2004 Volkswagen GTI Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
Done regular service and still running with original engine (heads/values); transmission and clutch - only replaced water pumps; serpentine belts, brake pads and air filters. Utterly, the most reliable car we've owned - with a big plus on the entertainment side - good and comfortable driver.
VS
Critical Review
I've had this car for about 10 years and in just about every one of those years, something goes wrong with it. It's my understanding that the first 2 years of the MK IV models are especially problematic, although most VW cars are anyway. Admittedly, I may have been stuck with a lemon; I've sunk more than the car's current value in misc. repairs over the years and am just about to head to the shop yet again. I love the way the car drives and handles, and it's just new enough to offer all the convenience features one would want. The build is solid (unlike the MK V models, which feel flimsy), the engine is torquey and somewhat quick and it's fun to drive, but the constant problems are a major downer. The only real complaint I have about the interior is that the seat gets uncomfortable on long trips. Problems are never anything major; the drivetrain is fine-it's generally what's tacked onto it: the water pump, power steering pump, clutch, etc. It also has random electrical gremlins, ie the engine light comes on, then goes off just as mysteriously. Sometimes opening the door or turning the dome light on causes a "boot lid open" warning to appear on the LCD dash readout. I don't mind normal maintenance, but when a car is this prone to problems, it basically makes me never want to buy another VW again, and I likely won't.
2004 GTI Reviews
Showing 8 of 275 reviews.
bang for your buck sports car
parts availability-12317 Branford St.
Got this car for two weeks now.....i enjoy driving it. passed smog and check engine light came but fixed it knock sensor replacement. Aircon is strong and cold. changed wheels at front . now its in excellent condition. newly changed engine & transmission oil - synthetic blend - cool awesome car.
Fun car to drive.
None
Excellent condition, VR6, 5sp, leather, sunroof, 17” wheels and new all season tires.
read my post
read my post
ok now all.... this car is one lil fast car... i can hit the gas at 80mph and pass most v-8 cars... and at stop lights most time pull off faster... a real gas pedal car... lol... please to all be responsible when doing so...!!!!!!!! please!!!! now i drive this one out of state driving.. rides nice and i dont feel trapped inside of it and the seats are just as needed for my long drives and gas is gooood!! i do have to fix stuff just like any other cars out there... i love mine but dont like to fix it lolol good car if your a proper person!!!
Reliable/good-value if maintained properly
90% of 15+ year old cars: not maintained properly
Original owner and only driver of a 2004 GTI VR6. The key to keeping this car on the road is simple -- always do all recommended maintenance when it's recommended and always use OEM or better than factory parts that perform like OEM. Do not add "performance" parts -- most are junk! Don't be cheap. Always put the recommended high octane gasoline in the tank. Always do oil changes on time and use the factory recommended 5W 40 synthetic oil. Routinely change all of your filters: oil, air, cabin air, fuel, etc. Replace belts, hoses, spark plugs, plastic cooling system components. Clean the fuel rail. Lube door hinges. Refresh the suspension with factory components or components better than factory, but perform like factory -- not performance parts. Above all, don't let others driver your car. Let's be 100% honest. If you're considering buying a 2004 Volkswagen, now that it's well over 15 years old, I suggest you pass. If prior owners have not cared for the car the way I described (this is the case with most owners trying to sell this car), you do not want to inherit problems they created. If any "performance" parts were added, run away quickly. Considering the age of the car, within the next few years, the only ones still on the road will be those cared for in the way described above.
super reliable, fun to drive, comfy , lot of space
electrical issues , expensive for a small car
I live in Maryland which we have 4 seasons to deal with every year. Bought my Emola Yellow GTI 20th anniversary brand new on 2003 with 7 miles right out of the dealership's door. Its limited edition 100% German made. This car is awesome to drive as my daily and very reliable as you can see after 17 yrs of driving i still have this car up and running with just regular maintenance and some parts that was expected to brake and replaced. Still have my original clutch that shifts with no slides for 17 yrs. Sometimes its a little sticky but GTI's have these on most of em. The original paint from 2003 still looks great and shiny with no signs defects overtime. Even my remote car key battery still intact and working never replaced and its already 2020. The only complain i have is the electronic part of the car which is the tail lights / brake lights which i had blown maybe less than 10 times over 17 yrs. Very cheap fix for $5 DIY own replacement. Am planning to get an R32 VW 2008 for this year 2020 and will retire my 20th Anniversary to one of my closest friends who wanted it...Its so hard to let it go coz its been a part of my life for 17 yrs and still is fun to drive.
great price,value,drive
Somewhat expensive for repairs
great car.
must see! great price and fun to drive
18 inch Premium Alloy wheels with 225/40ZR 18 tires Comes with additional set of 4 alloy wheels with tires mounted for winter time use.
very good
