Author : James Raia
Matched against the best-selling subcompact models offered by Ford,
Honda and Toyota, the Jetta is Volkswagen's best-selling line.Combined with the nearly identical Golf, more than 40 models of the
vehicle are offered, including several 20th anniversary special editions.I drove the 1.8-liter, 180-horsepower, turbo-charged 4-cylinder GTI
anniversary edition for my weekly test. It included nearly every standard
feature and option imaginable and was true to form to its intended
audience.Drivers seeking a zippy little machine get exactly that. From its bright
"Tomato Red" exterior and black-and-gray interior, the Jetta is more
sports car than subcompact and it couldn't be more conspicuous
scooting around town or on the open road.The vehicle featured 18-inch alloy wheels and with its lowered sport
suspension, the car has a unique feel. While not particular quick, it's
nonetheless fund to to drive.The steering and handling is tight and responsive. The six-speed
manual transmission is smooth and provides a driver who likes driving
plenty of action. In short, the vehicle feels like it accelerates faster than it
does.A power glass sunroof with a tilt slide, air-conditioning (with pollen, dust
and odor filter), AM/FM cassette and in-dash CD player, cruise control
and power/heatable outside mirrors are among the more than a dozen
standard features.The brushed-metal console and instrumentation panel are attractive and
well-positioned if nondescript. More manufacturers are seemingly using
and a combined blue-red instrumentation lights and the color
coordination work well in the Jetta. Cargo space is adequate as its
quietness rating is average.The Jetta does have limitations. Front-seat leg room are prohibitive,
even when the seats are positioned to the most extreme setting. And, of
course, with the front seats adjusted accordingly, rear-seat passengers
have even less room than the limited space when the front seats are in a
neutral position.Likewise, the front and rear-seat head room is adequate, but certainly
not a selling point. Equally restrictive are the front seats. While the cloth
material is quality, the seats are snug and rigid and feel more like
cockpits than comfort zones.Another problem is the Jetta's lowered sport suspension. Since the
vehicle also has an extended lower front grill, advancing over speed
bumps or driveway bumps - even a very low speeds - can be
problematic.Unlike other manufacturers with expensively priced options, my Jetta
was offered for a base price of 23,800. The only additional charges were
the Electronic Stabilization Program (swerve reduction) for $280 and
destination charges of $575. That pushed the price to a non-economical
$24,655.2004 Volkswagen Jetta GTISafety features -- Driver and front passenger front and side
airbags and front and read head restraint airbags.Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- 21 mpg (city), 29 mpg (highway).Warranty -- Bumper to bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles;
Powertrain, 5 years/60,000 miles; Corrosion, 12 years/unlimited miles;
Roadside assistance, 4 years/50,000 miles; Free scheduled
maintenance, 1 year/12,000 miles.Base price -- $23,800.00.James Raia is a syndicated journalist in Sacramento, California, who
writes about sports, fitness, travel and lifestyle topics as well as the car
review colum, The Weekly Driver.To read more car reviews, visit: The Weekly Driver
Keyword : Volkswagen Jetta, Volkswagen GTI, 2004 Volkswagen Jetta, Car Review
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