.6 |
These VWs are rather pricey for the class, so they're not quite Best Buys. But availability of the V6, turbodiesel, and linewide antiskid system are unique class assets. Plus, all models are well-equipped, well-built, and satisfying to drive. Resale value is strong, too, despite below-average customer satisfaction ratings for vehicle reliability and dealer service.
Total Score
| Golf GLS TDI, man. | Golf GTI VR6 | Jetta GL sdn, man. | Jetta GLS 1.8T wgn w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61 | 58 | 57 | 61 | 48.4 |
Total Score: 61
Scores for all Compact Cars
Next Step: Get a price quote from your local dealer ►
