Pros :
- Very powerful VR6 engine.
- Sharp upscale interior.
- Lots of options and standard luxury features.
- Standard six-speed manual.
- Decent ride quality even with sport suspension.
Cons :
- Somewhat expensive for a subcompact.
- Manual gearbox not as good as Acura's or BMW's.
- Rear legroom is a little tight for tall people.
- Oddly proportioned styling.
- A VW built in Mexico.
Interior :
Press Coverage :
Standard equipment on all 2004 Volkswagen Jetta models includes power-assist rack-and-pinion steering, four-wheel disc brakes and all-season tires and full-size spare tire. All Jetta models provide the secure traction of front-wheel drive and proven running gear calibrated toward precise handling and a firm, comfortable ride. Independent McPherson struts and a 23-mm stabilizer bar up front and an independent torsion beam axle and a rear 21-mm stabilizer bar on the GLI optimize ride and handling.
Inside, subtle additions to the 2004 Jetta interior include an enhanced instrument panel with new aluminum-plated instrument cluster rings that make the driver display information easier to read. The dashboard surface itself has a finely textured treatment. An eight-speaker Monsoon® Sound System with amplifier is available as part of an option package on Jetta GLI; the Monsoon/Sunroof Package also includes a power tilt-and-slide, tinted-glass sunroof with pinch protection, sunshade and convenience closing using the power driver-door lock. Premium CD/AM-FM radios include newly added backlighting of selector buttons. A dealer-installed, six-disc CD changer mounted in the trunk/cargo area is available as an option.
For strength and durability, the body of the Volkswagen Jetta is fully galvanized and is constructed using high-tech bonding agents, laser welding and self-piercing riveting to produce exceptionally high torsional rigidity - key to its handling dynamics as well as why the Jetta receives the highest government rating, "five-star," in frontal crash tests. Standard-equipment safety features on the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta include front and side airbag supplemental restraints, as well as an advanced side-impact system called Side Curtain Protection™. This supplemental restraint system deploys airbag curtains from the roof liner to cover side windows for added protection of both front- and rear-seat occupants. For safety and handling performance, the Jetta is standard-equipped with four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist on GLI models.
An Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP®) is standard on the Jetta GLI. ESP uses sensors to monitor driver input and vehicle dynamics and works in conjunction with the ABS to automatically aid control when the car is operated near performance limits. ESP is constantly engaged and works to counter over- and under-steer conditions for optimum control during even normal driving conditions. New for 2004 is the available option of OnStar® Telematics. This world-class communications and assistance program enhances safety, security and convenience.
All 2004 Volkswagens come with a standard four-year/50,000-mile (whichever comes first) bumper-to-bumper warranty, covering wear-and-tear items and adjustments during the initial 12 months or 12,000 miles of ownership, whichever occurs first. Additional coverage includes a five-year/60,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, corrosion perforation coverage for 12 years with unlimited mileage for all fully galvanized Volkswagen vehicles, and four years/50,000 miles of 24-hour roadside assistance.
Vw.com
In Europe, Volkswagens have earned a reputation for Mercedes-like build quality and until recently, the same reputation existed in North America. But VW quality has slipped lately, according to sources like Consumer Reports® and the J.D. Power Quality Reports®. We trust this is temporary as the fit and finish of our test car was nothing short of remarkable.
The cable-operated 6-speed manual does its job well but it can't be said to be smooth, particularly when shifting between first and second gears. To keep on top of it, you have to shift this one with authority. Which, I guess, won't really be a problem since this little stud's clearly intended for enthusiasts only.
Huge performance-oriented 288mm x 22mm vented front disc brakes and 232mm x 9mm solid rear discs along with 3-channel ABS haul her down from speed like she's sprouted a drag 'chute.
About.com
The VR6 has been strengthened to 200 hp thanks to a new four-valve cylinder head, and it's mated to a new six-speed manual transmission (a five-speed Tiptronic manumatic is optional). And perhaps just as importantly, this muscled-up version is available in GLI trim, which is both sporty and light on options, and undercuts the GLX model in price. Think of this new Jetta as a four-door version of the sporty GTI hatchback, and you'd be right on the money.
Being light on options means different things in different vehicles. In the case of this GLI, the standard equipment list is still rather lengthy, including 17-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, dual chrome exhaust tips, sport seats, a three-spoke leather steering wheel, and ESP (electronic stabilization program). That's in addition to A/C, keyless entry, anti-lock brakes, power windows, security system, CD player, and other features that are standard on all VWs.
In typical Teutonic tradition, this Jetta is something of a sleeper: the only cues that set it apart from tamer models are the aforementioned 17-inchers, chrome exhaust tip, and subtle badging on the rear trunk lid. What would be the fun if everyone else knew it was fast?
Inside, the sporty buckets are borrowed from the GTI. Tastefully executed and well shaped, these seats do an excellent job of holding the keister in place and keeping it comfortable in the process. The rest of the interior is pure Jetta: superb fit-and-finish with a high-quality feel to the materials, dials, and switches. Small touches, like damping on moving parts such as the glove box and grab handles, make the difference here.
Another high-end touch - both the trunklid and hood are supported by hydraulic struts. You won't find a prop rod or cargo-space-robbing hinges on this machine.
A drive in the GLI proves that there is more to this machine than meets the eye. VW's VR6 engine is known for its smooth, torquey power delivery and that reputation is well deserved. Sliding the lever into first gear reveals a more precise and shorter shift action than with the five-speeds found in other Jettas. The sixth gear isn't overly tall, meaning that the lower five gear ratios are quite close together-a nice feature, but not entirely necessary when mated to such a flexible engine.
Everything about the GLI is firm - the seats, ride, steering, and braking - in a way that is consistent with the intentions of this car. This GLI's beauty definitely runs more than skin deep.
Out on the road, there is no shortage of power from the narrow-angle V-6. Whether the motor is loafing along at 2,200 rpm or spinning at 4,000, tipping into the throttle produces the same fluid power delivery. It's this type of flexibility that no four-cylinder engine I've sampled can match.
Body motions are better controlled than those of the GLI's more softly sprung siblings, and just about the right balance between ride quality and handling for the Jetta. The ride does suffer a bit though: the car's short wheelbase results in abrupt up-and-down motions on bumpy roads.
The compact dimensions of this car also mean that rear seat legroom is at a premium for people of any size, especially if those in the front are long of leg.
Canadiandriver.com
History:
1999-2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6
2,792 cc / 174 hp / 181 lb-ft / 3137-3190 lbs / 0-60 mph 7.7 sec.
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